Themselves vs. themself is a common English grammar question, but which form is correct? Themselves vs. themself depends on whether they refers to one person or multiple people, as well as the context and preferred writing style. Both forms are accepted with singular they, but they are not equally common in every situation.
- Themselves: The standard reflexive pronoun for plural they, also widely used with singular they.
- Themself: A singular reflexive form used when they refers to one person.
Understanding themselves vs. themself helps you choose the right form for clear, natural, and grammatically appropriate writing.
Themselves vs. Themself: Quick Answer
Use themselves when they refers to multiple people. You can also use it when they refers to one person.
Use themself when they refers to one person and a singular reflexive form suits the sentence. Some editors and style guides prefer one form over the other.
| Context | Example | Explanation |
| Plural they | The players congratulated themselves. | They refers to several players. |
| Singular they with themselves | Riley reminded themselves to call. | They refers to one person. |
| Singular they with themself | Riley reminded themself to call. | Themself emphasizes the singular reference. |
The key rule: A singular reference does not automatically require themself. Both forms can work with singular they, while themselves remains the usual choice for plural they.
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What Is the Difference Between Themselves and Themself?
The main difference is the number of people each form refers to in the sentence.
Themselves is traditionally the plural reflexive pronoun associated with they. It is also commonly used when they refers to one person, such as someone whose gender is unknown or someone who uses they/them pronouns.
Themself is a singular reflexive form. It can make the reference to one person more explicit.
Compare these examples:
- Plural: The employees introduced themselves at the meeting.
- Singular: The new employee introduced themselves at the meeting.
- Singular: The new employee introduced themself at the meeting.
The first sentence refers to several employees. The other two refer to one employee but use different reflexive forms.
Therefore, the distinction is not simply that one word is correct and the other is incorrect. Themselves has a broader established use, while themself specifically expresses a singular reflexive reference.
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Is “Themself” Grammatically Correct?
Yes. Themself is a recognized English word used as the reflexive form of singular they. Established dictionaries and style references recognize it, although some readers and editors prefer themselves.
For example:
- Anyone who wants to participate should introduce themself.
- Taylor reminded themself to check the appointment time.
- Each applicant should ask themself whether the role is suitable.
Each example refers to one person, making themself an appropriate option.
Some readers may find themself less familiar than themselves. However, unfamiliarity does not automatically make the word incorrect. If you are writing for a school, publication, or organization with specific editorial rules, check its style guide.
When to Use Themselves
Use themselves when the subject refers to multiple people and the action reflects back on them. You can also use it with singular they.
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Themselves With Plural They
When they refers to two or more people, themselves is the usual reflexive form.
Examples:
- The children dressed themselves before breakfast.
- The team members introduced themselves to the new manager.
- The guests served themselves from the buffet.
- The students challenged themselves to improve their writing.
- The neighbors organized themselves into small groups.
In each sentence, themselves refers back to a plural subject. Using themself in these examples would generally be unsuitable because the sentences refer to multiple people rather than one individual.
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Themselves With Singular They
Themselves can also refer to one person when that person uses they/them pronouns or when their gender is unknown or irrelevant.
Examples:
- Alex prepared themselves for the interview.
- The applicant described themselves as an experienced designer.
- If a customer needs help, they can introduce themselves to a staff member.
- Someone who needs assistance can ask for help themselves.
Although these sentences refer to individuals, themselves remains a common and accepted choice.
The Modern Language Association (MLA) explicitly recognizes both themselves and themself when referring to a person who uses singular they.
Choose themselves when it fits the writing style, the context, or the preference of the person being discussed.
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When to Use Themself
Use themself when they refers to one person and a singular reflexive form fits the sentence. It can be especially useful in sentences containing words such as anyone, someone, and each.
Themself for One Person
Consider these examples:
- Anyone who wants to improve should challenge themself.
- Each participant can introduce themself before the discussion.
- Someone should ask themself whether the decision is fair.
- Every applicant should prepare themself for the interview.
