Key Takeaways
- Themselves” is the correct spelling and usage in standard English, while “theirselves” is considered non-standard and should be avoided in formal writing.
- Themselves” is a reflexive pronoun used to refer to the object of a sentence, while “theirselves” is a non-standard variant that is not recognized in standard English grammar.
- Examples: They found themselves lost in the woods. (correct) They found theirselves lost in the woods. (incorrect)
What is the Difference Between “Themselves” and “Theirselves”?
The distinction between ‘themselves‘ and ‘theirselves‘ is primarily based on their usage and acceptance in the English language.
‘Themselves‘ serves as the standard reflexive pronoun employed in singular and plural settings.
On the other hand, ‘theirselves’ is viewed as non-standard and is frequently identified as erroneous in professional and academic written communication.
What is the Definition of “Themselves”?
The term ‘themselves’ is considered a reflexive pronoun in the English language, serving to refer back to the subject of a sentence or clause.
This versatile pronoun plays a crucial role in sentence structure by placing emphasis on the subject performing an action on themselves.
For instance, in the sentence ‘They prepared the meal themselves,’ the use of ‘themselves’ reflects back to ‘they‘ as the doers of the action.
Additionally, it can indicate reciprocity, as seen in ‘They hugged each other,’ where ‘each other‘ serves as a synonym for ‘themselves’.
‘Themselves’ finds common application in various contexts to highlight independence, self-reliance, or self-action, making it a valuable component in the expression of the English language.
What is the Definition of “Theirselves”?
The term ‘theirselves’ is a non-standard reflexive pronoun that is often considered incorrect in formal and professional writing.
When individuals use ‘theirselves’, it is generally viewed as a grammatical error because the correct reflexive pronoun is ‘themselves.’
For example, a more standard way to convey ‘They should be proud of themselves’ would be ‘They should be proud of themselves’ rather than ‘They should be proud of theirselves.’
Despite its incorrect usage, ‘theirselves’ does appear in certain dialects and regions.
It is more frequently encountered in colloquial speech or informal writing rather than in academic or professional settings.
Is “Theirselves” a Real Word?
In some dictionaries and according to language experts, “theirselves” is acknowledged as a legitimate word.
However, it is generally viewed as non-standard and incorrect by prescriptivist grammarians.
The ongoing debate between prescriptivist and relativist perspectives regarding the word “theirselves” centers on the idea of linguistic evolution and the acceptance of language variations.
Relativists argue that language is dynamic and reflects the usage patterns of its speakers, embracing “theirselves” as a valid colloquial form.
This viewpoint contrasts with the prescriptivist position, which emphasizes strict adherence to grammatical rules and standards.
While considered inappropriate for formal writing, “theirselves” has gained more recognition in everyday communication, resulting in its inclusion in some contemporary dictionaries and word processors.
When Should You Use “Themselves”?
When referring back to the subject of a sentence, it is recommended to use ‘themselves’ to accentuate that the action is carried out by the same individuals or entities.
This use of ‘themselves’ serves to eliminate ambiguity in writing, offering clarity and strengthening the relationship between the subject and the action.
For instance, in a professional report, it is advisable to write ‘The employees took it upon themselves to complete the project‘ to emphasize that the employees, who are the subject, independently finalized the project.
Likewise, in academic writing, a sentence such as ‘The students motivated themselves to excel in their studies‘ indicates that the students themselves were the driving force behind their academic achievements.
When Should You Use “Theirselves”?
‘Theirselves’ is typically used in non-standard dialects and should be avoided in formal writing as it is considered incorrect.
Using ‘theirselves’ instead of ‘themselves’ can primarily be seen in informal speech or writing, often as a result of regional dialects or lack of formal education.
It is important to note that ‘theirselves’ is not standard English and can be considered grammatically incorrect.
In formal contexts such as academic papers, professional emails, or business communications, it is crucial to adhere to proper grammar rules to maintain clarity and professionalism.
By using ‘themselves’ instead of ‘theirselves’, individuals can ensure that their writing is grammatically correct and effectively communicates their intended message.
What is the Origin of “Themselves” and “Theirselves”?
The origin of ‘themselves’ and ‘theirselves’ can be traced back to the development of reflexive pronouns in the English language, with ‘themselves’ being the historically accepted form and ‘theirselves’ emerging later as a non-standard variant.
Over time, the evolution of reflexive pronouns has been influenced by renowned grammarians like Fowler, who played a significant role in standardizing language usage.
Fowler advocated for the consistent use of ‘themselves’ over ‘theirselves’ to align with established grammatical norms.
Through the centuries, these terms have undergone subtle shifts in perception and acceptance, with ‘themselves’ firmly entrenched as the correct form in modern English usage.
