Themself and themselves

Question

I have always had a hard time distinguishing between these 2.Would like some views.Thanks

Usenet · Accepted Answer

[nq:1]I have always had a hard time distinguishing between these 2. Would like some views. Thanks[/nq]
It would only be a small error whatever choice you made. However, if you're really referring to multiple people, use themselves.
"Many people take trains to get themselves to work". "Them" and variants are now often used as a non-sexist term for "he or she". In this case, you'd use themself. Also if you're referring to a single person"
"Anyone who looks like you should drown themself". "A student who doesn't work might find themself failing".

R

Usenet · Answer

[nq:2]I have always had a hard time distinguishing between these 2. Would like some views. Thanks[/nq]
[nq:1]It would only be a small error whatever choice you made. However, if you're really referring to multiple people, use ... non-sexist term for "he or she". In this case, you'd use themself. Also if you're referring to a single person"[/nq]
I don't really think many people can accept the single part attached to the plural part. I know what some usage allows. I don't think one should actually teach it. If one hears the "themself" spoken, one doesn't comment, of course. As a teacher, one should correct the error (in a student's work).
And if, as on Usenet, one sees such an enquiry, one doesn't put forward an oft-questioned usage as the primary distinction. It should be added as further clarification.
[nq:1]"Anyone who looks like you should drown themself".You are talking to someone whose *** you know. Why not say "himself" ... politically correct as to want to avoid such sexist expressions, one can say "himself or herself". Even "oneself" exists.[/nq]
If a body meet a body, comin' through the Rye,
If a body kiss a body, need a body cry?
Discussion of this same issue continues with more participants in the alt.usage.english newsgroup, in a thread with "Their" in the subject. OED recognizes the creeping in of "they" to express a neutral singular.

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]I have always had a hard time distinguishing between these 2. Would like some views. Thanks[/nq]
Please put the full content of your posts within the post.

The first is wrong, the second is correct.
"Self" is singular. "Them" is plural. The first one makes no sense.

Would you also say "He himselves did it?"
If you are inclined to email me
for some reason, remove NOPSAM :-)

Themself and themselves

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