Themself Or Themselves: Differences + Examples + Usage

Language is always evolving, and so are the rules surrounding pronouns and self-reference. One common point of confusion is the use of “themself” or “themselves”. While “themselves” has long been accepted as the correct plural form, “themself” is emerging in contexts that call for gender-neutral language and inclusive communication.

This article will explore the differences between themself or themselves, explain the correct usage for each, and provide examples and contexts that clarify when each is appropriate.

By understanding the distinctions between these two pronouns, speakers and writers can navigate inclusive language more accurately. So, let’s dive into the specifics and find out where each term fits in the English language today.

Understanding “Themself” or “Themselves”

Understanding the difference between “themself” and “themselves” helps writers communicate in a way that respects both standard grammar rules and the evolving landscape of inclusive language. Let’s break down their uses, origins, and the contexts in which each form is appropriate.

The Basics: “Themself” or “Themselves”

In English, “themselves” has traditionally served as the reflexive pronoun for plural subjects, reflecting the actions of multiple people or things back onto the group itself. For example:

“The teachers prepared themselves for the new semester.”

However, “themself” is a singular, gender-neutral reflexive pronoun. It’s increasingly accepted in situations where the subject is singular but does not align with “himself” or “herself”, particularly when referring to someone who identifies with they/them pronouns. For instance:

“The manager took time for themself to recharge after the busy season.”

This distinction reflects the evolution of language as it adapts to include a wider range of gender identities.

Origins and Historical Usage

Historically, English had only binary reflexive pronouns like “himself” and “herself” for individuals. The they/them pronoun set, traditionally used as plural, began to be applied in singular contexts as early as the 14th century. Yet, the use of “themself” as a singular reflexive pronoun did not gain significant traction until recent decades, largely due to the growing recognition of non-binary identities.

“Themselves” traces back to early English and was primarily used for plural groups, but “themself” appeared in the 15th century before falling out of common use. Today, it has resurfaced to meet the needs of inclusive, gender-neutral language.

When to Use “Themself”

Use “themself” when referring to a singular person who identifies with they/them pronouns. This usage is common in contexts that prioritize inclusive communication and is particularly valued in settings where acknowledging personal identity is important, such as:

• Professional communications with non-binary individuals.
• Inclusive educational materials that respect diverse identities.
• Modern writing where respectful, neutral language is preferred.

Examples of “Themself” in Sentences

• “The new team member taught themself the job tasks in record time.”
• “Anyone can remind themself of the importance of self-care.”
• “Each candidate prepared themself thoroughly for the interview.”

When to Use “Themselves”

“Themselves” remains the standard plural reflexive pronoun and should be used when referring back to a group of people or plural subjects. It’s also the correct form for emphatic pronoun use when emphasizing that a group did something independently or on their own.

Examples of “Themselves” in Sentences

• “The students organized the event by themselves.”
• “The neighbors built the playground themselves as a community project.”
• “The team congratulated themselves after a successful season.”

Addressing Common Misconceptions

Misconception 1: “Themself” Isn’t a Real Word

Some argue that “themself” sounds incorrect or ungrammatical, likely because it was historically less common. However, language evolves, and “themself” is increasingly accepted in mainstream use, particularly as people recognize the importance of gender-neutral pronouns.

Misconception 2: “They” and “Them” Are Always Plural

While “they” and “them” traditionally refer to multiple people, both pronouns have long been used in singular form when the gender of a person is unknown or when referring to a person who uses non-binary pronouns.

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Practical Guidelines for Using “Themself” or “Themselves”

1. Recognize the context: Use “themselves” for plural subjects and “themself” when referring to a single person with they/them pronouns.

2. Be mindful of audience and setting: In formal writing, “themself” is increasingly accepted, though some traditional grammarians may prefer “themselves.” In inclusive settings or casual contexts, “themself” is a considerate and modern choice.

3. Understand reflexive pronoun functions: Both words serve as reflexive pronouns, referring back to the subject. For plural subjects, “themselves” is standard; for singular, gender-neutral subjects, “themself” is more appropriate.

Usage Examples in Professional and Inclusive Language

Scenario	Example with “Themself”	Example with “Themselves”
A non-binary individual	“The writer encouraged themself to keep improving.”	(Not applicable)
A group working independently	(Not applicable)	“The organizers managed the event themselves.”
A person acting alone	“The student challenged themself to learn faster.”	“The students pushed themselves to perform better.”
Inclusive workplace memo	“Each employee should remind themself to take breaks.”	“All employees reminded themselves to take breaks.”

