Common Grammar Mistakes: The Use of "Themself"

When it comes to English grammar, there are numerous common mistakes that people make. One such mistake is the incorrect use of the word "themself."

Understanding Pronouns

Pronouns are an integral part of the English language as they are used to replace nouns. They help us avoid repetition, making sentences more concise and smooth. Examples of pronouns include he, she, it, they, we, and you.

The use of pronouns can be a bit tricky, especially when it comes to the reflexive pronouns. Reflexive pronouns are pronouns that reflect back to the subject of the sentence.

For example:

• She enjoyed herself at the party.
• I taught myself how to cook.

In these examples, the reflexive pronouns "herself" and "myself" reflect back to the subjects "she" and "I," respectively.

The Problem with "Themself"

One common mistake that people make is using the word "themself" as a reflexive pronoun.

For example:

• They enjoyed themself at the party.
• John and Lisa prepared the meal themself.

However, the use of "themself" is considered non-standard and is not widely accepted. The correct reflexive pronoun to use when referring to a plural subject is "themselves."

The correct versions of the previous examples are:

• They enjoyed themselves at the party.
• John and Lisa prepared the meal themselves.

The Importance of Proper Grammar

Using proper grammar is essential for effective communication. It helps convey your message clearly and accurately. Misusing words or phrases can lead to confusion and misunderstandings.

To ensure your writing is grammatically correct, you can use tools such as the Linguix grammar checker. Linguix is an advanced grammar checker that can help you identify and correct common grammar mistakes, including the misuse of reflexive pronouns.

Using tools like Linguix can save you time and effort in proofreading and editing your work, allowing you to produce high-quality, error-free content.