Which pronoun properly completes the sentence: "After the championship game, the winning and losing captains thanked (his or her, their) team members for their effort"?

In the sentence, "After the championship game, the winning and losing captains thanked (his or her, their) team members for their effort," the use of "their" is appropriate because it functions as a plural pronoun that refers to the two captains collectively. When discussing a group that includes more than one individual, "their" is commonly used to convey possession or belonging in a gender-neutral manner.

Using "their" in this context allows for greater inclusivity, as it does not specify gender, making it suitable for contemporary usage. The reference to both the winning and losing captains suggests a collective acknowledgment, which aligns well with the plural nature of "their." This plural form effectively encompasses the idea of both captains thanking their respective teams without the limitations imposed by singular pronouns.

In contrast, "his or her" is singular and implies a focus on each captain individually, which does not fit as well given that two captains are being referenced. "Its" would not be appropriate, as it does not accurately reflect the human subjects involved. "Her" is also singular and gender-specific, which does not encompass both captains effectively. Thus, "their" is the most suitable choice, enhancing clarity and inclusivity in