Question

When writing about a company in a paper, do I refer to the company as "they" or "it"?

Answer 1

I'd focus with using "it". Use "they" only if you're talking about the employees or board.

"It was founded in 1950" (The company itself is being referred to).
"When bankruptcy threatened the company, they decided to restructure." (The bosses are being referred to here)

Answer 2

Thank you!

Answer 3

No problem. Enjoy.

Answer 4

Generally,

In *American* English:
A company is a GROUP *of* people, and is therefore singular. (So, if you are in America call a company "it".)

{{Unless you are referring to the people in the company: "The EXECUTIVES/EMPLOYEES of the company WERE deceived. THEY couldn't have known.}}

In *British* English:
A company is a group of PEOPLE (more than one), referring to each person in the group simultaneously, and is therefore plural. (In the U.K. they would call a company "they")

All that said:
When referring to an organization or classification, pronouns are no-nos. They are not incorrect, but they are hard to follow. The style for writing about companies or classifications is usually factual(informative) or persuasive via facts(info).

When writing about them, try to use either their name or acronym. If that is still to long or awkward just simply use "the company" or "that company" instead of it or they. Either way, you should be naming the company beforehand.

Answer 5

Lol, I inadvertently contradicted myself (only because a typo changed the context.)

When writing about them, try to use either their nameS* or acronymS*. (The companies or classifications, plural)

;P

Answer 6

Thank you!

Answer 7

Most welcome :)

Answer 8

well. i am late but i would surely say for you to use "it" because "they" might refer to the people that work there.

Answer 9

hey u should b a fan of me :)

Answer 10

You should use "they"