person-first language

Person-first language is a style of describing a person first, followed by their status, situation, or another descriptor.

EAPM suggests using person-first language in instances of such things as medical diagnoses, criminal charges and incarceration status, etc. For a person’s identity, use identity-first language.

An example of the difference between a medical diagnosis versus a disability is as follows:

Person-first: The study looks at children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
Identity-first: The new school is specifically set up for autistic children.

Person-first: He was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Identity-first: Though he considers himself “a newly disabled man,” he is now working as an MS-awareness activist.

Person-first: She started working at the Ford plant and joined the union.
Identity-first: Now, union leader Sherry Jones is leading the action.

In the first example for each, it discusses a diagnosis or situation; in the second example discusses an identity.

Other examples of person-first language:

• A man who is incarcerated
• A woman who is diagnosed with a genetic disease
• A person who uses an assistive device
• A person who works at a factory

If a source asks you to use identity-first language instead of person-first language in a situation where you would normally use person-first language, honor the source’s wishes.

Also see identity-first language.