I think the singular they is not appropriate in this case, where the referent is a specific person of unknown (to the writer) gender, namely Alicorn, instead of an indeterminate person. From Wikipedia:
Some grammar and usage guides have accepted singular uses of they, in cases limited to references to an indeterminate person.[48] For example, A person might find themself in a fix is considered standard English, but not Dr. Brown might find themself in a fix.
Like some others here, I also find ‘ey’ annoying and distracting, so the fix I would prefer in this case is ‘he or she’. Does anyone consider that annoying or ungrammatical?
The singular they has a long and illustrious history. I know I’ve said it four or five times in the recent comments, but that’s what I’d recommend.
Really? I use ‘they’ quire frequenly but feel bad every time. I’ll stop feeling bad now. Thanks. ;)
Glad to be of service!
I think the singular they is not appropriate in this case, where the referent is a specific person of unknown (to the writer) gender, namely Alicorn, instead of an indeterminate person. From Wikipedia:
Like some others here, I also find ‘ey’ annoying and distracting, so the fix I would prefer in this case is ‘he or she’. Does anyone consider that annoying or ungrammatical?