Themself vs. Themselves: What's the Difference?
"Themself" is a singular, gender-neutral reflexive pronoun used less commonly than "themselves," which is the plural form of the reflexive pronoun for "they" or "them."
Key Differences
"Themself" is a singular, gender-neutral reflexive pronoun used primarily in informal contexts or by some non-binary individuals. "Themselves," on the other hand, is the standard plural reflexive pronoun used for "they" or "them."
Themself is less widely accepted in formal writing but gaining traction as language evolves to become more inclusive. Themselves is widely accepted in both formal and informal contexts, making it more common in everyday use compared to "themself."
"Themselves," on the other hand, is the standard plural reflexive pronoun used for "they" or "them." It is widely accepted in both formal and informal contexts, making it more common in everyday use compared to "themself."
"Themself" is often used to refer to a single person whose gender is unknown or non-binary, emphasizing the need for inclusivity. In contrast, "themselves" refers to a group of people or can be used singularly in a plural sense for individuals identifying as non-binary.
When using "themself," one acknowledges and respects the individual's preference for non-binary or gender-neutral pronouns. Meanwhile, "themselves" maintains traditional grammar rules while still accommodating singular use for non-binary persons, although this usage is less frequent.
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"Themself" is less standardized and might be flagged as incorrect by traditional grammar checks. Conversely, "themselves" is universally accepted in both written and spoken English, ensuring clarity and adherence to standard grammar conventions.
"Themself" reflects the evolving nature of language to be more inclusive, whereas "themselves" represents established grammatical norms that have been in use for centuries.
Comparison Chart
Usage
Singular, gender-neutral, informal
Plural, formal and informal
Acceptance
Less accepted in formal writing
Widely accepted in all contexts
Context
Used for non-binary or gender-neutral individuals
Used for groups or singular non-binary use
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Standardization
Not standardized
Standardized
Grammar Checks
Often flagged as incorrect
Accepted universally
Themself and Themselves Definitions
Themself
Informal reflexive pronoun for "they" or "them" in singular.
If someone wants more information, they should email themself.
Themselves
Used for multiple people referring back to the subject.
The children dressed themselves.
Themself
Singular gender-neutral reflexive pronoun.
Anyone can help themself to the refreshments.
Themselves
Plural form for singular non-binary usage.
Each participant can introduce themselves.
Themself
Reflexive pronoun for a single, non-binary person.
Each student should ask themself if they have done their best.
Themselves
Accepted in both singular and plural non-binary references.
A student must trust themselves.
Themself
Singular, informal, gender-neutral.
Taylor made themself a cup of tea.
Themselves
Plural reflexive pronoun for "they" or "them."
They organized the event themselves.
Themself
Used for individuals who identify outside the gender binary.
Jordan will handle it themself.
Themselves
Standard reflexive pronoun for plural antecedents.
The employees prepared themselves for the meeting.
Themself
(reflexive pronoun) The reflexive form of they, the third-person singular personal pronoun. The single person previously mentioned, as the object of a verb or following a preposition also used for emphasis.
Someone could hurt themself.
Anyone who wants a car like mine can buy one themself.
Themselves
(reflexive pronoun) The reflexive case of they, the third-person plural personal pronoun. The group of people, animals, or objects previously mentioned, as the object of a verb or following a preposition also used for emphasis.
Themself
Synonym of themselves.
Themselves
(reflexive pronoun) The reflexive case of they, the third-person singular personal pronoun. The single person previously mentioned, as the object of a verb or following a preposition also used for emphasis.
Themselves
The plural of himself, herself, and itself. See Himself, Herself, Itself.
FAQs
Why use "themself"?
To respect and include individuals who identify outside the gender binary.
Is "themself" grammatically correct?
It's less accepted in traditional grammar but is used to be inclusive of non-binary individuals.
What is "themselves"?
"Themselves" is a plural reflexive pronoun for "they" or "them," standard in both singular and plural non-binary references.
Can "themself" and "themselves" be used interchangeably?
Not always; "themselves" is more universally accepted, while "themself" is specific to gender neutrality.
Can "themselves" refer to a single person?
Yes, it can refer to a single non-binary person in modern usage.
What is "themself"?
"Themself" is a singular, gender-neutral reflexive pronoun, less common in formal writing.
Is "themself" widely accepted?
No, it is not widely accepted in formal contexts but is increasingly used informally.
When did "themself" start being used?
It has been in occasional use for centuries but gained prominence with increasing awareness of gender inclusivity.
Is "themselves" considered formal or informal?
It is acceptable in both formal and informal contexts.
Does using "themself" affect the clarity of writing?
It may cause confusion for those unfamiliar with the term, unlike "themselves," which is clear and widely understood.
Which is correct: "They did it themself" or "They did it themselves"?
"They did it themselves" is grammatically correct in traditional usage.
Is "themself" recognized in dictionaries?
Some modern dictionaries include it, reflecting its growing usage.
How is "themselves" used in sentences?
It refers back to a plural subject or a singular non-binary subject. e.g., "The students taught themselves."
Can "themself" be used in academic writing?
It is generally avoided in formal academic writing but may be used in contexts prioritizing inclusivity.
What should be used in professional communication?
"Themselves" is recommended for clarity and universal acceptance.
