Are you often confused about using “theirselves” and “themselves” interchangeably? Do you wonder if there is a difference between the two words? In this article, we will explore the proper use of these two words and help you understand the difference between them.
It is important to note that “theirselves” is not a proper word in the English language. The correct word to use is “themselves”. “Themselves” is a reflexive pronoun that refers back to the subject of the sentence. It is used when the subject and object of the sentence are the same.
For example: “They enjoyed themselves at the party.”
“Theirselves” is not recognized as a word in standard English, and using it may be considered incorrect. It is a nonstandard form of “themselves” that is occasionally used in some dialects and informal speech.
It is important to note that using “theirselves” instead of “themselves” may result in confusion or misunderstandings in formal writing or communication.
In the following sections, we will explore the proper use of “themselves” and provide examples to help you understand the correct usage of this word.
Define Theirselves
The word “theirselves” is a non-standard dialectal variation of the reflexive pronoun “themselves”. It is not recognized as a standard English word and is considered grammatically incorrect. The use of “theirselves” is often seen in informal speech and writing, but it is not recommended for use in formal or professional settings.
Define Themselves
“Themselves” is a reflexive pronoun that refers to the same people or things as the subject of the sentence. It is used when the subject and the object of the sentence are the same. For example, in the sentence “They are teaching themselves how to code,” “themselves” refers to the same group of people as the subject “they”. “Themselves” is a standard English word and is commonly used in both written and spoken language.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the correct pronoun in a sentence can make a big difference in how the sentence is understood. The words “theirselves” and “themselves” are often confused and misused, but with a little guidance, you can learn how to use them properly.
How To Use Theirselves In A Sentence
The word “theirselves” is not considered a standard word in the English language. It is actually a nonstandard reflexive pronoun that is not recognized by most dictionaries. Instead, the correct word to use in its place is “themselves.”
However, in some dialects and informal speech, “theirselves” is still used. If you choose to use it, it is important to note that it is considered nonstandard and may be viewed as incorrect in formal writing or speech.
How To Use Themselves In A Sentence
The word “themselves” is a reflexive pronoun that is used when the subject and object of a sentence are the same. It is used to refer to a group of people or things previously mentioned in the sentence.
For example:
- “The students completed the project themselves.”
- “The birds built the nest themselves.”
When using “themselves,” it is important to ensure that the subject and object of the sentence are the same. Using “themselves” instead of “them” can add emphasis to the fact that the group completed the action on their own.
Overall, it is important to use the correct pronoun in a sentence to avoid confusion and ensure that your message is clear. While “theirselves” may be used in some dialects or informal speech, it is not considered standard English and should be avoided in formal writing or speech.
More Examples Of Theirselves & Themselves Used In Sentences
Understanding the proper use of pronouns is essential in effective communication. In this section, we will provide more examples of how to use “theirselves” and “themselves” correctly in a sentence.
Examples Of Using Theirselves In A Sentence
- They need to learn to rely on theirselves.
- Many people mistakenly believe that theirselves is a proper pronoun.
- Their success depends on theirselves.
- They often blame theirselves for their failures.
- It is important for individuals to take care of theirselves.
- They need to learn to love and accept theirselves.
- They should be proud of theirselves for their accomplishments.
- They need to be true to theirselves.
- They should never doubt theirselves.
- They need to take responsibility for theirselves.
Examples Of Using Themselves In A Sentence
- They need to learn to rely on themselves.
- Many people mistakenly believe that themselves is the only proper pronoun.
- Their success depends on themselves.
- They often blame themselves for their failures.
- It is important for individuals to take care of themselves.
- They need to learn to love and accept themselves.
- They should be proud of themselves for their accomplishments.
- They need to be true to themselves.
- They should never doubt themselves.
- They need to take responsibility for themselves.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using pronouns, it’s important to use them correctly to avoid confusing your readers. One common mistake that people make is using “theirselves” instead of “themselves.” Here are some reasons why this mistake is incorrect:
- It’s not a word: While “themselves” is a legitimate word, “theirselves” is not recognized by most dictionaries.
- It’s redundant: “Theirselves” is unnecessary because “themselves” already indicates possession.
- It’s grammatically incorrect: Using “theirselves” instead of “themselves” can result in awkward or incorrect sentence structure.
So how can you avoid making this mistake in the future? Here are some tips:
- Learn the correct pronoun: Make sure you know which pronoun to use in different situations. For example, “themselves” is the correct reflexive pronoun for the third-person plural.
