neutromplural

Neutromplural is a proposed grammatical category described in linguistic theory and some constructed-language communities. The term combines neutral or gender-neutral aims with a plural marking function, and it is used to refer to systems that encode plurality without reference to gender. In discussions, neutromplural can denote either a dedicated neutral plural pronoun set or a neutral plural morphology that applies to nouns, adjectives, determiners, and verbs, depending on the language description.

Concept and goals

The central idea of neutromplural is to provide a consistent way to refer to groups or referents without signaling gender, including mixed-gender or unknown-gender compositions. Proponents argue that a neutromplural option can reduce gender bias in pronouns and agreement, simplify cross-gender reference, and complement existing gender-neutral strategies. Realizations of neutromplural vary: some proposals imagine a separate neutral plural pronoun or set of agreement markers, while others describe a parallel neutral plural morphology that coexists with gendered forms.

Typology and realization

Neutromplural can be realized in multiple ways, depending on the language:

- A neutral plural pronoun system that replaces gendered pronouns for plural referents.

- Neutral plural markers on nouns and adjectives, with verbs agreeing in neutral plurality.

- Optional or context-dependent use, where speakers may choose neutromplural forms in mixed or unknown-gender contexts.

Relation to other concepts

Neutromplural intersects with broader discussions of gender-neutral language, inclusive language, and nonbinary pronouns. It is distinguished from general efforts to use gender-inclusive terms by emphasizing a dedicated plural neutral marking, rather than only choosing gender-neutral substitutes.

Reception and status

As a theoretical construct, neutromplural remains debated and is not universally adopted. Critics point to potential complexity, lack of empirical consensus, and the need for clear sociolinguistic justification. Supporters view it as a useful framework for modeling neutrality in plural reference and for exploring alternative grammatical architectures.

See also

Gender-neutral language, nonbinary pronouns, grammatical number, language typology.