Oneself vs. Themself — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 28, 2024
"Oneself" is a reflexive pronoun used in formal or traditional contexts to refer to a person of unspecified gender, whereas "themself" is an emerging reflexive pronoun used for gender neutrality and inclusivity, aligning with singular "they."
Difference Between Oneself and Themself
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Key Differences
"Oneself" is traditionally used in English to refer back to a previously mentioned or implied singular noun or pronoun, typically in contexts where the gender of the person is not specified or is irrelevant. Whereas, "themself" has gained acceptance in modern usage as the singular reflexive form of "they," particularly in contexts emphasizing gender neutrality. This distinction marks a shift from more formal or traditional language to more inclusive and contemporary usage.
While "oneself" remains the standard choice in formal writing and speech, "themself" is increasingly found in everyday language, social media, and less formal texts. On the other hand, "themself" directly addresses the need for a pronoun that reflects non-binary gender identities, providing a more inclusive option than the gender-specific "himself" or "herself."
The use of "oneself" can sometimes seem outdated or overly formal, especially in casual conversations or among younger audiences who prefer more fluid approaches to gender. Conversely, "themself" resonates more with these groups and is aligned with current trends towards gender neutrality in language.
In educational or professional settings, "oneself" might still be preferred due to its longstanding acceptance and usage. On the other hand, organizations focusing on inclusivity and diversity are more likely to adopt "themself" in their communications and policies, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity.
Both pronouns serve the function of allowing individuals to express or reflect on their own actions or feelings, demonstrating the adaptability of the English language to cultural shifts and evolving societal norms.
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Comparison Chart
Usage
Formal, traditional
Informal, modern
Gender Association
Neutral, unspecified
Neutral, non-binary
Context
Academic, literary
Casual, inclusive environments
Alignment with Trends
Traditional grammar
Gender neutrality and inclusivity
Typical Users
Older generations, formal settings
Younger generations, diverse settings
Compare with Definitions
Oneself
Appears in formal or traditional texts.
In one's life, taking care of oneself is crucial.
Themself
Promotes gender neutrality and inclusivity.
Each person should feel free to dress themself as they please.
Oneself
Common in philosophical or reflective writing.
To know the world, one must first understand oneself.
Themself
Emerging use as a singular reflexive form of "they".
Someone left their jacket, they should come get it themself.
Oneself
Used to refer to oneself reflexively.
One must always believe in oneself.
Themself
Increasingly used in social media and casual communication.
They are going to the party by themself.
Oneself
Used when the gender of the subject is not known or not important.
Everyone should be able to express oneself freely.
Themself
Gaining acceptance in modern grammatical usage.
The author rewrote the guidebook to include themself for clarity and inclusivity.
Oneself
Emphasizes the individual action or feeling of a non-specified person.
One finds oneself wondering about the future.
Themself
Recognized in contexts sensitive to gender identity.
Alex felt proud of themself for standing up for their rights.
Oneself
A person's self: general form of himself, herself, themself or yourself.
Teaching oneself to swim can be dangerous.
Themself
(reflexive pronoun) The reflexive form of they, the third-person singular personal pronoun. The single person previously mentioned, as the object of a verb or following a preposition also used for emphasis.
Someone could hurt themself.
Anyone who wants a car like mine can buy one themself.
Oneself
A reflexive form of the indefinite pronoun one. Commonly written as two words, one's self.
One's self (or more properly oneself), is quite a modern form. In Elizabethan English we find a man's self = one's self.
Themself
Synonym of themselves.
Common Curiosities
Is "themself" grammatically correct?
Yes, "themself" is increasingly recognized as grammatically correct, especially as the singular form of "they" for gender-neutral usage.
How does the emergence of "themself" reflect changes in language?
It illustrates the dynamic nature of language, evolving to accommodate changes in society’s attitudes towards gender and identity.
Can "oneself" and "themself" be used interchangeably?
While both can refer to a singular person, their usage depends on formality and the emphasis on gender neutrality. They are not always interchangeable.
Why is "themself" becoming more popular?
"Themself" addresses the need for a singular, gender-neutral reflexive pronoun in the context of shifting understandings of gender identity and inclusivity.
Is "themself" accepted in all professional settings?
Acceptance varies, but "themself" is gaining ground in professional settings that emphasize diversity and inclusion.
In what contexts might "oneself" still be preferred?
"Oneself" remains preferred in formal writings, academic contexts, and where traditional grammar is upheld.
What are some tips for deciding which pronoun to use?
Consider the context, the presence of gender diversity, and whether the communication is formal or informal.
Does using "themself" impact the clarity of communication?
"Themself" can enhance clarity by providing a gender-neutral way to refer to someone, avoiding assumptions about gender.
What are some misconceptions about "themself"?
Misconceptions include that it is grammatically incorrect or only for plural use, both of which are increasingly outdated views.
How should educators approach these pronouns in teaching?
Educators should teach both, explaining their appropriate contexts and the importance of inclusivity in language.
What challenges might arise from using "themself"?
Challenges include varying levels of acceptance and understanding among different audiences, especially in more conservative or traditional settings.
Can "themself" be used in legal documents?
Its use in legal documents is growing as legal language evolves to be more inclusive, though traditional forms may still prevail in some jurisdictions.
How can someone learn to comfortably use "themself" in speech?
Practice using it in sentences, listen to others who use it, and integrate it into everyday communication to build comfort and familiarity.
What guides the choice between using "oneself" and "themself"?
The choice can be guided by the audience, the setting (formal or informal), and the writer or speaker’s intention to reflect contemporary usage or traditional standards.
Are major dictionaries including "themself"?
Yes, many major dictionaries now include "themself" as an accepted reflexive pronoun.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
