When "they" works well:
* Plural nouns: When referring to multiple places or things, "they" is perfectly acceptable.
* Example: "The mountains are beautiful. They are covered in snow."
* Singular nouns with no specific gender: "They" can be used as a gender-neutral singular pronoun.
* Example: "The store is closed. They will reopen tomorrow."
* Note: This usage is becoming more common but still not universally accepted. Some people prefer "it" in these situations.
When "they" might be awkward:
* Singular nouns with a specific gender: If you are talking about a person or place with a clear gender, using "they" can be confusing.
* Example: "The house is for sale. It has a lovely garden."
* When clarity is important: In formal writing or situations where precision is crucial, using "it" for singular nouns is often preferred.
Alternatives to "they":
* "It" is the standard pronoun for singular inanimate objects and places.
* "This," "that," "these," "those" can be used to refer to specific places or things, depending on the context.
* Descriptive phrases can help avoid using a pronoun entirely.
Example:
Instead of: "The library is closed. They will reopen next week."
You could say: "The library is closed. It will reopen next week."
Or: "The library will reopen next week."
Conclusion:
Using "they" to refer to places and things is becoming more common, but it's important to consider the context and the potential for confusion. In most cases, using "it" or descriptive phrases will ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.