Unveiling the Nuances of 'Themself' vs. 'Themselves': A Comprehensive Guide for Flawless Communication

As a business, effective communication is paramount to building strong relationships with clients, fostering team collaboration, and achieving overall success. However, the correct usage of certain pronouns, such as "themselves" and "themself," can often leave professionals perplexed. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to help you confidently navigate the complexities of these pronouns and elevate your written and verbal communication.

Pronoun Agreement: Themself vs. Themselves

Determining the correct usage of "themself" and "themselves" hinges on subject-verb agreement. When the subject is singular (e.g., "each person"), "themself" should be used as the reflexive pronoun. In contrast, when the subject is plural (e.g., "the group"), "themselves" is the appropriate choice.

Table 1: Pronoun Agreement

Effective Pronoun Usage

To maximize the impact of your communication, consider the following effective strategies for pronoun usage:

• Use the specific pronoun that corresponds to the subject. Employ "themself" for singular subjects and "themselves" for plural subjects.
• Avoid using "themself" or "themselves" as a subject. Instead, use a noun or proper name to clearly identify the individual or group being discussed.
• Be consistent in your pronoun usage. Establish a clear pattern and adhere to it throughout your communication to enhance clarity and avoid confusion.

Table 2: Effective Pronoun Usage

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To avoid common pitfalls in pronoun usage, keep the following in mind:

• Do not use "himself" or "herself" when referring to a group. These pronouns are only appropriate for singular subjects.
• Do not use "it" to refer to a person. "It" is typically used to refer to inanimate objects or animals.
• Avoid using archaic or nonstandard pronouns. Stick to "themself" and "themselves" for clarity and professionalism.

Success Stories

Businesses across industries have witnessed significant benefits from using correct pronoun usage:

• A study by the University of Michigan found that companies with inclusive pronoun policies experienced a 12% increase in employee satisfaction.
• A survey by LinkedIn revealed that 74% of job seekers prefer to work for organizations that respect and value diversity, including pronoun usage.
• A research report by the Human Rights Campaign showed that transgender and non-binary individuals who use correct pronouns have higher self-esteem and well-being.

Conclusion

Mastering the nuances of "themself" and "themselves" is essential for effective communication in today's professional landscape. By adhering to the principles outlined in this guide, businesses can enhance their written and verbal communication, foster inclusivity, and create a more welcoming environment for all. Remember, clear and confident pronoun usage not only conveys professionalism but also contributes to building strong relationships and achieving business success.