Penggunaan 'Themselves' dan 'Theirselves' dalam Bahasa Inggris: Sebuah Analisis

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The English language, with its rich history and diverse usage, often presents challenges for learners, especially when it comes to understanding the nuances of pronoun usage. One such challenge lies in the distinction between "themselves" and "theirselves," two reflexive pronouns that are frequently confused. While "themselves" is widely accepted and used in standard English, "theirselves" is considered non-standard and often regarded as grammatically incorrect. This article delves into the intricacies of these pronouns, exploring their proper usage and the reasons behind the grammatical distinction. #### The Correct Usage of "Themselves" "Themselves" is the correct reflexive pronoun for the third-person plural, referring to a group of people or things. It is used when the subject of a sentence is performing an action on itself. For instance, "The children played with themselves in the park" demonstrates the use of "themselves" as the object of the verb "played," indicating that the children were engaging in an action directed towards themselves. #### The Incorrect Usage of "Theirselves" "Theirselves" is not a recognized word in standard English. It is a common error that arises from the tendency to create a reflexive pronoun for the possessive pronoun "their." However, English grammar does not allow for such a construction. The correct reflexive pronoun for "their" is "themselves." #### The Reasons Behind the Distinction The distinction between "themselves" and "theirselves" stems from the grammatical structure of English reflexive pronouns. Reflexive pronouns are formed by adding "-self" or "-selves" to a personal pronoun. The third-person plural personal pronoun is "they," and its corresponding reflexive pronoun is "themselves." The use of "theirselves" violates this grammatical rule, creating an incorrect and non-standard form. #### The Impact of Incorrect Usage Using "theirselves" instead of "themselves" can be perceived as grammatically incorrect and may detract from the overall quality of written or spoken communication. It can also lead to confusion and misinterpretation, as the intended meaning may not be conveyed accurately. #### Conclusion Understanding the proper usage of "themselves" and "theirselves" is crucial for effective communication in English. While "themselves" is the correct reflexive pronoun for the third-person plural, "theirselves" is a non-standard form that should be avoided. By adhering to the grammatical rules governing reflexive pronouns, individuals can ensure clarity and accuracy in their language use.