Key Takeaways
- Reflexive pronouns are used to refer back to the subject in a sentence.
- “Themself” is used in singular contexts and promotes inclusivity and gender-neutrality.
- “Themselves” is used in plural contexts and in formal writing.
What Are Pronouns?
For avoid repetitive sentences, you should use pronouns. They are essential for making your writing smoother and easier to understand.
When you use pronouns, you can refer back to a noun without constantly repeating it, which helps improve the flow and readability of your text.
There are different types of pronouns, such as personal pronouns like ‘he,’ ‘she,’ ‘they,’ and ‘it,’ possessive pronouns like ‘her,’ ‘his,’ ‘our,’ and ‘their,’ and demonstrative pronouns like ‘this‘ and ‘those‘.
Remember, using gender-neutral pronouns is important for promoting inclusivity and showing respect to all individuals.
Opting for gender-neutral language creates an environment where everyone feels recognized and appreciated in communication.
What are Reflexive Pronouns?
You use reflexive pronouns when you want to refer back to the subject of the sentence. These pronouns are created by adding -self or -selves to personal pronouns.
When you see reflexive pronouns, it means the subject is also the object, showing that the subject is performing an action on itself.
For example, in the sentence ‘She prepared herself for the presentation,’ ‘herself‘ refers back to ‘she,’ highlighting that she did the preparation herself.
Using reflexive pronouns makes the sentence clearer and adds emphasis to the action.
The way language has changed over time has affected how reflexive pronouns are used.
In modern English, these pronouns are included to indicate actions or states of being that involve the subject itself.
Difference Between ‘Themself’ and ‘Themselves’
The key difference between ‘themself‘ and ‘themselves‘ lies in how you’re using them in your writing.
‘Themself‘ is usually used as a singular gender-neutral pronoun, while ‘themselves’ is more for talking about multiple people.
For example, if you’re talking about one person reflecting on their own thoughts, you’d use ‘themself’ to emphasize that it’s just one person we’re talking about.
On the other hand, if a group of friends got together and each did their own thing, you’d say they expressed themselves individually.
In that case, you’d use ‘themselves’ because it’s about a bunch of people, not just one.
Usage in Singular and Plural Contexts
Understanding when to apply gender-neutral singular pronouns like singular ‘they’ in both singular and plural contexts is crucial for effective and inclusive communication.
You should consider using singular ‘they’ in situations where you are unsure of an individual’s gender or when someone chooses not to share their gender identity.
For instance, if a student asks you to use they/them pronouns for them, it shows that you respect their identity.
Similarly, in group settings, using ‘they’ as a gender-neutral pronoun helps foster an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels appreciated and valued for who they are.
Embracing gender-neutral language by using singular ‘they’ promotes diversity and ensures that every individual is acknowledged and listened to.
Grammatical Correctness
To ensure you’re using pronouns correctly, you need to dive into the historical journey of language and how pronoun standards have evolved over the years.
Pronouns are essential for replacing nouns to avoid repeating yourself and keep the conversation flowing smoothly.
In English, pronouns have come a long way from Old English, where inflections were a big deal compared to modern English.
As society changed, so did pronoun standards to be more inclusive.
Now, inclusive language practices even involve using gender-neutral pronouns to show respect for those who don’t fit into traditional gender categories.
This shift highlights how language can adapt and change with the times.
Acceptability in Standard English
In terms of using singular ‘they’ and other gender-neutral terms in standard English, you might be surprised by who’s weighing in.
From big-name American poets and writers to major newspapers, this topic has caught the eye of some heavy hitters.
Take, for example, the well-known author Roxane Gay.
She’s all about pushing for gender-neutral pronouns in literature as a way to be more inclusive.
Even the Associated Press style guide is hopping on the ‘they’ train in certain cases, showing a trend towards more forward-thinking language standards.
And it’s not just them – platforms like LinkedIn are now offering gender-neutral pronoun options, showing a broader acceptance of different gender identities.
Despite some initial debates, the fact that these inclusive pronouns are becoming more common reflects a growing understanding of how important it is to respect people’s gender identities and represent them accurately through language.
When Is ‘Themself’ Used?
You’ve probably heard of ‘themself’ popping up as an alternative to ‘themselves’ back in September 2019, especially in situations where folks prefer a singular gender-neutral pronoun.
When people start using ‘themself,’ it’s all about showing that shift towards inclusivity and respect for those who don’t fit into the traditional gender categories.
It’s a way to recognize and validate someone’s identity without assuming anything based on gender.
Take this for example: Instead of the usual ‘Each person should be true to themselves,’ you might hear folks saying ‘Each person should be true to themself‘ now.
It’s a small tweak, but it helps create a more inclusive and friendly vibe in our everyday conversations.
So, embracing ‘themself’ in our language reflects how society is growing and becoming more accepting of diverse gender identities.
Inclusive Language
If you want to be with the times and be inclusive, you gotta hop on board with the push for using gender-neutral pronouns like ‘themself’.
This whole movement has been gaining traction thanks to folks on Twitter and other platforms, who are all about creating a more accepting and integrated world.
The way things are heading, it’s all about showing respect and inclusivity by using ‘themself’ instead of sticking to traditional gender-specific pronouns.
It’s a small change that can make a big impact in acknowledging and respecting individuals who don’t fit into those old-school gender norms.
When you start using ‘themself’ in your everyday conversations, you’re not just speaking the language – you’re showing that you value and support people across the gender spectrum.
It’s all about making everyone feel seen and accepted.
