student asking question

Just like the ships, is it common to call a land a female? If so, can you tell me why?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

This is a great question! Referring to geographical (like islands or nature) and political entities (such as countries), along with sailing vessels, it was somewhat common in the past to refer to them with feminine terms (her, she). It's not so commonplace now, and neutral pronouns like "it" or "its" are more preferred. However, natural elements are sometimes still referred to as "her" or "she," and this is related to the conception of "Mother Nature." Overall, it's still preferable to use neutral terms like "it" and "its." Ex: The island is famous for its lush foliage and abundant wildlife. Ex: The country holds an esteemed reputation for its industrial achievements.

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