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Guest Posted 21 years ago
Grammar
Oneself
Could you tell me the difference between "themselves" and "by themselves"?
They themselves couldn't come over.
They couldn't come over by themselves.
They couldn't come over themselves.
I appreciate your help.
They themselves couldn't come over.
They couldn't come over by themselves.
They couldn't come over themselves.
I appreciate your help.
Top answer
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1 Answers
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Sometimes the difference in use is hazy, but 'themselves' normally is used for stress, while 'by themselves' indicates 'without assistance':
'They themselves couldn't come over ( = they couldn't come over themselves), but they sent their representatives.'
They couldn't come over by themselves; they needed to bring their agents.'
'They themselves couldn't come over ( = they couldn't come over themselves), but they sent their representatives.'
They couldn't come over by themselves; they needed to bring their agents.'
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