Understanding the plural of “self” is crucial for precise communication, especially in academic and professional contexts. While seemingly simple, the correct plural form, “selves,” often trips up English language learners and native speakers alike. This article delves into the nuances of this grammatical concept, exploring its definition, structural underpinnings, usage rules, and common pitfalls. Whether you’re a student aiming to improve your writing or a professional seeking to refine your communication skills, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and practice necessary to confidently use “selves” in your speech and writing.
This guide is designed for English language learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers. It’s also beneficial for native English speakers who want to refresh their grammar knowledge and avoid common errors. By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to correctly use “selves” and related concepts.
Table of Contents
- Definition of ‘Self’ and ‘Selves’
- Structural Breakdown: From Singular to Plural
- Types and Categories of Usage
- Examples of ‘Selves’ in Sentences
- Usage Rules for ‘Selves’
- Common Mistakes with ‘Self’ and ‘Selves’
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definition of ‘Self’ and ‘Selves’
The word “self” refers to a person’s individual identity or essence. It represents the unique being that is aware of its own existence, thoughts, and feelings. Grammatically, “self” can function as a noun or a part of reflexive and intensive pronouns.
As a noun, “self” denotes the individual as a subject of their own experience. For example, “He rediscovered his true self.” It emphasizes individuality and personal identity. The noun form highlights the person’s inherent nature or character.
In the context of reflexive pronouns (e.g., myself, yourself, himself), “self” indicates that the action of the verb reflects back upon the subject. For instance, “She hurt herself.” Here, “herself” shows that the action of “hurt” is directed back to the subject, “she.” These pronouns are essential for showing that the subject and object of the verb are the same person.
Similarly, in intensive pronouns, “self” (or its plural form) emphasizes the subject or noun. For example, “They themselves admitted the mistake.” “Themselves” emphasizes that it was *they* who admitted the mistake, not someone else. Intensive pronouns add emphasis but are not essential to the sentence’s grammatical structure; the sentence would still make sense without them.
The plural form, “selves,” refers to multiple individual identities or essences. It’s used when referring to more than one “self.” The change from ‘f’ to ‘ves’ is a common pattern in English for pluralizing nouns ending in ‘f’ or ‘fe’.
Structural Breakdown: From Singular to Plural
The formation of the plural “selves” from the singular “self” follows a common pattern in English grammar. Many nouns ending in “-f” or “-fe” change the “f” to “v” and add “-es” to form the plural. This rule applies to words like “leaf” (leaves), “knife” (knives), and “wife” (wives).
The transformation can be summarized as follows:
Singular Noun (ending in -f or -fe) + replace ‘f’ with ‘v’ + add ‘-es’ = Plural Noun
Therefore, “self” becomes “selves.” This rule isn’t universally applicable; some words ending in “-f” simply add “-s” to form the plural (e.g., “chief” becomes “chiefs”). However, for “self,” the correct plural form is definitively “selves.”
Understanding this pattern helps in correctly pluralizing other similar nouns and reinforces the grammatical rules governing noun formation in English. It also highlights the irregularities that exist, prompting learners to pay attention to exceptions and consult dictionaries when unsure.
Types and Categories of Usage
The word “self” and its plural “selves” are primarily used in three main categories: reflexive pronouns, intensive pronouns, and as a noun.
Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns indicate that the subject of a verb is also the recipient of the action. They are essential for sentences where the subject and object are the same. The reflexive pronouns are: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves.
Key Characteristics of Reflexive Pronouns:
- They refer back to the subject of the sentence.
- They are necessary for the sentence to make sense. Removing them would result in an ungrammatical sentence.
- They end in “-self” (singular) or “-selves” (plural).
Intensive Pronouns
Intensive pronouns emphasize the noun or pronoun they refer to. They add emphasis but are not crucial to the sentence’s grammatical structure. The intensive pronouns are the same as the reflexive pronouns: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves.
Key Characteristics of Intensive Pronouns:
- They emphasize a noun or pronoun.
- They are not essential to the sentence’s grammatical structure. Removing them does not change the sentence’s basic meaning.
- They usually appear directly after the noun/pronoun they emphasize or at the end of the clause.
Noun Usage
“Self” and “selves” can also be used as nouns, referring to the individual’s identity or essence. This usage is less common but still important to recognize.