How Singular “They” Has Impacted Pronoun Use

Language has always shifted to match cultural needs, and pronouns are no exception. The use of “they” as a singular, gender-neutral pronoun has become increasingly common in contexts that call for neutral language to respect personal identity. This change has paved the way for “themself” as an option when referring to someone who prefers non-binary or gender-neutral pronouns.

• Example: “Each person should respect themself and others.”

This shift shows a broader linguistic trend in adapting neutral language and inclusive communication styles.

Usage Guidelines for “Themself” or “Themselves”

In deciding whether to use themself or themselves, consider both context and language conventions. Here are some key usage explanations that clarify when each form is correct.

Contexts Where “Themselves” is Standard (Traditional Usage)

Plural Reflexive Pronoun

• Usage: “Themselves” functions as a reflexive pronoun when the subject is plural.
• Example: “The members cleaned up after themselves.”

Formal and Informal Writing

• Usage: Both in formal usage and informal settings, “themselves” is the accepted norm for a plural subject.
• Example: “The athletes celebrated themselves after winning.”

Gender-Neutral but Plural Contexts

• Usage: In a gender-neutral context where multiple people are referred to, “themselves” remains the standard English form.
• Example: “The students enjoyed the event themselves.”

When to Use “Themself” (Evolving Usage)

Singular, Gender-Neutral Contexts

• Usage: “Themself” is most commonly used as a singular form when referring to a non-binary individual or anyone who uses “they” as a singular pronoun.
• Example: “The traveler was proud of themself for completing the journey.”

Inclusive Language Settings

• Usage: In settings that prioritize inclusive practices and cultural sensitivity, “themself” may be chosen to honor an individual’s personal pronoun choice.
• Example: “Each employee is responsible for preparing themself for the meeting.”

Educational and Informal Settings

• Usage: In classrooms or settings that encourage cultural awareness and understanding of gender identity, “themself” may be used to reinforce respect for individual choices.
• Example: “Each student should take time to prepare themself before presentations.”

Reflexive and Emphatic Pronouns Explained

Understanding reflexive and emphatic pronouns is essential for distinguishing between “themself” and “themselves.” Both types of pronouns refer back to the subject, but their purposes vary.

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Difference Between Reflexive and Emphatic Pronouns

• Reflexive Pronouns: Used when the subject and the object are the same, indicating the action is directed back at the subject.
• Emphatic Pronouns: Used to emphasize the subject but are not essential to the sentence’s meaning.

Pronoun Type	Definition	Example
Reflexive	A pronoun that refers back to the subject and indicates that the subject is performing the action on itself.	“The team celebrated themselves.”
Emphatic	A pronoun used for emphasis to make it clear that the subject did the action independently or personally.	“The manager themselves made the decision.”

Practical Examples of Using “Themself” or “Themselves”

Examples help clarify complex rules by showing how they apply in real-life contexts. Here’s a breakdown of context examples using both “themself” and “themselves”.

