2. Gender

  • Masculine: men, boys and male animals (pronoun he/they).

  • Feminine: women, girls and female animals (pronoun she/they).

  • Neuter: inanimate things, animals whose sex we do not know and sometimes babies whose sex we do not know (pronoun it/they).

  • Exceptions: ships and other vehicles when regarded with affection or respect are considered feminine. Countries when referred to by name are also normally considered feminine.

    The ship struck an iceberg, which tore a huge hole in her side.

    Scotland lost many of her bravest men in two great rebellions.