Key Characteristics of Noun Usage:
- “Self” refers to a single person’s identity or essence.
- “Selves” refers to multiple people’s identities or essences.
- They can be modified by adjectives or used with articles (a, an, the).
Examples of ‘Selves’ in Sentences
To fully understand the usage of “selves,” let’s examine examples in each of the categories discussed above.
Reflexive Pronoun Examples
The following table provides numerous examples of “selves” used as a reflexive pronoun in sentences. These examples demonstrate how reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and the object of the verb are the same entity. The table includes a variety of subjects and verbs to illustrate the versatility of this grammatical structure.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| They blamed themselves for the mistake. | “Themselves” refers back to “they,” indicating they are both the subject and object of the blaming. |
| The students organized the event by themselves. | “Themselves” refers back to “the students,” showing they organized it without help. |
| The athletes pushed themselves to the limit during the competition. | “Themselves” refers back to “the athletes,” highlighting their exertion. |
| The children entertained themselves with games. | “Themselves” refers back to “the children,” indicating they found their own amusement. |
| The employees trained themselves on the new software. | “Themselves” refers back to “the employees,” showing they took the initiative to learn. |
| The musicians recorded the album by themselves. | “Themselves” refers back to “the musicians,” highlighting their independent work. |
| The neighbors introduced themselves at the block party. | “Themselves” refers back to “the neighbors,” showing they initiated the introductions. |
| The tourists found themselves lost in the city. | “Themselves” refers back to “the tourists,” indicating they got lost. |
| The volunteers exhausted themselves helping the community. | “Themselves” refers back to “the volunteers,” highlighting their dedication. |
| The writers immersed themselves in research for the novel. | “Themselves” refers back to “the writers,” showing their deep involvement. |
| The dancers expressed themselves through their movements. | “Themselves” refers back to “the dancers,” indicating their self-expression. |
| The scientists dedicated themselves to finding a cure. | “Themselves” refers back to “the scientists,” highlighting their commitment. |
| The artists challenged themselves with new techniques. | “Themselves” refers back to “the artists,” showing their ambition. |
| The chefs surprised themselves with their culinary creations. | “Themselves” refers back to “the chefs,” indicating their unexpected success. |
| The developers programmed the application by themselves. | “Themselves” refers back to “the developers,” highlighting their solo effort. |
| The hikers protected themselves from the elements. | “Themselves” refers back to “the hikers,” showing their self-preservation. |
| The investigators questioned themselves about the evidence. | “Themselves” refers back to “the investigators,” indicating their self-reflection. |
| The librarians organized the books by themselves. | “Themselves” refers back to “the librarians,” highlighting their independent work. |
| The mechanics repaired the vehicles by themselves. | “Themselves” refers back to “the mechanics,” showing their self-reliance. |
| The pilots navigated the aircraft by themselves. | “Themselves” refers back to “the pilots,” indicating their solo operation. |
| The engineers designed the bridge by themselves. | “Themselves” refers back to “the engineers,” highlighting their independent design. |
| The farmers harvested the crops by themselves. | “Themselves” refers back to “the farmers,” showing their self-sufficiency. |
| The gardeners maintained the gardens by themselves. | “Themselves” refers back to “the gardeners,” highlighting their personal care. |
| The journalists investigated the story by themselves. | “Themselves” refers back to “the journalists,” indicating their independent investigation. |
| The lawyers defended themselves in the courtroom. | “Themselves” refers back to “the lawyers,” showing their self-representation. |
Intensive Pronoun Examples
The following examples illustrate the use of “selves” as an intensive pronoun. Intensive pronouns emphasize the noun or pronoun they refer to, adding force to the statement. Unlike reflexive pronouns, intensive pronouns are not essential to the grammatical structure of the sentence; the sentence remains grammatically correct even if the intensive pronoun is removed.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| The students themselves organized the event. | “Themselves” emphasizes that *the students* were the ones who organized it, not someone else. |
| They themselves admitted the mistake. | “Themselves” emphasizes that *they* were the ones who admitted it. |
| The athletes themselves pushed the limits. | “Themselves” emphasizes that *the athletes* personally pushed the limits. |
| The children themselves entertained the guests. | “Themselves” emphasizes that *the children* alone provided the entertainment. |
| The employees themselves trained on the new system. | “Themselves” emphasizes that *the employees* personally undertook the training. |
| The musicians themselves recorded the song. | “Themselves” emphasizes that *the musicians* were the ones who recorded it. |
| The neighbors themselves organized the block party. | “Themselves” emphasizes that *the neighbors* were the organizers. |
| The tourists themselves explored the ancient ruins. | “Themselves” emphasizes that *the tourists* personally explored them. |
