indefiniteneutral

Indefiniteneutral is a linguistic label applied in some grammar traditions to describe forms whose reference is indefinite and whose grammatical shape is not marked for gender. In languages with gendered pronoun or noun systems, indefiniteneutral forms are used for non-specific referents or generic statements, without aligning to masculine, feminine, or neuter categories.

The category can apply to pronouns, determiners, or other nominal forms, depending on the language and its morphosyntax. In practice, an indefiniteneutral form is intended to be neutral with respect to gender and to signal indefiniteness about the referent. In descriptions of English usage, singular they is sometimes discussed in terms of gender neutrality and indefiniteness, illustrating how a form can function as indeterminate and non-gender-marked in reference. In other languages, indefiniteneutral equivalents may rely on neuter forms, non-gendered pronouns, or generic constructions that avoid gender specification.

The concept is used mainly in descriptive and comparative linguistics, where grammars seek to map how different languages encode indefiniteness and gender. It intersects with discussions of pronoun systems, the scope of gender neutrality in language, and efforts to develop inclusive language. Critics note that terminology can vary across linguistic traditions, and some scholars prefer alternative labels such as gender-neutral or singular-indefinite references for clarity in specific languages.

See also: grammar, pronouns, indefinite reference, gender neutrality, grammatical gender, pronoun reform.