Themself Or Themselves: Differences + Examples + Usage

Language has always evolved to meet our needs, and pronouns like “themself” and “themselves” reflect that evolution. These two words may seem straightforward at first glance, yet they often confuse both native and non-native speakers alike. Understanding when to use each term, how they differ, and why they matter can make a world of difference in how we communicate inclusively and effectively. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences, offer practical examples and usage tips, and provide additional insights to help you master these commonly misunderstood pronouns.

Both “themself” and “themselves” serve as reflexive pronouns. Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject of a sentence is also the object, as in, “She prepared herself for the meeting.” Traditionally, “themselves” has been the preferred form, especially when referring to a group. However, with the rise of singular “they” as a gender-neutral pronoun, “themself” has gained traction as a singular reflexive form.

Why Does the Choice Between “Themself” and “Themselves” Matter?

Choosing between “themself” and “themselves” isn’t just a matter of grammar; it’s a decision that reflects our values and respect for individual identities. Using language thoughtfully demonstrates awareness of others’ preferences and supports a more inclusive society. With the increased recognition of gender diversity, more people are identifying outside of traditional gender norms, leading to a greater reliance on gender-neutral pronouns like singular “they.”

Inclusive language is key to ensuring everyone feels represented, acknowledged, and respected. Opting for the correct term—whether “themself” for singular, gender-neutral references or “themselves” for plural contexts—signals that we’re aware of and responsive to this linguistic shift. This careful approach in choosing words helps foster a respectful and welcoming environment in both personal and professional settings, creating a culture where everyone’s identity is honored.

Historical Background

Historically, “themselves” was considered the standard form for both plural and, in some cases, singular references. The term “themself” was used in earlier English but gradually fell out of favor as the language standardized. However, the need for inclusive, gender-neutral language has brought “themself” back into popular use. This change reflects an evolving language that seeks to accommodate gender diversity and ensure everyone feels included.

The Correct Form: Themself or Themselves?

Choosing between “themself” and “themselves” depends on context and subject agreement. Generally, “themselves” is used for plural subjects, aligning with the traditional use of “they” to refer to more than one individual. For instance, “They organized themselves efficiently” reflects a group acting together.

In cases where “they” refers to a single person in a general or unspecified context, “themself” is often used. This respects modern language standards, as in, “They should give themself a break after a long day.”

Let’s explore examples for each form to clarify proper usage.

When to Use “Themself”

In grammatical terms, “themself” functions as a singular reflexive pronoun used with singular “they” when referring to an individual in the singular form. “Themself” aligns with singular subjects in sentences where the subject and object are the same person. For example, in the sentence, “Each team member should take care of themself,” “themself” reflects the singular subject “each team member,” providing a clear and neutral reflexive option.

Here are some examples of “themself” in action:

• Anyone who arrives early can make themself comfortable.
• Every participant is encouraged to push themself to do their best.
• If a member has questions, they can direct themself to the information desk.

In these sentences, “themself” serves as a singular, suitable when referring to someone in the singular.

When to Use “Themselves”

In contrast, “themselves” is used with plural subjects. Anytime you’re referring to more than one person, “themselves” is the correct choice. Let’s look at some examples:

• The participants introduced themselves to each other at the workshop.
• The committee members found themselves facing a tough decision.

When “they” refers to a group, “themselves” is a natural choice, ensuring that the sentence aligns grammatically and maintains clarity.

Bonus Tip: In more formal settings or professional writing, opting for “themselves” in plural contexts can help maintain traditional grammar rules, avoiding any confusion.

Practical Scenarios and Example Sentences

Understanding when to use “themself” versus “themselves” becomes easier with concrete examples. By looking at real-world scenarios, you can see how these terms work in different contexts, making it clearer which word to choose and why. Below, we’ll walk through practical, everyday situations where “themself” and “themselves” are used, offering examples and usage tips that highlight the nuances between the two. These scenarios will not only clarify the correct usage but also help you incorporate inclusive language into your communication with confidence and accuracy.

Writing an Inclusive Company Policy

Imagine crafting a policy for a company that prioritizes inclusive language. You want to ensure everyone feels represented, regardless of gender. In this case, using “themself” can convey that inclusivity.

• Correct: “If an employee is unsure, they should give themself time to decide.”
• Incorrect: “If an employee is unsure, they should give themselves time to decide.”

In this example, “themself” works perfectly with singular “they,” creating a respectful, gender-neutral tone.

Describing a Group of People

When referring to multiple people, “themselves” is the appropriate choice. It emphasizes plurality, making it clear that more than one person is involved.

• Correct: “They arranged themselves in a circle for the discussion.”
• Incorrect: “They arranged themself in a circle for the discussion.”

Here, “themselves” is the grammatically correct option because it reflects a plural subject.

Spelling and Language Guide: Ensuring Accuracy

Choosing the correct spelling and usage can make your writing clearer and more effective. Here’s a spelling guide to help you remember the right form based on context:

Pronoun	Correct Usage	Example Sentence
Themself	Singular, gender-neutral	“Each artist inspired themself to improve.”
Themselves	Plural	“The students organized themselves for the trip.”

Avoiding spelling mistakes here is essential for maintaining clarity and accuracy, especially in formal or professional writing.

Spelling Distinctions and Variations

In addition to understanding the usage of “themself” and “themselves,” it’s helpful to know the spelling distinctions and variations that exist across different forms of English. Although many people are recognizing and increasingly accepting “themself” in American English as a singular, reflexive pronoun, some still debate its usage. Many traditional-style guides continue to prefer “themselves” as the standard form, even when referring to singular subjects. This preference often stems from the longstanding grammatical convention of using “they” with “themselves” for both singular and plural subjects.

In British English, many publications still do not commonly accept “themself” and often adopt a more conservative approach by opting for “themselves” across the board. However, with the shift toward inclusive language in both academic and professional settings, more organizations and style guides are beginning to accept “themself” as a way to respect gender neutrality and singular “they”.

Bonus Tip: If in doubt, always refer to a spelling guide or your organization’s style handbook to ensure consistency.

Bonus Tips for Mastering Gender-Neutral Language

Using gender-neutral pronouns like “they,” “themself,” and “themselves” helps you communicate inclusively. Here are some additional tips for making this transition smoother:

1. Practice using singular “they” in everyday writing: This can feel unfamiliar at first, but with regular use, it becomes second nature.
2. Avoid defaulting to “he” or “she” when gender is unknown: Opt for “they” instead to maintain a neutral tone.
3. Check with people on their pronoun preferences: Respecting someone’s pronoun is a simple way to be inclusive and considerate.
4. Use resources like style guides: Many language guides offer helpful sections on gender-neutral language, so you can ensure you’re using the right form in each context.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways on Using “Themself” and “Themselves”

Choosing between “themself” and “themselves” might seem minor, but the right choice can improve both clarity and inclusivity. Here’s a quick recap:

• Use “themself” with singular “they” when referring to one person in a gender-neutral way.
• Use “themselves” with plural subjects or when “they” refers to more than one person.
• When in doubt, rely on examples and usage guides to clarify your choice.

By mastering these terms, you not only sharpen your grammar skills but also support a more inclusive way of communicating. Practice makes perfect, so try using these examples in your writing to see how naturally they can fit. With these guidelines and examples under your belt, you’ll feel confident using “themself” and “themselves” effectively in any context. Remember, language is always evolving, and understanding these nuances helps us stay connected and respectful in a diverse world.