English Grammar: Noun Gender

1. Classification

2. The Priority Rule (For Common Gender)

Examples:

• The doctor treats his patients well. (Generic sense)
• Every student must bring his bag.
• The guest forgot his keys.

Note: If the noun refers to a specific female, use “She”. (e.g., “I met a doctor, she was very kind.”)

3. Male/Female vs. Man/Woman

This is the most confusing part. We must distinguish between “Who they are” vs “Who it is for”.

Rule A: Job / Profession (Physical Identity)

When defining the gender of the person doing the job, use Male / Female.

Rule B: “Who is it for?” (Target/Purpose)

When a noun is used to describe an object or a place meant for a specific gender, use Man / Woman (or Possessive: Men’s/Women’s).

WRONG (Adjective Error)	RIGHT (Purpose Noun)	Reason
Female Shoes	Women’s Shoes / Ladies’ Shoes	Shoes do not have a gender. They are for women.
Male Dress	Men’s Dress	Dress is for men.
Female Accessories	Women’s Accessories	Items for women.
Woman Doctor	Woman Doctor (Context Specific)	Note: “Woman Doctor” usually implies a doctor for women (Gynecologist), whereas “Female Doctor” implies the doctor is a woman.

4. Respectful Addressal

• Gentleman / Lady: Used to show respect or social standing.

✅ Lady Doctor	Accepted usage for respect (instead of Female Doctor).
✅ Lady Inspector	Accepted usage.
❌ Gentle Lady	Superfluous! “Lady” already implies “Gentlewoman”. Don’t use both.

5. Personification (Nature’s Gender)

When non-living things are treated as living beings, gender is assigned based on their qualities.