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What They DON'T Tell You About Traxxas Slash Accessories – The Shocking Truth!

Mar 14, 2026 • minute read

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Are you tired of sifting through endless Traxxas Slash accessories, only to find that the "shocking truth" about compatibility, installation, or performance is hidden in plain sight? What if the real shock isn't about the accessories themselves, but about how we discuss them? In the fast-paced world of RC (remote control) vehicles, clear communication is everything—whether you're swapping tips in a forum, reading a manual, or debating upgrades. Yet, a silent epidemic of pronoun misuse plagues even the most seasoned enthusiasts. Misunderstanding the difference between they, them, and their can lead to botched installations, wasted money, and frustrating confusion. This article dives deep into the grammar gaps that no one talks about, revealing how mastering these tiny words can transform your Traxxas Slash experience. Get ready to unlock the clarity you've been missing.

Understanding the Core Distinction: They vs. Them

The foundation of clear English communication lies in grasping the subject-object dichotomy. They and them both translate to "they" in Chinese, but their roles in a sentence are fundamentally different. They is a subject pronoun—it performs the action and typically starts the sentence, giving it direction. Them is an object pronoun—it receives the action and usually follows the verb, often appearing at the end. Simply put, if "they" is the one doing something, use they; if "they" are having something done to them, use them.

Consider this in the context of your Traxxas Slash. When you say, "They conquer muddy trails with ease," they refers to your Slash models (or drivers) as the active performers. But when installing new shocks, you'd state, "I bolted them onto the chassis." Here, them (the shocks) receives the action of bolting. This distinction is non-negotiable for precise instructions. A forum post reading, "Them Slash trucks handle great" is grammatically jarring and undermines your credibility. Always identify the action's doer: if it's "they," lead with they; if it's "them," let them follow the verb.

Decoding Them, They, and Their: The Pronoun Trio in Practice

Expanding on this, them, they, and their serve three distinct grammatical functions. Them is the objective case (e.g., "I saw them at the track"). They is the subjective case (e.g., "They won the race"). Their is the possessive adjective—it shows ownership and must be followed by a noun (e.g., "their suspension setup"). A common error is using their without a noun ("their is fast") or confusing them and they in compound subjects.

In the Traxxas hobby, this trio appears constantly. Reading a review: "They (the drivers) praised their (the drivers') new brushless system" is correct. But "Them drivers love they new system" is a triple whammy of errors. Remember: their always clings to a noun—their battery, their tires, their radio. When swapping parts, you might say, "I gave them (the old parts) to a friend" (object), but "They (the new parts) fit perfectly" (subject). This precision prevents misunderstandings—like thinking you're talking about people versus parts.

They and Their in Action: Real-World Examples from the RC World

Let's examine correct usage through vivid examples. The sentence, "They have maintained their optimism in the face of desolating subjugation," while dramatic, structurally showcases they as subject and their as possessive. In Traxxas terms, this could translate to: "They (Slash owners) have maintained their optimism despite parts shortages." Here, they acts, their shows ownership of optimism.

Another example: "He said they should turn their fire on the conservative party instead." For our context: "The mechanic said they (the team) should turn their focus to tire wear instead." They is the subject of "should turn," and their modifies "fire" (or "focus"). Notice they follows "said" but remains the subject of the quoted clause.

Finally, "They found a labyrinth of tunnels under the ground." This pure subject-verb construction is common in adventure narratives. Imagine an off-road report: "They (the explorers with Slash rigs) found a labyrinth of tunnels under the ground." They unequivocally performs "found." If you wrote "Them found...," it would be incorrect because them cannot initiate an action. These examples reinforce that they launches the sentence's core event.

Mastering "Are They" Questions: Existence and State

Questions beginning with "Are they" emphasize the existence or current state of something, not an action. This structure is pivotal for inquiring about identity, condition, or presence. The key sentence illustrates: "Are they the new employees who just joined the company?" or "Do they go to the gym regularly?" The former asks about what or who they are (state of being); the latter asks about habitual action.

Apply this to Traxxas Slash accessories. "Are they the new aluminum shock mounts?" asks about identity. "Do they improve articulation on rocky terrain?" asks about a habitual or general truth. Notice the difference from "Do they install easily?" which focuses on action. When shopping online, "Are they waterproof?" seeks a state (waterproof or not). Misforming this as "Do they waterproof?" changes the meaning entirely. Always use "Are they" for states of being, characteristics, or classifications—critical when verifying accessory specs before purchase.

The Evolution of Neutral "They": Inclusive Language in Modern English

English's neutral they has two primary historical uses. First, the epicene (gender-neutral) they has existed since the 14th century, used when a person's gender is unknown or irrelevant (e.g., "**A driver should check their battery"*). Second, in the last 20 years, they has become widely accepted as a singular pronoun for non-binary individuals who identify outside the male/female binary. This modern usage respects gender diversity and is now endorsed by major style guides (APA, MLA, Chicago).

