Themselves Or Themself

Understanding the nuances of language is crucial for effective communication. One such nuance is the use of "themselves" or "themself." These pronouns are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct contexts and implications. This blog post delves into the differences between "themselves" and "themself," providing clarity on when and how to use each correctly.

Understanding Pronouns: The Basics

Pronouns are essential components of language that replace nouns to avoid repetition. They can refer to people, places, things, or ideas. Common pronouns include "he," "she," "it," "they," "him," "her," "them," and their reflexive forms like "himself," "herself," and "themselves."

The Evolution of Pronouns

Language is dynamic and evolves over time to reflect societal changes. One significant evolution is the use of gender-neutral pronouns. Traditionally, English relied heavily on binary pronouns like "he" and "she." However, the need for inclusivity has led to the adoption of gender-neutral pronouns such as "they" and "them."

Reflexive pronouns, which refer back to the subject of the sentence, have also evolved. The reflexive form of "they" can be either "themselves" or "themself." Understanding when to use each is key to clear and respectful communication.

When to Use "Themselves"

"Themselves" is the traditional reflexive pronoun used with plural subjects. It is appropriate when referring to multiple individuals or a singular subject that is plural in nature, such as a group or organization.

For example:

"The students completed their assignments themselves."
"The team celebrated their victory themselves."

In these examples, "themselves" is used correctly because the subjects ("the students" and "the team") are plural.

When to Use "Themself"

"Themself" is a gender-neutral reflexive pronoun used with singular subjects who prefer non-binary pronouns. It is a relatively new addition to the English language and is gaining acceptance in inclusive language practices.

For example:

"Alex completed their assignment themself."
"Taylor enjoys spending time alone, themself."

In these examples, "themself" is used correctly because the subjects ("Alex" and "Taylor") are singular and use non-binary pronouns.

Common Misconceptions

There are several misconceptions surrounding the use of "themselves" or "themself." One common misconception is that "themself" is grammatically incorrect. While it may not be as widely accepted as "themselves," it is grammatically correct and increasingly recognized in inclusive language guidelines.

Another misconception is that "themself" should only be used in formal or academic writing. In reality, "themself" can be used in any context where inclusivity and respect for non-binary individuals are prioritized.

Inclusive Language Practices

Inclusive language practices aim to create a more welcoming and respectful environment for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity. Using "themselves" or "themself" appropriately is one way to promote inclusivity.

Here are some tips for using inclusive language:

Ask for Pronouns: When meeting someone new, ask for their preferred pronouns. This shows respect and understanding.
Use Gender-Neutral Language: Avoid gendered language unless it is necessary. For example, use "they" instead of "he or she."
Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest developments in inclusive language practices. This will help you stay current and respectful.

By following these tips, you can create a more inclusive and respectful environment for everyone.

Examples in Context

To further illustrate the use of "themselves" or "themself," let's look at some examples in different contexts.

Workplace:

"The employees completed the project themselves, exceeding the deadline."
"Jamie presented their findings themself, impressing the entire team."

Education:

"The students studied for the exam themselves, achieving high scores."
"Pat completed their homework themself, earning an A."

Social Settings:

"The friends planned the trip themselves, ensuring a memorable experience."
"Sam enjoyed the concert themself, despite attending alone."

In each of these contexts, the choice between "themselves" and "themself" depends on the subject's number and preferred pronouns.

Challenges and Considerations

While using "themselves" or "themself" correctly is important, it can also present challenges. One challenge is the lack of widespread acceptance of "themself." Some people may still view it as grammatically incorrect or unfamiliar. However, as inclusive language practices become more prevalent, this acceptance is likely to grow.

Another consideration is the potential for confusion. Using "themself" in a context where "themselves" is expected can lead to misunderstandings. It is essential to be clear and consistent in your language use to avoid confusion.

Table: Pronouns and Their Reflexive Forms

Pronoun	Reflexive Form
He	Himself
She	Herself
They	Themselves or Themself
It	Itself

This table provides a quick reference for the reflexive forms of common pronouns. It highlights the flexibility of "they" and "them," which can be used with both "themselves" and "themself."

📝 Note: Always prioritize the individual's preferred pronouns. If unsure, it is better to ask politely than to assume.

In conclusion, understanding the differences between “themselves” and “themself” is essential for effective and respectful communication. By using these pronouns correctly, you can promote inclusivity and create a more welcoming environment for all individuals. Whether in the workplace, educational settings, or social contexts, the choice between “themselves” and “themself” depends on the subject’s number and preferred pronouns. Embracing inclusive language practices not only enhances communication but also fosters a culture of respect and understanding.

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