And hey, this whole movement isn’t just a small thing – influential figures like authors, educators, and activists are all about pushing for this linguistic evolution and encouraging the use of gender-neutral pronouns like ‘themself’.
Gender-Neutral Language
In terms of language, you’ve probably noticed the shift towards using gender-neutral terms like ‘themself,’ which has been acknowledged by sources like the Cambridge dictionary.
This change is all about being inclusive of diverse gender identities.
These updates in language are a reflection of a larger societal awareness about the importance of inclusive communication.
By choosing ‘themself’ over gender-specific pronouns, you’re showing that you value and respect all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.
This linguistic shift isn’t just about equality—it’s also about creating a more welcoming and respectful way of talking to each other.
The fact that gender-neutral language norms are becoming more common highlights a growing understanding of how language can help foster inclusivity and acceptance in today’s society.
It’s all about being mindful of how we communicate and making sure everyone feels seen and respected.
When Is ‘Themselves’ Used?
When you use “themselves,” you’re actually referring to multiple individuals or entities, giving them a sense of collective identity.
This plural pronoun helps create a smoother flow in sentences, especially when talking about a group of people or organizations.
For example, when a team clinches a championship, they often celebrate together, showing their unity.
Similarly, in a corporate environment, employees might motivate each other to reach shared objectives.
By incorporating “themselves” in these situations, the spotlight shifts to group dynamics and interactions rather than individual efforts.
This sheds light on the group’s behaviors and relationships, painting a clearer picture of how they operate together.
In Reference to Multiple People
You should know that ‘Themselves‘ is approved by style guides like The Associated Press for referring to multiple people.
This helps in keeping your writing consistent and sticking to established standards.
Using ‘themselves’ as a pronoun for plural references is an easy yet powerful way to keep your writing clear and professional.
Following the AP style, it’s best to use ‘themselves’ when talking about groups of individuals.
This practice is evident in many respected sources, emphasizing the importance of following established language conventions.
By embracing this recommended approach, you show a dedication to accuracy and precision, which are crucial for effective communication.
In Formal Writing
In informal writing, you should pay attention to style guides like the Chicago Manual of Style to figure out when to use ‘themselves’ correctly for good grammar.
When you see ‘themselves’ in your writing, it’s usually acting as a reflexive or intensive pronoun.
This means it shows the subject of the sentence performing an action on themselves. It helps to emphasize or clarify the sentence.
For instance, you could say, ‘The students presented themselves at the meeting’ or ‘They need to take care of themselves first.’
Knowing when to use ‘themselves’ makes sure your writing stays accurate and follows the formal grammar and style rules.
Which is More Commonly Used?
The prevalence of ‘themselves’ over ‘themself’ in contemporary usage reflects how pronouns and language norms have changed over time.
You might notice that more people are using ‘themselves’ instead of ‘themself’ these days.
This shift is all about how language evolves as societies become more interconnected and diverse.
‘Themselves’ is often the go-to choice because it’s seen as a plural form that can include all kinds of identities and groups.
On the other hand, ‘themself’ might sound more like it’s referring to just one person.
This choice of ‘themselves’ fits in with the trend of using more inclusive and gender-neutral language.
Basically, the preference for ‘themselves’ shows how we’re moving towards being more careful and aware of language in our modern communication.
How Can You Choose Between ‘Themself’ and ‘Themselves’?
When choosing between ‘themself’ and ‘themselves’, you need to think about the context, grammatical rules, and following style guide recommendations.
To pick the right pronoun, consider the sentence’s context.
If you’re talking about one person, go with ‘themself’. But if you’re referring to multiple people or in a plural situation, use ‘themselves’.
It’s important to stick to language conventions for clear and effective communication.
By following these guidelines, you can make sure your message is accurate and coherent, boosting the quality of your writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ‘themself’ and ‘themselves’?
The main difference between ‘themself’ and ‘themselves’ is their usage. ‘Themself’ is a singular reflexive pronoun used to refer to one person, while ‘themselves’ is a plural reflexive pronoun used to refer to a group of people.
Can ‘themself’ be used instead of ‘themselves’ in all situations?
No, ‘themself’ is not widely accepted in formal writing and tends to be used more in informal or colloquial speech. ‘Themselves’ is the preferred pronoun in most cases, especially in formal writing and academic contexts.
Is ‘themself’ considered proper grammar?
‘Themself’ is often considered non-standard or dialectal, but it is becoming more accepted and has been recognized as a legitimate word by some dictionaries. However, it is still important to use ‘themselves’ in most formal situations to avoid potential confusion or judgment.
Can ‘themself’ and ‘themselves’ be used interchangeably?
In some cases, yes. However, as mentioned before, ‘themself’ is not considered standard English and may be viewed as incorrect or informal in certain contexts. It is best to use ‘themselves’ to avoid any confusion or criticism.
Are there any other singular reflexive pronouns besides ‘themself’?
Yes, ‘themself’ is not the only option for a singular reflexive pronoun. Some people may also use ‘himself/herself’ or ‘self’ in singular contexts, depending on personal preference or regional dialects. However, ‘themself’ is gaining more recognition and is becoming a more inclusive option.
Are there any exceptions to using ‘themselves’ as a plural reflexive pronoun?
Yes, there are a few exceptions in specific situations. For example, when referring to non-binary or gender-neutral individuals, ‘themself’ can be used as a singular pronoun. Additionally, in some dialects, ‘themselves’ may be used as a singular reflexive pronoun. However, in most cases, ‘themselves’ should still be used as a plural pronoun.
