Choosing between “themself” and “themselves” can be confusing, especially when they refers to one person. Both words work as reflexive pronouns, but their usage depends on the context, the number of people, and how singular they is being used. While “themselves” remains the more established form, “themself” also appears in modern English, particularly when they refers to a single person.
If you are wondering “themself or themselves—which is correct?”, you are not alone. The answer is more nuanced than simply saying one is singular and the other is plural. In this guide, we’ll explain the difference between themself and themselves, when to use each form, and provide clear examples to help you choose the right word.
⚡ Quick Answer
- Themselves is the more common and established reflexive pronoun.
- Use themselves when they refers to multiple people. 👥
- Themself can refer to one person when using singular they. 👤
- Themselves can also refer to one person after words like everyone, someone, or anyone.
- For a specific person using they/them, both forms may appear, depending on context and style.
- 👉 If you’re unsure, check your style guide and consider your audience.
📝 TL;DR
- 🔹 Plural people: They → themselves
- 🔹 One person + singular they: They → themself can work
- 🔹 Everyone/someone/anyone: themselves is widely used
- 🔹 Themself = singular reflexive use of they
- 🔹 Themselves = established plural reflexive form, also used in some singular constructions
- ⚠️ Themself is not simply “wrong.” Its acceptance varies by style and context.
- ✅ The best choice depends on who “they” refers to and the writing context.
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Themself or Themselves: Which Is Correct? 🤔
“Themselves” is the more established and widely used reflexive pronoun. We normally use it when they refers to more than one person, such as in “The students introduced themselves.” However, English also uses “themself” when they refers to one person in certain contexts.
So, is “themself” grammatically correct? Yes, it is a recognized form, although its acceptance and use can vary by style and context. If you are writing about a group, themselves is usually the natural choice. For one person using singular they, themself may be appropriate. The key is to look at what they refers to.
Themself vs. Themselves: What’s the Difference? 🔎
The main difference between themself and themselves comes from how they works in a sentence. Themselves traditionally refers to multiple people, while themself can refer to one person when using singular they. Still, the rule is not completely simple because themselves can also appear with singular indefinite words such as everyone or someone.
| Word | Common Use | Example |
| Themself | One person with singular they | Alex wants to be themself. |
| Themselves | More than one person | The players enjoyed themselves. |
| Themselves | Singular indefinite they | Everyone should be proud of themselves. |
Understanding the context will help you choose the better form.
What Does “Themself” Mean? 📖
Themself is a reflexive pronoun that can refer back to one person represented by singular they. It has become more common as singular they has gained wider use in modern English. For example, “Jordan wants to express themself” uses themself to refer back to Jordan.
You may also see themself in gender-neutral writing or when discussing a person whose pronouns are they/them. However, not every style guide treats the word in exactly the same way. This means writers should consider their audience and the style they follow before choosing it.
Examples of “Themself” in a Sentence ✍️
- Alex wants to be themself.
- The person should introduce themself.
- Someone can express themself freely.
- Jordan reminded themself to stay calm.
- Each person should be able to describe themself.
These examples show how themself can work when they refers to one person. The word acts as the reflexive form in the sentence. If you are using singular they and want a clearly singular reflexive form, themself can make that meaning easy to see. However, themselves can also work in some of these situations, especially with indefinite words such as someone or everyone.
What Does “Themselves” Mean? 👥
Themselves is the established reflexive form of they and has traditionally referred to more than one person. For example, “The children dressed themselves” clearly refers to a group. It can also add emphasis, as in “They completed the project themselves.”
Modern English also uses themselves with singular indefinite words. For example, “Everyone should take care of themselves” refers to each individual person while using a common gender-neutral construction. Because of this, it is not accurate to say that themselves always means several people. Its meaning depends on the antecedent and sentence.
Examples of “Themselves” in a Sentence ✍️
- The students introduced themselves.
- The children enjoyed themselves.
- They completed the task themselves.
- Everyone should believe in themselves.
- Someone should check themselves before leaving.
Notice that the first three examples clearly involve plural they. The last two use themselves with singular indefinite words. This is one reason why themself vs themselves can confuse learners. The best choice depends on whether the sentence refers to a group, a specific individual, or an indefinite person.
Can “Themselves” Refer to One Person? 👤
Yes. Themselves can refer to one person when the sentence uses a singular indefinite word such as everyone, someone, anyone, or nobody. For example, “Everyone should be proud of themselves” refers to each person in the group individually. English commonly uses this construction because it avoids assigning a gender to an unknown person.
This means themselves is not limited to clearly plural situations. If you see “someone should ask themselves,” the sentence does not necessarily refer to several people. It uses singular they with an established reflexive form. This is an important point when comparing themself or themselves.
When Should You Use “Themself”? ✅
Use themself when they clearly refers to one person and the context calls for a singular reflexive form. This can happen when a specific person uses they/them pronouns or when a writer wants the reflexive form to clearly match singular they.
For example, “Taylor reminded themself to call home” clearly treats Taylor as one person. However, themself usage can vary between speakers, dictionaries, and style guides. Some readers may prefer themselves, while others consider themself more natural for singular they. Always consider your audience, context, and writing style before making the final choice.
When Should You Use “Themselves”? 👥
Use themselves when they refers to multiple people. For example, “The teachers prepared themselves for the meeting” clearly refers to several teachers. This remains the most established use of the word.
