Knowing the differences between masculine and feminine forms in English can help you communicate better and make your writing clearer. In this article, the concept of gendered nouns and pronouns in English grammar will be explored, which often gets overlooked in a gender-neutral language. Through these distinctions, you’ll not only elevate your writing but also gain a deeper appreciation.

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Defining Masculine and Feminine Gender:

Masculine gender refers to nouns and pronouns typically associated with male beings or have a masculine grammatical form.

Example: Boy, He, Grandfather

Feminine gender refers to nouns and pronouns typically associated with female beings or have a feminine grammatical form.

Example: Girl, Women, Sister

These genders don’t always correspond to biological sex and often apply to objects as well. These definitions can vary by culture and time and are increasingly understood as flexible and not fixed to biological sex.

Examples of Masculine and Feminine Gender:

Here’s a list of some examples of masculine and feminine in English. These are grouped in pairs for clarity.

Masculine	Feminine	Masculine	Feminine
Actor	Actress	Boy Scout	Girl Guide
Prince	Princess	King	Queen
Father	Mother	Hero	Heroine
Nephew	Niece	Emperor	Empress
Husband	Wife	Duke	Duchess
Tiger	Tigress	Sultan	Sultana
Lion	Lioness	Businessman	Businesswoman
Host	Hostess	Congressman	Congresswoman
Salesman	Saleswoman	Actor	Actress
Steward	Stewardess	Mayor	Mayoress
Shepherd	Shepherdess	Count	Countess
Czar	Czarina	Host	Hostess
Patron	Patroness	Proprietor	Proprietress
Jew	Jewess	Benefactor	Benefactress
Manservant	Maidservant	Nephew	Niece
Emperor	Empress	Beau	Belle
Father-in-law	Mother-in-law	Bachelor	Spinster
Son-in-law	Daughter-in-law	Male	Female
Brother-in-law	Sister-in-law	Grandfather	Grandmother
Cavalier	Damsel	Stepbrother	Stepsister
Lord	Lady	Godson	Goddaughter
Fisherman	Fisherwoman	Policeman	Policewoman
Chairman	Chairwoman	Gander	Goose
Fireman	Firewoman	Mayor	Mayoress
Duke	Duchess	Gentleman	Gentlewoman
Count	Countess	Lord	Lady
Baron	Baroness	Stallion	Mare
Master	Mistress	Actor	Actress
Proprietor	Proprietress	Buck	Doe
Poet	Poetess	Bull	Heifer
Host	Hostess	Dog	Bitch
Ram	Ewe	Monk	Nun
Drake	Duck	Priest	Priestess
Boar	Sow	Bachelor	Bachelorette
Drone	Bee	Sultan	Sultana
Prince	Princess	Signore	Signora
Bridegroom	Bride	Drake	Duck
Poet	Poetess	Gander	Goose
Actor	Actress	Boar	Sow
Mr.	Mrs.	Waiter	Waitress
Master	Mistress	King	Queen
Landlord	Landlady	Monk	Nun
Son	Daughter	Wizard	Witch
Bull	Cow	Wizard	Witch
Dog	Bitch	Uncle	Aunt
Rooster	Hen	Heir	Heiress
Stallion	Mare	Horse	Mare
Monk	Nun	Ram	Ewe
Gentleman	Lady	Fox	Vixen

Common Gender-Neutral Terms:

Here are common gender-neutral terms that can be used instead of gendered ones, grouped by category:

1. People / Titles

Actor/Actress Actor
Waiter/Waitress Server
Steward/Stewardess Flight attendant
Policeman/Policewoman Police officer
Fireman/Firewoman Firefighter
Chairman/Chairwoman Chairperson / Chair
Businessman/Businesswoman Businessperson
Salesman/Saleswoman Salesperson
Congressman/Congresswoman Legislator / Representative
Mankind Humanity / Humankind
Manpower Workforce / Staff
Landlord/Landlady Property owner / Manager

2. Family / Relationships

Father/Mother Parent
Son/Daughter Child
Brother/Sister Sibling
Husband/Wife Spouse
Boyfriend/Girlfriend Partner / Significant other
Uncle/Aunt Pibling (informal), Parent’s sibling
Nephew/Niece Nibling (informal)
Father-in-law/Mother-in-law Parent-in-law
Godfather/Godmother Godparent

3. General Terms

Man Person / Individual
Gentleman/Lady Guest / Patron / Person
Hero/Heroine Hero (neutral usage now)
King/Queen (contextual) Ruler / Monarch
Lord/Lady Noble / Titleholder

These alternatives promote inclusive language and can be helpful in both formal and casual settings.

The Role of Masculine and Feminine Gender in Language:

Gender affects language in many ways, not just through pronouns or titles. It influences how we see and interact with each other in society. Language can show and support gender expectations, which can affect how people view authority and skills. Studies have shown that when women use assertive language, they may be perceived as aggressive, while men using the same language are often seen as confident.

Also, using gender-inclusive language is important for creating fair conversations. By accepting these changes, we acknowledge the fluidity of gender and the importance of language in shaping social reality.

Basic rules for writing Masculine and Feminine Gender:

Here’s a basic list of rules and guidelines for gender-inclusive writing, often called gender-sensitive writing:

1. Use Gender-Neutral Terms

Avoid: policeman, chairman, fireman

Use: police officer, chairperson/chair, firefighter

2. Avoid Assuming Gender

Avoid: Each student must bring his own lunch.

Use: Each student must bring their own lunch.

3. Use “They” as a Singular Pronoun

Acceptable in modern usage for unknown or nonbinary gender.

Example: Someone left their phone on the table.

4. Address All Genders Equally

When referring to groups, use inclusive language.

Avoid: Ladies and gentlemen (unless formal context)

Use: Everyone, all attendees, guests

5. Avoid Gender Stereotypes

Don’t assign roles, traits, or expectations based on gender.

Avoid: Women are more emotional; men are strong.

Use: Use individual-specific descriptions when needed.