In the inclusive Traxxas community, this matters. When addressing a fellow enthusiast whose gender you don't know, "**If they post a setup photo, their rig looks awesome" is correct and respectful. Forums and instruction manuals increasingly use "they" for generic users: "**A builder must ensure their electronics are waterproof." This avoids awkward "he/she" constructions. However, remember: when referring to a specific known person, use their preferred pronouns. Embracing neutral they fosters a welcoming environment where everyone—regardless of gender identity—can share their passion for Slash upgrades without linguistic exclusion.

Common Pronoun Errors: "They Is" and Beyond

One of the most pervasive errors is using they is instead of they are, akin to saying "I have three apple" in Chinese. This mistake violates subject-verb agreement: they (plural or singular neutral) always pairs with are, never is. Is is reserved for he, she, it, or singular nouns. So, "They is fast" is as incorrect as "He are fast." Similarly, "I have three apple" mirrors the Chinese omission of plural markers, just as "they is" ignores that they is plural-form.

Why does this happen? In some dialects or informal speech, they might be misanalyzed as singular, but standard grammar is clear. In Traxxas discussions, you'll see errors like: "They is the best motor for bashing." Correct: "They are the best motors..." (if referring to multiple motors) or "It is the best motor..." (if referring to one motor type). Another trap: confusing their (possessive) with they're (contraction of they are). "Their excited" is wrong; "They're excited" is right. These errors can make instructions ambiguous—imagine misreading "they're compatible" as "their compatible." Always double-check: if you mean "they are," use they're; for ownership, use their.

Demystifying These, This, That, Those, It, and They

Beyond they/them/their, demonstrative pronouns (this, that, these, those) and it cause frequent mix-ups. Their differences hinge on number (singular/plural), proximity (near/far), and function (pronoun vs. adjective).

This/These: Refer to things near in space or time. This (singular) = "this shock absorber"; These (plural) = "these shock absorbers."
That/Those: Refer to things far in space or time. That (singular) = "that motor"; Those (plural) = "those motors."
It: Used for singular, non-personal nouns or as a dummy subject (e.g., "It is raining"). For people, use he/she/they.
They: For plural nouns or singular neutral references.

In Traxxas contexts: "These (nearby) wheels are for my Slash; those (over there) are for my Rustler." "It (the Slash) is fast; they (multiple Slashes) are fast." A common error: "They is a great kit" (should be "It is" if referring to one kit). When pointing out parts: "This bearing is worn out" (singular, near), but "These bearings need replacement" (plural). Mastering these distinctions ensures you're understood whether you're at the track or typing a parts list.

Conquering the "There Is/Are" Dilemma

The There be structure ("There is/are") expresses existence: "There is a problem" or "There are many solutions." The verb be must agree with the following noun, not with "there." So: "There is a new accessory" (singular noun), "There are new accessories" (plural noun). This is a classic trap because the brain often wants to match "there" (which feels singular) with "is," but the true subject is the noun after the verb.

For Traxxas Slash enthusiasts, this is crucial in manuals and forums. "There is a limited edition Slash available" (correct, as "edition" is singular). "There are limited edition Slashes available" (correct, if referring to multiple units). Errors like "There is many upgrades" are rampant and undermine professionalism. When documenting your build: "There are three battery options" (plural) vs. "There is an option for 3S batteries" (singular "option"). Remember: ignore "there"; look at the next word. If it's singular (kit, motor, problem), use is; if plural (kits, motors, problems), use are. This small rule prevents major miscommunications about parts availability.

Conclusion: Clear Grammar, Clear Roads Ahead

The "shocking truth" about Traxxas Slash accessories isn't a hidden defect or a secret upgrade—it's that your ability to communicate about them hinges on mastering fundamental grammar. From distinguishing they (subject) from them (object) to wielding neutral they with confidence, these nuances are the unsung heroes of the RC community. They determine whether your forum post is helpful or confusing, whether your manual instructions are followed correctly, and whether you can advocate for inclusive spaces where every enthusiast feels seen.

As you tweak, bash, and race your Slash, carry this knowledge forward. Before posting a question, pause: "Am I using their or they're correctly?" When reading specs, note: "Does Are they refer to state or action?" By elevating your grammatical precision, you not only avoid costly mistakes but also contribute to a culture of clarity and respect. The next time you discuss labyrinthine tunnels or desolating subjugation (metaphorically, of course!), let your words be as accurate as your build. After all, in the world of high-speed RC, clear communication isn't just polite—it's essential for every thrilling lap ahead.

Traxxas Slash Bodies

JConcepts Truth for Traxxas Slash - RCTalk

JConcepts Truth for Traxxas Slash - RCTalk