Subject	Usage Context	Example	Correct Pronoun
Singular (gender-neutral)	Personal motivation	“The artist challenged themself to complete the painting.”	Themself
Singular (gender-neutral)	Self-care	“Someone should take care of themself before helping others.”	Themself
Singular (gender-neutral)	Exploration	“The traveler prepared themself for a new adventure.”	Themself
Singular (gender-neutral)	Goal-setting	“Each employee reminded themself of their career goals.”	Themself
Singular (gender-neutral)	Independent learning	“The student taught themself the new topic.”	Themself
Singular (gender-neutral)	Performance review	“The actor watched themself on screen to improve.”	Themself
Singular (gender-neutral)	Personal encouragement	“The writer encouraged themself to keep going.”	Themself
Singular (gender-neutral)	Overcoming fear	“Anyone can challenge themself to face their fears.”	Themself
Singular (gender-neutral)	Mindfulness	“A person should remind themself to be present.”	Themself
Singular (gender-neutral)	Personal growth	“Someone who reflects often finds themself growing.”	Themself
Plural (traditional)	Team effort	“The employees congratulated themselves on a job well done.”	Themselves
Plural (traditional)	Responsibility	“The students are responsible for cleaning up after themselves.”	Themselves
Plural (traditional)	Collaboration	“The team prepared themselves for the big project.”	Themselves
Plural (traditional)	Celebration	“The friends treated themselves to a night out.”	Themselves
Plural (traditional)	Autonomy	“The athletes stretched to warm up themselves.”	Themselves
Plural (traditional)	Shared achievement	“The participants congratulated themselves on their success.”	Themselves
Singular (gender-neutral)	Self-encouragement	“The singer reminded themself to stay confident.”	Themself
Singular (gender-neutral)	Independent decision-making	“Each manager advised themself on how to proceed.”	Themself
Singular (gender-neutral)	Preparing for change	“Anyone can prepare themself for life’s transitions.”	Themself
Plural (traditional)	Collective pride	“The students were proud of themselves after the performance.”	Themselves
Plural (traditional)	Accountability	“The kids took responsibility for cleaning up after themselves.”	Themselves
Singular (gender-neutral)	Self-appreciation	“The volunteer thanked themself for their hard work.”	Themself
Singular (gender-neutral)	Facing challenges	“Each contestant pushed themself to their limit.”	Themself
Plural (traditional)	Teamwork	“The engineers designed the solution themselves.”	Themselves
Singular (gender-neutral)	Self-reflection	“The researcher reminded themself of the project’s importance.”	Themself
Plural (traditional)	Group responsibility	“The hikers looked out for themselves on the trail.”	Themselves
Plural (traditional)	Celebrating independence	“The group celebrated themselves for reaching the goal.”	Themselves
Singular (gender-neutral)	Personal skill-building	“The apprentice trained themself on the new tool.”	Themself
Plural (traditional)	Shared learning	“The students tested themselves before the big exam.”	Themselves
Singular (gender-neutral)	Self-reminder	“Anyone can remind themself to stay focused.”	Themself

This table shows when to use “themself” or “themselves” based on context. Themself is used with singular, gender-neutral subjects, aligning with inclusive language practices. Meanwhile, themselves applies to plural subjects, following traditional grammatical norms.

Examples with “Themselves” in Plural and Reflexive Sentence

1. The students organized the event by themselves.
2. The employees congratulated themselves after the successful presentation.
3. The artists painted the mural themselves, without any assistance.
4. The children taught themselves how to play the new game.
5. The travelers found themselves lost in the unfamiliar city.
6. The musicians practiced for hours to prepare themselves for the concert.
7. The volunteers cleaned up the park themselves.
8. The researchers conducted the experiment themselves to ensure accuracy.
9. The hikers set up the campsite by themselves before nightfall.
10. The families prepared themselves for the upcoming storm.
11. The actors prepared themselves backstage before the show began.
12. The friends treated themselves to a day at the spa.
13. The students are responsible for completing their projects by themselves.
14. The athletes motivated themselves before the championship game.
15. The siblings divided the chores among themselves to get them done faster.

Few More Examples:

1. The organizers thanked themselves for a job well done.
2. The children kept themselves entertained while waiting for their parents.
3. The chefs cooked the entire meal by themselves, without any help.
4. The athletes stretched to warm up themselves before the race.
5. The committee members decided to handle the issue by themselves.
6. The authors edited the manuscript themselves to perfect the draft.
7. The passengers made themselves comfortable on the long flight.
8. The dogs entertained themselves in the backyard.
9. The climbers secured themselves to the rock face for safety.
10. The group challenged themselves to finish the project early.
11. The dancers choreographed the performance by themselves.
12. The students divided themselves into teams for the project.
13. The designers tested the product by themselves before release.
14. The entrepreneurs funded the startup themselves instead of seeking investors.
15. The siblings cheered for themselves as they crossed the finish line together.

In each example, “themselves” is used reflexively, showing actions that reflect back on a plural subject. This structure can also convey a sense of independence, autonomy, or self-sufficiency, which is why it’s a powerful tool in both formal and informal language contexts.

Examples with “Themself” in Singular, Gender-Neutral Sentences

1. The student encouraged themself to keep studying for the exam.
2. Each traveler prepared themself for the journey ahead.
3. Someone should remind themself to bring an umbrella today.
4. The artist took themself to a museum for inspiration.
5. Every runner pushed themself to finish the race strong.
6. The customer thanked themself for choosing the healthier option.
7. The teacher taught themself a new method for the class project.
8. The musician dedicated themself to perfecting their performance.
9. A person might find themself lost in such a big city.
10. The scientist challenged themself to make a breakthrough.
11. The chef congratulated themself after finishing the challenging dish.
12. Each employee motivated themself to stay productive throughout the day.
13. The writer secluded themself to focus on completing the novel.
14. Someone might discover more about themself through travel.

