Some English words create confusion not because they are complex, but because they sound familiar yet feel slightly off.
Theirself or themself is one of those tricky cases. Many people pause while writing, unsure which one is correct, or if either is acceptable.
This confusion usually happens when using singular “they”, a common and modern way to refer to a person without specifying gender. When turning that into a reflexive form, things get unclear.
Understanding the difference matters, especially in professional writing, academic work, and even everyday communication. Using the wrong form can make your sentence sound unnatural or incorrect.
This guide explains everything in a simple way, meanings, correct usage, grammar rules, and real-life examples, so the confusion between theirself or themself is fully resolved.
Quick Answer
Meaning
- Theirself is considered nonstandard and incorrect in modern English
- Themself is accepted, especially with singular “they”
Examples
- Incorrect: Someone should prepare theirself.
- Correct: Someone should prepare themself.
Final Answer
👉 Use themself, not theirself
The Origin of Theirself or Themself
History
Both words come from the structure of reflexive pronouns, like:
- himself
- herself
- themselves
Development
- Themself developed naturally as singular “they” became common
- Theirself appeared in dialects but never became standard
Why the Difference Exists
English evolved to support gender-neutral language, making “themself” more accepted today.
British English vs American English Spelling
Usage Comparison
| Form | American English | British English |
|---|---|---|
| Themself | Increasingly accepted | Also accepted |
| Theirself | Nonstandard | Nonstandard |
Key Insight
Both US and UK English prefer themself in modern usage.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Modern English
Use themself when referring to a singular person with “they.”
Formal Writing
- Preferred: themselves (traditional)
- Accepted: themself (modern, inclusive)
Avoid This
- ❌ Theirself should be avoided in formal and standard writing
Common Mistakes with Theirself or Themself
Using “Theirself”
This is the most common mistake. It is not accepted in standard English.
Confusing Singular and Plural
Writers often mix:
- singular “they”
- plural “they”
Overusing Informal Forms
Even though “themself” is accepted, “themselves” is still safer in formal contexts.
Theirself or Themself Meaning (Detailed)
Themself Meaning
- Reflexive form of singular “they”
- Used for gender-neutral reference
- Accepted in modern grammar
Theirself Meaning
- Nonstandard variation
- Found in dialects or informal speech
- Not recommended in writing
Theirself or Themself in Everyday Examples
- Everyone should check themself before submitting.
Social Media
- A person should be proud of themself.
Formal Writing
- Each student must prepare themselves (or themself in modern style).
Theirself or Themself – Google Trends & Usage Data
Popularity
- Themself is increasing in usage due to inclusive language
- Theirself remains rare and nonstandard
Global Usage
- Widely accepted in modern English-speaking countries
- Used more in progressive and inclusive writing
Comparison Table: Theirself vs Themself
| Feature | Theirself | Themself |
|---|---|---|
| Correctness | Incorrect | Correct |
| Usage | Nonstandard | Modern English |
| Context | Informal/Dialect | Neutral/Inclusive |
| Recommendation | Avoid | Use when needed |
FAQs
What is the difference between theirself and themself?
Theirself is nonstandard and generally incorrect, while themself is accepted as a reflexive form of singular “they.”
Is themself grammatically correct?
Yes, themself is grammatically correct in modern English, especially when using singular “they.”
Why is theirself incorrect?
Theirself does not follow standard reflexive pronoun rules and is not accepted in formal English.
Can I use themself in formal writing?
Yes, but many writers still prefer “themselves” for a more traditional tone.
What is singular they?
Singular “they” is used to refer to a person without specifying gender.
Should I use themself or themselves?
Use “themself” for singular reference and “themselves” for plural or formal safety.
Conclusion
The confusion between theirself or themself comes from how English is evolving. While both words may sound similar, only one is accepted in modern standard usage.
Themself is now widely recognized as the correct reflexive form when using singular “they.” It supports gender-neutral language and fits naturally into modern communication.
On the other hand, theirself remains nonstandard and should be avoided in formal writing.
In many cases, especially in professional or academic work, using themselves is still the safest choice. However, when clarity and inclusivity matter, themself is perfectly acceptable.
Understanding this difference helps improve writing accuracy and ensures your message sounds natural and correct.
With this knowledge, choosing the right word becomes simple and confident.
Bryan A. Garner is a renowned grammar expert, lexicographer, and author at Grammiffy, where he makes English rules easy to understand for learners and writers of all levels.
With a focus on clarity, proper usage, and effective communication, Bryan helps readers master grammar, style, and everyday writing with confidence.