| The volunteers themselves cleaned the park. | “Themselves” emphasizes that *the volunteers* were the ones who cleaned it. |
| The writers themselves wrote the screenplay. | “Themselves” emphasizes that *the writers* were the actual authors. |
| The dancers themselves choreographed the routine. | “Themselves” emphasizes that *the dancers* were the choreographers. |
| The scientists themselves conducted the experiment. | “Themselves” emphasizes that *the scientists* were personally involved. |
| The artists themselves created the masterpiece. | “Themselves” emphasizes that *the artists* were the creators. |
| The chefs themselves cooked the gourmet meal. | “Themselves” emphasizes that *the chefs* were the cooks. |
| The developers themselves coded the software. | “Themselves” emphasizes that *the developers* were the coders. |
| The hikers themselves climbed the mountain. | “Themselves” emphasizes that *the hikers* were the climbers. |
| The investigators themselves solved the mystery. | “Themselves” emphasizes that *the investigators* were the solvers. |
| The librarians themselves cataloged the books. | “Themselves” emphasizes that *the librarians* were the catalogers. |
| The mechanics themselves repaired the engines. | “Themselves” emphasizes that *the mechanics* were the repairers. |
| The pilots themselves flew the airplanes. | “Themselves” emphasizes that *the pilots* were the flyers. |
| The engineers themselves designed the structure. | “Themselves” emphasizes that *the engineers* were the designers. |
| The farmers themselves harvested the crops. | “Themselves” emphasizes that *the farmers* were the harvesters. |
| The gardeners themselves planted the flowers. | “Themselves” emphasizes that *the gardeners* were the planters. |
| The journalists themselves reported the news. | “Themselves” emphasizes that *the journalists* were the reporters. |
| The lawyers themselves argued the case. | “Themselves” emphasizes that *the lawyers* were the arguers. |
Noun Examples
The following table provides examples of “self” and “selves” used as nouns. This usage refers to the individual’s identity or essence. While less common than the pronoun usage, it is important to understand this application of the word. The examples show how “self” and “selves” can represent the core being or identity of individuals and groups.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| They were searching for their true selves. | “Selves” refers to the individual identities of each person in the group. |
| The journey helped them discover their inner selves. | “Selves” refers to the core beings or identities within each person. |
| The therapy session focused on understanding their multiple selves. | “Selves” refers to the different aspects of their identities. |
| The book explored the concept of fragmented selves. | “Selves” refers to the broken or divided identities. |
| Each of them had to confront their past selves. | “Selves” refers to the people they used to be. |
| The artist portrayed the subjects’ hidden selves in the painting. | “Selves” refers to the concealed identities or personalities. |
| The actors transformed into different selves for each role. | “Selves” refers to the various characters they portrayed. |
| The refugees were trying to rebuild their shattered selves. | “Selves” refers to their broken identities after trauma. |
| The survivors struggled to piece together their former selves. | “Selves” refers to the identities they had before the event. |
| The students were encouraged to express their authentic selves. | “Selves” refers to their genuine identities. |
| The immigrants were navigating between their old and new selves. | “Selves” refers to their identities from their homeland and their adopted country. |
| The patients were working to heal their wounded selves. | “Selves” refers to their damaged identities or psyches. |
| The prisoners were reflecting on their past selves. | “Selves” refers to the people they were before their incarceration. |
| The protesters were fighting for the rights of their future selves. | “Selves” refers to the identities they will have in the future. |
| The reformers were trying to create a better world for their children’s selves. | “Selves” refers to the identities of their children. |
| The researchers studied the development of the individual’s self. | “Self” refers to single person’s identity. |
| The philosopher pondered the nature of the human self. | “Self” refers to the essence of being human. |
| The psychologist explored the concept of the ideal self. | “Self” refers to the perfect version of oneself. |
| The spiritual leader emphasized the importance of knowing oneself. | “Self” refers to understanding one’s own identity. |
| The coach encouraged the athlete to believe in himself. | “Self” refers to the athlete’s confidence and abilities. |
| The mentor helped the student to discover himself. | “Self” refers to student’s potential and passions. |
| The guide led the traveler to a deeper understanding of himself. | “Self” refers to traveler’s self-awareness. |
| The guru taught the disciple how to transcend the egoic self. | “Self” refers to the part of the disciple that is ego-driven. |
| The healer assisted the patient in reconnecting with his authentic self. | “Self” refers to the patient’s genuine identity. |
| The counselor helped the client to accept his imperfect self. | “Self” refers to the client’s flaws and imperfections. |
Usage Rules for ‘Selves’
Proper usage of “selves” requires adherence to certain grammatical rules, particularly concerning agreement and context.