More Examples:

1. The entrepreneur pushed themself to achieve new business goals.
2. A passenger seated by themself can find ways to pass the time.
3. The actor encouraged themself before stepping on stage.
4. The student reminded themself of their goals before the test.
5. A person learning a new skill has to push themself past challenges.
6. The volunteer reminded themself of the project’s impact.
7. The leader believed in themself and inspired the team.
8. Each participant should prepare themself for the competition.
9. The artist expressed themself through their work.
10. Anyone can surprise themself by taking on new challenges.
11. The climber secured themself before ascending the mountain.
12. Someone who explores new ideas often finds themself more inspired.
13. The caregiver took care of themself to stay healthy.
14. A person preparing for a presentation should focus on calming themself.
15. The explorer motivated themself to reach the summit.
16. Each candidate believes in themself as they pursue the position.

In these examples, “themself” serves as a reflexive pronoun that refers back to a singular, gender-neutral subject. This structure not only upholds inclusive language but also aligns with modern usage trends that support gender-neutral and non-binary identity expressions.

Contrast Examples

Sentence Using Themselves	Sentence Using Themself
“The group members checked on themselves.”	“The individual checked on themself.”
“The athletes practiced by themselves.”	“The runner practiced by themself.”
“The students taught themselves the material.”	“Each student taught themself the material.”

These examples illustrate how the choice between “themself” and “themselves” depends on context and reflects broader language evolution toward respectful communication.

Common Misconceptions and Mistakes

Can “Themself” Be Used for Two People?

No, “themself” is strictly singular and should not refer to multiple individuals. Using “themself” for a group is incorrect as it creates grammatical ambiguity.

Is “Themself” a Real Word?

Yes, “themself” is an accepted term, especially in modern inclusive language contexts. Dictionaries and linguistic authorities recognize “themself” as valid when referring to singular, gender-neutral pronouns.

When to Use “They Themselves”

“They themselves” is often used for emphasis, reinforcing that the action was performed independently or intentionally by the subject.

• Example: “They themselves handled the entire project.”

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Origins and Evolving Usage of “Themself” or “Themselves”

Historical Origins

“Themselves” has been used in English grammar since the 14th century, derived from Middle English structures. As language trends shift toward inclusivity, “themself” is becoming more mainstream, supported by current practices in respectful terminology.

Term	Origin	Modern Use
Themselves	14th-century English	Used in standard English for plural subjects.
Themself	First noted in the 15th century	Reintroduced as a neutral language option for inclusivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Use “Themselves” as Singular?

Using “themselves” as a singular pronoun is generally not standard; however, it’s sometimes seen in contexts where formal usage is prioritized over strict grammatical rules. While it’s more accurate to use “themself” in singular contexts, “themselves” may still be acceptable in non-specific usage.

Can I Use “Themselves” with “Everyone”?

Generally, yes. For instance, in “Everyone should enjoy themselves,” “themselves” remains plural due to English language rules governing indefinite pronouns like “everyone” and “everyone.”

Why Do Some People Refer to Themselves as “They”?

Using “they” as a gender-neutral pronoun allows individuals who identify as non-binary to represent their personal identity. This form is now widely accepted and used in both inclusive practices and formal contexts to respect individual choices.

What Can I Use Instead of “Themselves”?

Alternatives like “the individual,” “each person,” or specific names can replace “themselves” in situations where pronouns are unclear. Using clear language to avoid common misconceptions can help achieve sentence clarity

Conclusion

Both “themself” and “themselves” serve essential roles in today’s evolving language landscape. “Themselves” remains the correct form for plural contexts and traditional grammar rules, while “themself” provides a respectful, inclusive option for singular, non-binary references. By understanding these distinctions and adapting to language evolution, speakers and writers can communicate with clarity and respect for all personal identities.

This language shift isn’t just about rules but reflects a broader movement toward cultural awareness and respectful dialogue. Embracing this change enables everyone to foster inclusive discussions and build a more inclusive world through language structure and expression forms that respect individual choices.