Why Is Theirself Incorrect?

Theirself is not considered correct in standard English because it doesn’t follow the rules for reflexive pronouns. Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and object of a sentence refer to the same person. In English, reflexive pronouns end in -self (for singular subjects) or -selves (for plural subjects), and each personal pronoun has a corresponding reflexive form:

• I → myself
• you → yourself (singular) / yourselves (plural)
• he → himself
• she → herself
• they → themselves

The correct reflexive pronoun for they is themselves, not theirself.

What Should Be Used Instead?

When you want to use a reflexive pronoun for a person who identifies as they, themselves is the correct form.

Example:

• Incorrect: They finished the project all by theirself.
• Correct: They finished the project all by themselves.

Even when they is used to refer to a single person (as in the case of non-binary individuals), themselves is still the correct choice.

Explanation:

The use of they as a singular pronoun has become widely accepted, especially to refer to someone whose gender is unspecified or non-binary. However, the reflexive form remains themselves because theirself doesn’t follow the regular pattern of reflexive pronouns in English.

Practice Exercise:

Choose the correct reflexive pronoun:

1. Jamie is very independent and does everything by _______. a) theirself
   b) themselves
2. The children cleaned up after _______. a) themselves
   b) theirself

Answers:

1. themselves
2. themselves

Learning Tip:

To avoid confusion, just remember that they—whether singular or plural—always pairs with themselves when using a reflexive form.