Subject-Verb Agreement
When “selves” is used as a reflexive or intensive pronoun, it should agree with the subject of the sentence in number. If the subject is plural, the pronoun should be “ourselves,” “yourselves,” or “themselves.” If the subject is singular, the pronoun should be “myself,” “yourself,” “himself,” “herself,” or “itself.”
Examples:
- Correct: The students organized the event themselves.
- Incorrect: The student organized the event themselves. (Should be “himself” or “herself”)
Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
The reflexive or intensive pronoun must also agree with its antecedent (the noun or pronoun it refers to) in gender. This is particularly important when using “himself” or “herself.”
Examples:
- Correct: The boy hurt himself.
- Incorrect: The boy hurt herself.
Formal vs. Informal Usage
While the rules for using “selves” remain consistent across formal and informal contexts, the frequency of its use might vary. In formal writing, reflexive and intensive pronouns are used more deliberately to ensure clarity and emphasis. In informal speech, they might be omitted or replaced with simpler constructions.
Examples:
- Formal: The committee members themselves approved the proposal.
- Informal: The committee members approved the proposal.
Common Mistakes with ‘Self’ and ‘Selves’
One of the most common mistakes is using “selfs” as the plural of “self.” This is incorrect; the correct plural is always “selves.” Another frequent error is using the singular form “self” when the plural “selves” is required, especially with plural subjects.
Examples of Common Mistakes:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| They blamed selfs for the error. | They blamed themselves for the error. | “Selfs” is not a recognized plural form. |
| The students organized the event by themself. | The students organized the event by themselves. | “Themself” is sometimes used in informal speech or writing, but “themselves” is the standard and grammatically correct form. |
| Each person should look after themself. | Each person should look after himself or herself. | Using “themself” is sometimes used to avoid gender assumptions, but it’s still considered non-standard by many. Using “himself or herself” is grammatically correct. |
| The group divided the work between each self. | The group divided the work between themselves. | “Each self” is awkward and grammatically incorrect in this context. |
Another common error is confusing reflexive and intensive pronouns. Remember that reflexive pronouns are essential to the sentence’s meaning, while intensive pronouns merely add emphasis.
Example:
- Incorrect: They hurt themselves, which was nice of them. (Here, “themselves” is used incorrectly as an intensive pronoun)
- Correct: They themselves admitted the mistake. (Intensive Pronoun – they admitted it)
- Correct: They hurt themselves while playing. (Reflexive pronoun – they were hurt)
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of “self” and “selves” with these exercises.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the pronoun (myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves).
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I made the cake __________. | myself |
| 2. Did you enjoy __________ at the party? | yourself |
| 3. He taught __________ how to play the guitar. | himself |
| 4. She blamed __________ for the mistake. | herself |
| 5. The cat cleaned __________. | itself |
| 6. We organized the event __________. | ourselves |
| 7. Did you all behave __________ at the concert? | yourselves |
| 8. They built the house __________. | themselves |
| 9. The dog scratched __________. | itself |
| 10. I will do it __________. | myself |
Exercise 2: Error Correction
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.
| Incorrect Sentence | Correct Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1. They blamed selfs for the problem. | They blamed themselves for the problem. |
| 2. He hurt hisself while playing soccer. | He hurt himself while playing soccer. |
| 3. We saw ourself in the mirror. | We saw ourselves in the mirror. |
| 4. The cat cleaned theirself. | The cat cleaned itself. |
| 5. The students organized the party themself. | The students organized the party themselves. |
| 6. I my self will do the job | I myself will do the job. |
| 7. She her self baked the bread. | She herself baked the bread. |
| 8. They them self fixed the car. | They themselves fixed the car. |
| 9. He him self wrote the letter. | He himself wrote the letter. |
| 10. We our self cleaned the house. | We ourselves cleaned the house. |
Exercise 3: Sentence Construction
Construct sentences using “selves” as a reflexive or intensive pronoun, based on the given prompts.