- The winner congratulated themself after the competition.
Each sentence focuses on one person at a time. Themself makes that individual reference explicit.
For example, “Each participant can introduce themself” considers participants individually rather than describing them as a group.
However, a singular meaning does not force you to use themself. Depending on the context and preferred style, themselves can also be appropriate.
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Themself With Singular They
You can also use themself when a specific person uses they/them pronouns.
Examples:
- Morgan reminded themself to submit the form.
- Casey taught themself how to use the software.
- Jordan gave themself enough time to prepare.
- Avery asked themself whether the plan was realistic.
In each sentence, themself refers back to one person.
When writing about someone, respect their pronouns and choose a reflexive form that fits the sentence. Both forms are recognized in singular-they usage, so neither choice is universally required.
Themselves vs. Themself Examples
Side-by-side examples make the difference easier to understand. Focus on whether the sentence refers to one person or multiple people.
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Examples of Themselves in Sentences
Plural reference
- The children entertained themselves during the trip.
- The employees introduced themselves to the new director.
- The players prepared themselves for the final match.
- The students taught themselves basic coding.
- The volunteers organized themselves into teams.
Singular reference
- Jamie reminded themselves to lock the door.
- The applicant described themselves as reliable and organized.
- If anyone calls, they should identify themselves.
- The customer allowed themselves extra time to complete the form.
- Taylor encouraged themselves to keep practicing.
The first group uses themselves with plural they. The second group uses it with singular they. Both uses occur in contemporary English.
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Examples of Themself in Sentences
These examples use themself to refer to one person.
- Jamie reminded themself to lock the door.
- Each student should give themself time to review.
- The applicant described themself as reliable and organized.
- If anyone calls, they should identify themself.
- Taylor encouraged themself to keep practicing.
In each example, themself refers to one individual. It is an option when a singular reflexive form suits the context.
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Examples With Singular They
Both forms can work in similar sentences when they refers to one person.
| With themselves | With themself |
| Alex taught themselves to cook. | Alex taught themself to cook. |
| Jordan reminded themselves about the meeting. | Jordan reminded themself about the meeting. |
| Each applicant should introduce themselves. | Each applicant should introduce themself. |
| The writer challenged themselves to improve. | The writer challenged themself to improve. |
The meaning remains essentially the same in each pair. The choice may depend on editorial preference, context, or the individual’s language preferences.
These alternatives do not mean the words are interchangeable in every sentence. When they clearly refers to multiple people, themselves is the usual reflexive form.
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Why Do Some Writers Use “Themself” Instead of “Themselves”?
Writers use themself because it explicitly marks a singular reference. This can be helpful when they refers to one person rather than a group.
English already distinguishes between myself and ourselves, as well as yourself and yourselves. With singular they, however, both themself and themselves are established options.
Consider this example:
“Each student should ask themself whether they understand the lesson.”
The word each focuses on individual students, so themself can make the singular reference feel consistent. Another writer might choose themselves in the same sentence because it is more familiar or matches a preferred style guide.
Singular they serves different purposes. It may refer to someone who uses they/them pronouns or to a person whose gender is unknown or irrelevant. Writers can choose the reflexive form that fits the context and the conventions they follow.
Neither form reflects a person’s intelligence or writing ability. The goal is clear, respectful, and consistent communication.
Themselves vs. Themself in Formal and Academic Writing
Both forms can appear in formal writing, but the best choice depends on the publication’s guidelines and the sentence’s meaning.
The Chicago Manual of Style recognizes themself as an option for singular they and also allows themselves in relevant constructions. The MLA likewise gives both forms as options when referring to an individual who uses they/them pronouns.
For academic papers, professional reports, and editorial work, follow these guidelines:
- Check the style guide. A university, journal, publisher, or employer may specify a preferred form.
- Respect personal pronouns. Use the pronouns the individual uses, including they where appropriate.
- Maintain consistency. Avoid switching between forms without a reason.
