Themself Or Themselves

Understanding the nuances of English grammar can be challenging, especially when it comes to pronouns and their correct usage. One area that often confuses both native speakers and learners alike is the use of "themself" or "themselves." These pronouns are essential for referring back to a subject that has already been mentioned, but their application can vary based on context and subject-verb agreement. This post will delve into the intricacies of using "themself" or "themselves," providing clear guidelines and examples to help you master this aspect of English grammar.

Table of Contents

Understanding Pronouns: The Basics

Pronouns are words that replace nouns in a sentence. They help to avoid repetition and make sentences more fluid. Common pronouns include “he,” “she,” “it,” “they,” “we,” and “you.” When referring to a singular subject, pronouns like “he” or “she” are typically used. However, when referring to a plural subject or a subject whose gender is unknown or non-binary, “they” is often employed. This brings us to the use of “themself” or “themselves.”

The Evolution of “Themself” and “Themselves”

The use of “themself” and “themselves” has evolved over time, reflecting changes in language and societal norms. Traditionally, “themselves” was used to refer to plural subjects, while “themself” was less common and often considered incorrect. However, with the rise of gender-neutral language, “themself” has gained acceptance as a singular pronoun to refer to individuals who identify as non-binary or whose gender is unknown.

When to Use “Themself”

“Themself” is used when referring to a singular subject that uses “they” as a pronoun. This is particularly relevant in contexts where gender is not specified or when referring to non-binary individuals. For example:

Someone left their book on the table. They will need to pick it up themself.
If anyone has questions, they can ask the instructor themself.

In these examples, “themself” is used to refer back to the singular subject “someone” or “anyone,” who is using “they” as a pronoun.

When to Use “Themselves”

“Themselves” is used when referring to plural subjects. It is the reflexive form of “they” and is used to indicate that the subject is performing an action on itself. For example:

The students completed the assignment themselves.
The team celebrated their victory themselves.

In these examples, “themselves” is used to refer back to the plural subjects “the students” and “the team,” indicating that they performed the action independently.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

One of the most common mistakes is using “themselves” when referring to a singular subject. This can lead to grammatical errors and confusion. To avoid this, always ensure that the subject and the pronoun agree in number. Here are some tips to help you avoid common mistakes:

Identify the subject of the sentence and determine whether it is singular or plural.
Use “themself” for singular subjects that use “they” as a pronoun.
Use “themselves” for plural subjects.
Read the sentence aloud to ensure it sounds natural and grammatically correct.

Examples and Exercises

To solidify your understanding, let’s look at some examples and exercises that illustrate the correct use of “themself” or “themselves.”

Examples

Here are some examples to help you understand the correct usage:

Everyone should bring their own lunch. They can eat it themself if they prefer.
The children played in the park themselves.
If anyone needs help, they can ask the teacher themselves.
The cats groomed themselves after playing in the mud.

Exercises

Try completing the following sentences with the correct form of the pronoun:

Someone left their coat in the classroom. They will need to pick it up __________.
The birds built their nests __________.
If anyone has concerns, they can discuss them with the manager __________.
The dogs chased their tails __________.

Answers: themself, themselves, themselves, themselves.

Special Cases and Considerations

There are some special cases and considerations to keep in mind when using “themself” or “themselves.” For example, in formal writing, it is often preferable to use gender-specific pronouns to avoid ambiguity. However, in informal contexts or when referring to non-binary individuals, “themself” is an acceptable and inclusive choice.

Another consideration is the use of "themself" or "themselves" in different dialects and regions. While "themself" is gaining acceptance in many English-speaking countries, it may not be universally recognized. It is essential to be aware of your audience and adapt your language accordingly.

Additionally, when writing for a diverse audience, it is crucial to use inclusive language that respects all individuals. Using "themself" or "themselves" appropriately can help create a more inclusive and respectful environment.

Here is a table to summarize the correct usage of "themself" or "themselves":

Subject	Pronoun	Reflexive Pronoun
Singular (non-binary or unknown gender)	They	Themself
Plural	They	Themselves

📝 Note: Always ensure that the subject and the pronoun agree in number to avoid grammatical errors.

In conclusion, mastering the use of “themself” or “themselves” is essential for clear and effective communication. By understanding the nuances of these pronouns and applying them correctly, you can enhance your writing and speaking skills. Whether you are referring to a singular subject that uses “they” as a pronoun or a plural subject, using the correct reflexive pronoun will help you convey your message accurately and inclusively.

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