[psyhotik]

Hi! I have a question to English-speaking people: In English language ship should be refereed as 'she' or 'it'? For example, which form is proper - 'find Ravana and destroy her' or 'find Ravana and destroy it'? I saw both forms used in game. Are both proper?

I'm posting it here, because I encountered this problem during writing briefings Please move this thread if it's not the proper subforum.

[Jeff Vader]

I'd say "it" is a safe option for every situation. Some old, proud (, Terran) captains might refer to their ships as "her". But "him" would sound weird.

Not a native speaker, but I'd dare to say most people here would agree.

[Mongoose]

To clarify, a ship should properly be referred to as an "it," since it is an inanimate object; unlike many other languages, English doesn't attach specific genders to general words.  However, it's a long-standing naval tradition to refer to one's own ship as a "she" or "girl," usually as a term of endearment or affection.  In the context of FreeSpace, you'd probably find a grizzled old captain referring to his beloved, battle-tested destroyer in such a manner, or perhaps a veteran fighter pilot whose craft has seen him through many a dogfight.

[psyhotik]

OK. That explains everything. Thanks for help

[Rodo]

Also you might want to refer to a ship as a "she" only if the name actually permits it... you wouldn't call the GTD Tayson a she.. no matter how much you love the ship