The journey of reflexive pronouns reflects not only linguistic changes but also influences from language authorities striving to maintain clarity and coherence in communication.
What is the Correct SpellingThemselves” or “Theirselves”?
In standard English, the correct spelling is ‘themselves’, while ‘theirselves’ is considered non-standard and inappropriate for formal writing.
Using ‘theirselves’ can create confusion as it is a nonstandard and informal variant of ‘themselves’.
For example, if one were to write ‘The students should do theirselves homework,’ it would be incorrect.
Instead, the proper usage would be ‘The students should do themselves homework.’
The reflexive pronoun ‘themselves’ is employed when the subject and object of a sentence refer to the same person or people, indicating the action directly affecting them.
This differentiation is essential because ‘theirselves’ does not conform to standard grammatical conventions.
What are Some Examples of Using “Themselves” and “Theirselves” in a Sentence?
Examples of using ‘themselves’ and ‘theirselves’ in sentences can help illustrate the correct and incorrect usage of these reflexive pronouns.
Examples of Using “Themselves”
An example of using ‘themselves’ correctly isYou can prepare yourself for the upcoming exam by studying diligently.”
Another instance where you need to rely on yourself is when facing challenges at work.
You may find that you must motivate yourself to meet deadlines and complete tasks efficiently.
Parents frequently remind their children to believe in themselves and their abilities when taking on new responsibilities.
Athletes also push themselves beyond their limits during intense training sessions to achieve optimal performance.
In each of these scenarios, ‘themselves’ is essential in emphasizing self-reliance and self-motivation.
Examples of Using “Theirselves”
One should avoid using the non-standard term ‘theirselves,’ as it is considered incorrect in formal writing.
For example, the sentence “They prepared theirselves for the upcoming trip” is not appropriate according to standard English usage.
In standard English, it is essential to use the correct reflexive pronouns.
For instance, the proper reflexive pronoun to use when referring to a group of people preparing for an event is “themselves.”
An incorrect use of ‘theirselves’ could be seen in a sentence like “She wanted to handle the situation all by theirselves,” where ‘theirselves’ should be replaced with ‘themselves’.
To maintain clarity and grammatical accuracy in writing, one should avoid using ‘theirselves’ in sentences such as “He always believes in theirselves,” where the correct form should be ‘himself.’
Correct usage of reflexive pronouns is essential for effective communication in writing.
Are There Any Other Words Similar to “Themselves” and “Theirselves”?
Other words similar to ‘themselves’ and ‘theirselves’ include reflexive pronouns like ‘himself’, ‘herself’, ‘yourself’, and ‘itself’, which also refer back to the subject of the sentence.
Reflexive pronouns are utilized when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same person or thing, highlighting the action done by the subject to itself.
For instance, ‘He hurt himself during the game.’
In contrast, intensive pronouns, such as ‘himself’, ‘herself’, ‘yourself’, and ‘itself’, are employed to emphasize a preceding noun or pronoun in a sentence.
An example could be ‘She herself completed the project.’
The primary distinction between reflexive and intensive pronouns lies in their functions within a sentence structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ‘theirselves’ and ‘themselves’?
Both ‘theirselves’ and ‘themselves’ are forms of the reflexive pronoun ‘themselves’, which is used when the object of a sentence is the same as the subject. However, ‘theirselves’ is considered non-standard and is not commonly used in standard English.
Is ‘theirselves’ ever considered correct usage?
No, ‘theirselves’ is not considered correct usage in standard English. It is often used in colloquial or nonstandard dialects, but it is not accepted in formal writing or speech.
Why do some people use ‘theirselves’ instead of ‘themselves’?
In some dialects or informal speech, ‘theirselves’ may be used as a colloquial or regional variation of ‘themselves’. It is also possible that some people simply make a mistake and use ‘theirselves’ due to its similarity to other possessive pronoun forms like ‘theirs’ or ‘myself’.
Can ‘theirselves’ be used in any specific situations?
No, ‘theirselves’ should not be used in any specific situations. It is considered non-standard and should be avoided in all formal or professional settings.
Are there any similar words to ‘theirselves’?
Yes, there are similar words like ‘ourselves’, ‘yourselves’, and ‘himself/herself/itself’. These are all forms of the reflexive pronoun ‘self’ and are used in similar contexts as ‘themselves’.
What is the proper way to use ‘themselves’ in a sentence?
‘Themselves’ should be used when the object of the sentence is the same as the subject, and it refers to a group of people or things. For example: “They should be proud of themselves.” It can also be used as an intensive pronoun to emphasize the subject, as in “They themselves completed the project.”
