Referring to third person with 'their'

[SkiIucK]

Hello,

Is the reference to 'student' correct and natural in the following sentence? If not, what should it be then? Maybe 'his/her'?

'Not only does it help the student financially, but it also hones their skills, improves their point of view, and instills a sense of responsibility into the student.'

Best regards

P.S.: Since the sentence was written by me, please correct any present mistakes. Thanks!

[Yankee]

Hi SkiIuck

"Their" is commonly used that way, and many respected authors have used it that way, too.

However, in formal writing (and also when talking to Prezbucky on this forum ;) ), it would be better to avoid using "their" as a third person singular.

Here is some further information for you:
http://www.bartleby.com/61/22/T0162200.html
.
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