- Prioritize clarity. Make sure readers can identify the person or group the pronoun refers to.
- Follow the required convention. Do not assume one form is universally more formal.
For example, if a journal prefers themselves, write, “Each researcher should describe themselves in the application.” If its guidelines favor themself for singular reference, write, “Each researcher should describe themself in the application.”
Both sentences are understandable. The relevant editorial policy determines which form to use.
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Common Mistakes When Using Themselves and Themself
Writers can avoid common errors by considering the intended reference instead of relying on a simple singular-versus-plural rule.
Assuming “Themself” Is Always Wrong
Themself is a recognized English word. It is not automatically incorrect because some readers find it unfamiliar.
Better approach: Use it when a singular reflexive form suits the context and the relevant style guide permits it.
Assuming Singular “They” Must Take “Themself”
A singular subject does not automatically require themself. Themselves is also widely used with singular they.
Better approach: Consider both forms, then follow the relevant style guide or personal preference.
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Using “Themself” for Multiple People
When they refers to several people, themselves is the usual reflexive pronoun.
- Usual: The players congratulated themselves.
- Generally unsuitable: The players congratulated themself.
Better approach: Check whether the subject refers to one person or more than one.
Ignoring Words Such as “Each” and “Anyone”
Words such as each, everyone, and anyone are grammatically singular, even when they refer to people whose gender is unknown. Writers may use themself or themselves in relevant singular-they constructions.
Better approach: Consider the intended meaning and choose a form accepted by the applicable style guide.
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Switching Between Forms Without a Reason
Using themself in one sentence and themselves in the next may distract readers if the context and editorial preference have not changed.
Better approach: Choose a consistent approach for the document unless a person’s preference or a particular sentence gives you a reason to use another form.
How to Choose Between Themselves and Themself
Use these steps to select the form that fits your sentence:
- Identify the reference. Does they refer to several people or one person?
- For multiple people, use themselves. This is the usual plural reflexive form.
- For one person, consider both forms. Themself marks the singular reference, while themselves is also widely used.
- Check the writing context. Academic and professional publications may have specific preferences.
- Respect personal pronouns and prioritize clarity. Choose language that represents the person accurately and consistently.
For example:
- “The teachers prepared themselves.” — The sentence refers to multiple teachers.
- “The teacher prepared themselves.” — The sentence refers to one person and uses the widely accepted singular form.
- “The teacher prepared themself.” — The sentence refers to one person and uses the singular reflexive form.
The simplest rule is to use themselves for plural they. When they refers to one person, either themselves or themself may be appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I use “themself” in professional emails?
Yes. You can use themself when referring to one person with singular they. However, check your workplace’s style guidelines if it has a preferred form.
Q2. Is “themself” appropriate when someone’s gender is unknown?
Yes. Themself can refer to a person whose gender is unknown or irrelevant. Themselves is also widely used in this context.
Q3. Can “themselves” refer to a nonbinary person?
Yes. If a nonbinary person uses they/them pronouns, you can use themselves or themself as appropriate. Respect the person’s pronouns and follow any relevant style guidelines.
Q4. Should I use “themself” after “everyone” or “anyone”?
You can use themself when everyone or anyone refers to an individual whose gender is unknown or unspecified. Themselves is also possible in relevant singular-they constructions.
Q5. Is “theirselves” correct English?
Theirselves occurs in some regional and informal varieties of English, but it is not the standard form expected in most formal writing. Use themselves for plural they or in an accepted singular-they construction.
Q6. Do “themself” and “themselves” have different meanings?
They generally express the same reflexive relationship. The main distinction is that themself explicitly takes a singular form, while themselves is the standard plural form and is also widely used with singular they.
Conclusion
Choose themselves when they refers to multiple people. When they refers to one person, both themselves and themself can be correct. The best choice depends on the context, personal pronouns, and any applicable style guidelines.
For formal writing, check your publication’s preferred usage and apply it consistently. If no specific rule applies, choose the form that makes your meaning clear and respects the person you’re discussing.