- Proofread your writing: Take the time to read over your writing and check for any instances of “theirselves.” If you’re not sure, look up the correct pronoun to use.
- Practice using the correct pronoun: The more you use “themselves” instead of “theirselves,” the easier it will become.
Context Matters
Choosing between theirselves and themselves can be a tricky decision, as it often depends on the context in which they are used. In some cases, the two words can be used interchangeably, while in others, using one over the other can change the meaning of the sentence entirely.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Let’s take a look at some different contexts and how the choice between theirselves and themselves might change:
| Context | Example Sentence | Correct Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Reflexive Pronoun | They hurt themselves while playing soccer. | Themselves is the correct choice here, as it is a reflexive pronoun used to refer back to the subject of the sentence. |
| Emphasis on Possession | The book is theirselves, not mine. | Theirselves is incorrect here, as it is not a valid pronoun. Themselves should be used instead to emphasize possession. |
| Informal Speech | They always talk about theirselves instead of others. | Theirselves is sometimes used in informal speech, but it is not considered correct grammar. Themselves should be used instead. |
As you can see, the choice between theirselves and themselves can depend on the context in which they are used. It’s important to understand the difference between the two and use them correctly to ensure clear and effective communication.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the general rule is to use “themselves” instead of “theirselves”, there are certain exceptions where the latter might be considered acceptable. These exceptions are few and far between, and should be used sparingly and only in specific contexts.
1. Dialectical Usage
In some dialects, particularly in the Southern United States, “theirselves” is used as a regional variant of “themselves”. This usage is not considered standard English, but it is a recognized dialectical variation.
Example: “They were too busy enjoying theirselves to notice the time.”
2. Non-standard English
In informal or non-standard English, “theirselves” may be used as a colloquialism or slang term. This usage, however, should be avoided in formal or professional writing.
Example: “They need to take care of theirselves before they can help anyone else.”
3. Historical Usage
Historically, “theirselves” was used more commonly than “themselves” in Middle English. While this usage has largely fallen out of favor, it may be used in historical or literary contexts to maintain authenticity.
Example: “They were wont to look every man to theirselves.”
It is important to note that while these exceptions may exist, they are not widely accepted in standard English usage. In most cases, it is best to use “themselves” instead of “theirselves” to ensure clarity and accuracy in communication.
Practice Exercises
Improving one’s understanding and use of theirselves and themselves in sentences requires practice. Here are some exercises to help you become more comfortable with using these pronouns correctly:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
| 1. The students enjoyed | at the party. | |
| 2. The children | played in the park. | |
| 3. The employees congratulated | on their promotion. |
Answer key:
- 1. themselves
- 2. themselves
- 3. themselves
Explanation: In each of these sentences, the subject and object of the sentence are the same, so the correct pronoun to use is themselves.
Exercise 2: Choose The Correct Pronoun
Choose the correct pronoun to complete each sentence:
- John and Jane congratulated _____ on their new house.
- The dog groomed _____ while licking _____ paw.
- The team members congratulated _____ on _____ win.
Answer key:
- 1. themselves
- 2. themselves, their
- 3. themselves, their
Explanation: In sentence 1, John and Jane are the subject, so the correct pronoun to use is themselves. In sentence 2, the dog is the subject and is grooming itself, so the correct pronoun to use is themselves. In sentence 3, the team members are the subject and they are congratulating themselves on their win.
By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of theirselves and themselves in sentences.
Conclusion
In summary, the use of “theirselves” vs “themselves” is a common grammatical error that is easily avoidable. It is important to understand that “theirselves” is not a correct word in the English language and should not be used in any context. Instead, “themselves” should be used when referring to a reflexive pronoun in the third person plural.
It is also important to note that while grammar rules can be complex, they are essential to clear communication and should be taken seriously. By taking the time to learn about grammar and language use, individuals can improve their writing skills and avoid common mistakes like using “theirselves.”
Key Takeaways
- “Theirselves” is not a correct word in the English language.
- “Themselves” should be used when referring to a reflexive pronoun in the third person plural.
- Understanding grammar rules is essential to clear communication.
- Learning about grammar and language use can improve writing skills and avoid common mistakes.
By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, readers can improve their writing skills and become more effective communicators. Whether through online resources, books, or courses, there are many opportunities to expand one’s knowledge and become a better writer.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.