Themselves Or Theirselves

Understanding the nuances of English grammar can be a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. One of the common areas of confusion for many learners is the correct usage of reflexive pronouns, particularly when deciding between "themselves" and "themselves." These pronouns are essential for indicating that the subject and the object of a sentence are the same, but their usage can vary based on context and formality. This post aims to clarify the differences and provide practical examples to help readers master the correct usage of these reflexive pronouns.

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Understanding Reflexive Pronouns

Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same. They are essential for indicating that the action performed by the subject is directed back to the subject themselves or themselves. The reflexive pronouns in English are:

Myself
Yourself
Himself
Herself
Itself
Ourselves
Yourselves
Themselves

Themselves vs. Themselves: The Basics

Both “themselves” and “themselves” are reflexive pronouns used to refer back to the subject of a sentence. However, the choice between the two often depends on the context and the formality of the language. “Themselves” is the standard reflexive pronoun used in formal and informal contexts, while “themselves” is less common and often used in specific dialects or informal speech.

When to Use “Themselves”

“Themselves” is the most commonly used reflexive pronoun in English. It is used to refer back to a plural subject, indicating that the action is performed by and directed towards the subject themselves or themselves. Here are some examples:

The children enjoyed themselves at the park.
The team congratulated themselves on their victory.
The students prepared themselves for the exam.

When to Use “Themselves”

“Themselves” is less common and is often used in specific dialects or informal speech. It is important to note that “themselves” is not considered standard English and may not be accepted in formal writing or speech. However, it is used in some regional dialects and informal contexts. Here are some examples:

The kids had a great time themselves at the fair.
The band played themselves into a frenzy.
The workers finished the project themselves.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

One of the most common mistakes when using reflexive pronouns is using the wrong pronoun for the subject. For example, using “themselves” instead of “themselves” or vice versa. To avoid this mistake, always ensure that the reflexive pronoun matches the subject in number and gender. Here are some tips to help you avoid common mistakes:

Identify the subject of the sentence.
Determine whether the subject is singular or plural.
Choose the appropriate reflexive pronoun based on the subject.
Ensure that the reflexive pronoun matches the subject in number and gender.

Practical Examples

To further illustrate the correct usage of “themselves” and “themselves,” let’s look at some practical examples:

Subject	Verb	Reflexive Pronoun	Example Sentence
The children	enjoyed	Themselves	The children enjoyed themselves at the park.
The team	congratulated	Themselves	The team congratulated themselves on their victory.
The students	prepared	Themselves	The students prepared themselves for the exam.
The kids	had	Themselves	The kids had a great time themselves at the fair.
The band	played	Themselves	The band played themselves into a frenzy.
The workers	finished	Themselves	The workers finished the project themselves.

📝 Note: Always double-check the subject and the reflexive pronoun to ensure they match in number and gender. This will help you avoid common mistakes and ensure correct usage.

Special Cases and Exceptions

There are some special cases and exceptions where the usage of reflexive pronouns can be a bit tricky. For example, when using “themselves” or “themselves” with collective nouns or indefinite pronouns. Here are some examples:

The government blamed themselves for the economic crisis.
Everyone should take care of themselves.
Somebody left their belongings behind.

In these cases, the reflexive pronoun is used to refer back to the collective noun or indefinite pronoun, indicating that the action is performed by and directed towards the subject themselves or themselves.

Formal vs. Informal Usage

The choice between “themselves” and “themselves” can also depend on the formality of the language. “Themselves” is considered standard English and is used in both formal and informal contexts. On the other hand, “themselves” is less common and is often used in specific dialects or informal speech. Here are some examples to illustrate the difference:

Formal: The committee congratulated themselves on their successful project.
Informal: The kids had a great time themselves at the fair.

In formal writing or speech, it is always best to use "themselves" to ensure clarity and correctness. However, in informal contexts, "themselves" can be used to add a touch of informality or regional flavor to the language.

In conclusion, understanding the correct usage of “themselves” and “themselves” is essential for mastering English grammar. By following the guidelines and examples provided in this post, readers can improve their language skills and avoid common mistakes. Whether you are a native speaker or a language learner, paying attention to the nuances of reflexive pronouns will help you communicate more effectively and confidently.

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