You can also use themselves with singular indefinite words. For example, “Anyone can introduce themselves” is common and widely understood. If you are unsure whether themself will sound natural to your readers, themselves may be the safer choice in many forms of standard or formal English. The surrounding sentence should always guide your decision rather than relying on a simple singular-versus-plural rule.
Is “Themself” Grammatically Correct? 📚
Yes, themself is a recognized English word, but its status differs across dictionaries and style traditions. Merriam-Webster documents themself as a reflexive form connected with singular they, while Cambridge lists the word and labels it “not standard.” This difference explains why some writers accept it freely while others still prefer themselves.
So, calling themself completely wrong would be misleading. At the same time, calling it the only correct choice would also be inaccurate. The safest approach is to understand its purpose, check the expectations of your audience, and use the form that fits your sentence and style.
Why Is “Themself” Used With Singular “They”? 🧩
English uses singular they when they refers to one person. Once they has a singular meaning, writers may want a reflexive form that also clearly shows one person. That is where themself can fit.
The basic pattern looks like this:
- They — subject
- Them — object
- Their — possessive
- Theirs — possessive pronoun
- Themself — reflexive form
For example: “Sam said they would handle the task themself.” This structure makes it clear that Sam is one person. However, themselves can also appear in singular they constructions, especially with indefinite antecedents.
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Themself vs. Themselves Examples 📝
Examples make the difference much easier to understand. Look at these common sentences:
| Sentence | Form | Reason |
| The students introduced themselves. | Themselves | Students = plural |
| Alex introduced themself. | Themself | Alex = one person |
| Everyone introduced themselves. | Themselves | Indefinite singular |
| The players prepared themselves. | Themselves | Players = plural |
| Jordan reminded themself. | Themself | One person using singular they |
| Anyone can teach themselves. | Themselves | Indefinite person |
These examples show why the themself vs themselves difference depends on more than number. Always identify the word that they refers to before choosing the reflexive form.
Themself or Themselves in Formal Writing ✍️
In formal writing, choose the form that fits your style guide, audience, and sentence. Themselves remains the more established option, so it often feels safer in traditional academic or professional writing. However, themself may be appropriate when singular they refers to one specific person and the writer follows a style that accepts the form.
Do not automatically replace themself with themselves or assume that themself is incorrect. Instead, check the context. If your organization, publication, or school follows a specific style guide, follow its recommendation. Clear and consistent writing matters more than forcing one form into every sentence.
Common Mistakes With “Themself” and “Themselves” ⚠️
Many writers make the same mistakes when learning themself and themselves. The most common mistake involves treating themselves as a word that can only refer to several people. Modern English often uses it with singular indefinite words.
Another mistake involves assuming themself is always wrong. Its use has a recognized place in modern English, especially with singular they. Writers also sometimes forget to identify the antecedent before choosing a reflexive pronoun.
Keep these points in mind:
- ❌ Do not assume themselves always means plural.
- ❌ Do not assume themself is always incorrect.
- ✅ Check what they refers to.
- ✅ Consider your audience and style.
- ✅ Keep your usage consistent.
Quick Rule to Remember 🧠
Here is an easy way to remember the difference between themself or themselves:
- 👥 Plural they → themselves
The workers prepared themselves. - 👤 Singular they → themself or themselves, depending on context and style
Alex reminded themself. - 🔹 Singular indefinite words → themselves is widely used
Everyone should take care of themselves. - ✍️ Formal writing → follow your style guide and audience expectations.
The most important rule is to look at the context. Do not decide based only on the ending -self or -selves. English has developed flexible ways to use singular they, so both forms can appear in real writing.
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Frequently Asked Questions ❓
Is “themself” a real word?
Yes. Themself is a recognized English word and appears in major dictionaries. It commonly functions as a singular reflexive form of they. However, dictionaries and style traditions differ in how they describe its standardness.
Is “themself” singular or plural?
Themself is generally singular when it refers to one person through singular they. For example, “The person blamed themself” uses themself for one person.
Is “themselves” singular or plural?
Themselves traditionally functions as a plural reflexive pronoun, but English also uses it with singular indefinite words such as everyone and someone.
Can “themselves” refer to one person?
Yes. For example, “Everyone should be proud of themselves” refers to each person individually. This construction is common and widely understood.
Should I say “themself” or “themselves” for a nonbinary person?
Follow the person’s stated pronouns and preferred usage. Some people who use they/them pronouns may use themself, while others may prefer themselves. Do not assume one form applies to everyone.
What is the singular reflexive pronoun for “they”?
Both themself and themselves can appear with singular they, depending on the context and style. Themself more clearly marks a specific singular person, while themselves remains widely established.
Which is more common, “themself” or “themselves”?
Themselves is much more established and widely used. Themself has a more specific role and has gained attention alongside the modern use of singular they.
Conclusion 🎯
The choice between themself or themselves depends on context. Themselves remains the established reflexive form and works naturally with plural they as well as many singular indefinite constructions. Themself can work when singular they refers to one specific person and the writer wants a singular reflexive form.
The easiest approach is to identify what they refers to, then consider your audience and writing style. If you are writing about several people, themselves is the natural choice. For one person using singular they, themself may be appropriate. Most importantly, avoid thinking of the two forms as a simple “correct vs. incorrect” pair.
