Choosing between themself and themselves can be confusing for many English speakers and writers, especially as the language evolves and adapts to inclusive pronouns. Both words function as reflexive pronouns, but they are used in slightly different contexts, and understanding their correct application is important for clear and grammatically accurate writing. While traditional grammar rules favor themselves in most cases, modern usage increasingly accepts themself when referring to a singular nonbinary individual. Exploring the history, grammar rules, and examples of each can help writers, students, and professionals make the right choice in their sentences.
Understanding Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and the object of a sentence refer to the same entity. In English, common reflexive pronouns include myself, yourself, himself, herself, and themselves. The reflexive pronoun emphasizes that the action of the verb is performed on the subject. For example, in the sentence She prepared herself for the meeting, the reflexive pronoun herself shows that the subject and the object are the same person. Reflexive pronouns are essential for clarity and avoiding ambiguity in communication.
The Traditional Use of Themselves
Traditionally, themselves is the reflexive pronoun used with the plural pronoun they. For example, in a sentence like The students organized themselves into groups, themselves correctly refers back to the students. This usage follows established grammar rules and is widely accepted in both formal and informal English. In standard English, whenever they is used as a plural pronoun, themselves is the grammatically correct reflexive form.
Emergence of Themself in Modern English
Themself has gained recognition in modern English as a singular reflexive pronoun, especially when referring to a person who uses they as a gender-neutral pronoun. For instance, Alex taught themself to play the piano is grammatically accepted in contemporary usage. Linguists and style guides increasingly acknowledge this construction as a necessary adaptation of English to be more inclusive. While it may still feel unusual to some readers, themself provides a singular reflexive option where themselves might seem grammatically plural.
When to Use Themself vs. Themselves
The choice between themself and themselves largely depends on whether they is singular or plural in context. Using themselves for plural subjects maintains traditional grammar rules, while themself is used for singular, nonbinary pronouns or situations where they refers to one person. Understanding this distinction helps writers maintain clarity and inclusivity without confusing readers.
Using Themselves Correctly
- Refers to plural subjects The children amused themselves at the park.
- Refers to multiple people collectively The team congratulated themselves after winning the game.
- Used in formal and informal writing when they is plural.
Using Themself Correctly
- Refers to a singular individual using they as a gender-neutral pronoun Jordan prides themself on being creative.
- Helps avoid gendered pronouns like himself or herself.
- Increasingly accepted in academic, professional, and casual writing contexts.
Examples in Sentences
To better understand the distinction, consider these examples
Examples of Themselves
- The volunteers organized themselves efficiently during the event.
- The students taught themselves how to code using online resources.
- The players motivated themselves before the championship game.
Examples of Themself
- Sam is proud of how themself handled the difficult situation.
- When Taylor learned to cook, they taught themself new techniques every week.
- Each participant should challenge themself to improve throughout the workshop.
Grammar and Style Considerations
While themself is becoming more common, it is still important to consider the audience and style guide preferences. Academic and professional writing may vary in acceptance, and some traditionalists still prefer themselves even for singular they. However, the trend toward inclusive language supports the use of themself to respect individuals’ pronoun preferences. Writers should balance clarity, inclusivity, and audience expectations when choosing which reflexive pronoun to use.
Inclusive Language and Social Context
The use of themself reflects broader changes in English that accommodate gender inclusivity. Many style guides, including those used in educational institutions and professional publications, now recognize singular they and themself as grammatically valid. Respecting an individual’s pronouns in writing and speech is a crucial aspect of modern communication, and using themself correctly is part of this practice. Awareness of these conventions promotes respectful and clear communication in diverse settings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Writers often make mistakes when using reflexive pronouns with they. Some common errors include mixing singular and plural forms incorrectly, using themself for clearly plural subjects, or overcorrecting and using themselves for singular, nonbinary individuals. Being mindful of subject number, context, and audience expectations helps prevent these errors.
- Incorrect Each of the students congratulated themself. Correct Each of the students congratulated themselves.
- Incorrect Jordan taught themselves to play guitar. Correct Jordan taught themself to play guitar.
- Incorrect They amused themself at the party (when referring to multiple people). Correct They amused themselves at the party.
Understanding whether to use themself or themselves is essential for clear, grammatically correct, and inclusive English writing. Themselves remains the standard reflexive pronoun for plural subjects, while themself is increasingly accepted for singular, nonbinary pronouns. By applying these rules carefully, writers can communicate effectively, respect pronoun preferences, and reflect modern language trends. Awareness of context, audience, and grammatical correctness ensures that sentences using themself or themselves are precise and inclusive, supporting clarity and professionalism in communication.