themselves
plural pronoun
t͟hem-
Can they be used as an indefinite subject?: Usage Guide
They used as an indefinite subject (sense 2) is sometimes objected to on the grounds that it does not have an antecedent. Not every pronoun requires an antecedent, however. The indefinite they is used in all varieties of contexts and is standard.
Can they, their, theirs, them, and themselves be used as singular pronouns?: Usage Guide
They, their, theirs, them, themselves: English lacks a set of common-gender third person singular pronouns and a corresponding common-gender third person possessive adjective that can be used to refer to indefinite pronouns such as everyone, anyone, and someone. Writers and speakers have supplied this lack by using the plural pronouns they, theirs, them, and themselves, and the adjective their.
William Shakespeare
Jane Austen
W. H. Auden
These plural forms have also been put to use in indefinite references to singular nouns that stand for many persons.
William Shakespeare
W. M. Thackeray
G. B. Shaw
The use of they, their, theirs, them, and themselves in reference to pronouns of indefinite gender and indefinite number is well established in speech and writing, even in literary and formal contexts. These forms have also been adopted by individuals whose gender identity is nonbinary, as illustrated in sense 3d of they. The singular pronoun themself is also increasingly gaining acceptance as an alternative to themselves when referring to just one person.
Mary Gabriel
Eduardo Medina and Jacey Fortin
Articles Related to themselves
Dictionary Entries Near themselves
Cite this Entry
“Themselves.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/themselves. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
themselves
pronoun
Share