Them vs. They — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 11, 2024
"Them" is an object pronoun, used to refer to a group or entity in the objective case, while "they" is a subject pronoun, referring to a group or entity in the nominative case.
Difference Between Them and They
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Key Differences
"Them" is used when the group or entity being referred to is the recipient of an action, appearing in sentences where the group is not performing the action but is acted upon. "They," on the other hand, is used when the group or entity is the one performing the action, placed in the sentence's subject position.
For example, in the sentence "I saw them at the park," "them" is used because the group is the object of the action "saw." In contrast, in the sentence "They went to the park," "they" is used because the group is the subject performing the action "went."
While "they" can also be used as a singular pronoun to refer to someone whose gender is unknown or to individuals who identify outside of the traditional binary gender categories, "them" similarly serves as a singular object pronoun in such contexts. For instance, "I spoke to Alex. They said they would join us later. I gave them the address."
The choice between "them" and "they" depends on the role the pronoun plays in the sentence structure. Understanding the distinction helps ensure grammatical accuracy and clarity in communication.
Additionally, "they" can sometimes appear in impersonal constructions where the subject is indefinite or unknown, such as in "They say it's going to rain today." In this case, "they" doesn't refer to a specific group but is used in a generalized way to refer to people in general or authorities.
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Comparison Chart
Case
Objective
Nominative
Function
Refers to the recipient of an action
Refers to the performer of an action
Example Usage
"I gave them a book."
"They are reading a book."
Singular Use
Can be used for a singular entity in an objective case
Can be used for a singular entity in a nominative case
Impersonal Use
Not typically used impersonally
Can be used in impersonal constructions
Compare with Definitions
Them
Them is used when referring to a group or entity as the object of a sentence.
Please give them the message.
They
It appears in sentences where the group or entity is performing the action.
They are studying for the exam.
Them
Them can refer to a single person in a non-binary context as the object.
Jordan forgot their umbrella. Can you return it to them?
They
They can refer to a single person in a non-binary context as the subject.
Alex said they would join us later.
Them
It appears in sentences where the group or entity is receiving the action.
The teacher praised them for their work.
They
They is used when referring to a group or entity as the subject of a sentence.
They won the game.
Them
Them is often used after prepositions.
Are you going with them?
They
They is used in impersonal phrases.
They say laughter is the best medicine.
Them
Them is not used to refer to the subject performing an action.
Them are going is incorrect; it should be They are going.
They
They is not used to refer to the object receiving an action.
Give they a chance is incorrect; it should be Give them a chance.
Them
Those
"Them dogs will find the end of them footprints before ten o'clock" (William Faulkner).
They
In Modern English, they is a third-person pronoun.
Them
(in the plural) Those ones.
They
Used to refer to two or more people or things previously mentioned or easily identified
The two men could get life sentences if they are convicted
Them
Used as the direct object of a verb.
She treated them for a cold.
They
Used to refer to a person of unspecified gender
Ask a friend if they could help
Them
Used as the indirect object of a verb.
She wrote them a letter.
They
(the third-person plural nominative) A group of entities previously mentioned.
Fred and Jane? They just arrived.
Dogs may bark if they want to be fed.
Plants wilt if they are not watered.
I have a car and a truck, but they are both broken.
Them
Used as the object of a preposition.
Give it to them.
They
A single person, previously mentioned, but typically not if previously named and identified as male or female, especially if of unknown or (since 21st century) non-binary gender.
They requested a seat at Friday's performance but didn't say if they preferred the balcony or the floor.
If someone enters the restricted area, they are required to present identification.
Them
(in the singular) A single person, previously mentioned, especially if of unknown or non-binary gender.
They
(indefinite pronoun, vague meaning) People; some people; people in general; someone, excluding the speaker.
They say it’s a good place to live.
They didn’t have computers in the old days.
They should increase our wages.
Ha, you believe the moon is real? That's just what they want you to think.
Them
Used as the direct object of a verb.
If a student has an inappropriate question, whatever you do, do not berate them.
They
There especially as an expletive subject of be.
Them
Used as the indirect object of a verb.
If one of my patients calls, please bring them their dinner.
They
The, those.
Them
Used as the object of a preposition.
If someone comes and asks for the ticket, just give it to them.
They
Their.
Them
(dialectal) Those.
They
The plural of he, she, or it. They is never used adjectively, but always as a pronoun proper, and sometimes refers to persons without an antecedent expressed.
Jolif and glad they went unto here [their] restAnd casten hem [them] full early for to sail.
They of Italy salute you.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness.
Them
The objective case of they. See They.
Go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father.
Little stars may hide them when they list.
Common Curiosities
How do I know when to use "them" or "they"?
Use "them" when the pronoun is the object of the sentence or action, and "they" when the pronoun is the subject performing the action.
Can "they" be used impersonally?
Yes, "they" can be used in impersonal constructions, often to refer to people in general or authorities, as in "They say it's going to rain."
Is it grammatically correct to use "they" for a single person?
Yes, it's grammatically correct and increasingly common to use "they" as a singular pronoun to refer to someone whose gender is unknown or to non-binary individuals.
Can "they" and "them" be used for singular references?
Yes, both "they" and "them" can be used as singular pronouns, especially in contexts referring to individuals with non-binary gender identities or when the gender is unspecified.
What is the main difference between "them" and "they"?
The main difference is that "them" is an object pronoun, while "they" is a subject pronoun, indicating their different roles in a sentence.
What's an example of "them" being used correctly?
"I met with the new clients, and I showed them the proposal."
What's an example of "they" being used correctly?
"They are planning a trip to Europe next summer."
Can "them" start a sentence?
"Them" typically doesn't start a sentence because it's an object pronoun, but it can appear at the beginning in some cases, like in questions ("Them?" when pointing at a group, for instance).
Why is the distinction between "them" and "they" important?
The distinction is important for grammatical clarity and accuracy, ensuring that sentences convey the intended meaning.
How has the use of "they" and "them" evolved in English?
The use of "they" and "them" has evolved to include singular references, reflecting broader recognition and respect for diverse gender identities and the flexibility of English pronouns.
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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
Maham Liaqat