| Prompt | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1. The children / entertain | The children entertained themselves with toys. |
| 2. The athletes / prepare | The athletes prepared themselves for the competition. |
| 3. The students / organize | The students themselves organized the event. |
| 4. The tourists / guide | The tourists guided themselves through the city. |
| 5. The volunteers / exhaust | The volunteers exhausted themselves helping the community. |
| 6. The musicians / promote | The musicians promoted themselves online. |
| 7. The neighbors / introduce | The neighbors introduced themselves at the block party. |
| 8. The refugees / resettle | The refugees resettled themselves in a new country. |
| 9. The scientists / fund | The scientists funded the project themselves. |
| 10. The artists / exhibit | The artists exhibited their work themselves. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding the philosophical and abstract usage of “self” and exploring compound words with “self” can deepen their comprehension.
Philosophical and Abstract Usage
In philosophy and psychology, “self” is often used in abstract contexts to discuss identity, consciousness, and the nature of being. The concept of “selves” can refer to multiple aspects of an individual’s personality or identity, such as the “ideal self,” “real self,” and “false self.” These are theoretical constructs used to understand the complexities of human experience.
Examples:
- The philosopher explored the relationship between the self and the other.
- The psychologist studied the development of the self-concept in adolescents.
- Existentialists emphasize the individual’s responsibility for creating their own self.
Compound Words with ‘Self’
English includes numerous compound words that begin with “self,” such as “self-esteem,” “self-control,” “self-aware,” “self-sufficient,” and “self-explanatory.” These words combine “self” with another word to create a new meaning related to individual action, quality, or state. Understanding these compound words enhances vocabulary and comprehension.
Examples:
- Having high self-esteem is important for mental well-being.
- Self-control is essential for achieving long-term goals.
- A self-aware person is more likely to make responsible decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about “self” and “selves.”
- Is “selfs” ever a correct plural form?
No, “selfs” is never the correct plural form. The correct plural of “self” is always “selves.” - Can “themself” be used as a singular, gender-neutral pronoun?
While “themself” is sometimes used as a singular, gender-neutral pronoun in informal contexts, it is generally considered non-standard and grammatically incorrect in formal writing. It’s better to use “himself or herself” or rephrase the sentence to avoid the issue. - What is the difference between a reflexive and an intensive pronoun?
A reflexive pronoun is essential to the meaning of the sentence, indicating that the subject and object are the same. An intensive pronoun adds emphasis but is not necessary for the sentence to be grammatically correct. - How do I know when to use “himself” vs. “herself”?
Use “himself” when referring to a male subject and “herself” when referring to a female subject. The pronoun must agree in gender with its antecedent. - Can “selves” be used as a noun?
Yes, “selves” can be used as a noun, referring to multiple individual identities or essences. For example, “They were searching for their true selves.” - What are some common compound words with “self”?
Common compound words with “self” include self-esteem, self-control, self-aware, self-sufficient, self-explanatory, self-service, self-made, and self-help. - Is it ever okay to omit a reflexive pronoun?
In some informal contexts, a reflexive pronoun might be omitted, but it’s generally best to include it for clarity, especially in formal writing. For instance, instead of saying “I hurt,” you should say “I hurt myself.” - How can I improve my usage of “self” and “selves”?
Practice is key. Pay attention to how these words are used in various contexts, and try constructing your own sentences. Review the rules and examples provided in this article, and don’t hesitate to consult a dictionary or grammar guide when unsure.
Conclusion
Mastering the usage of “self” and “selves” is essential for clear and effective communication. This article has provided a comprehensive overview of the topic, covering definitions, structural breakdown, types of usage, examples, rules, common mistakes, and practice exercises. By understanding the nuances of these words, you can enhance your writing and speaking skills.
Remember that “selves” is the plural form of “self,” and it is used in reflexive and intensive pronouns as well as a noun. Pay attention to subject-verb agreement and pronoun-antecedent agreement to avoid common errors. Practice regularly and consult resources when needed. With consistent effort, you can confidently and correctly use “self” and “selves” in all your communication endeavors.
I’m James Terban, a teacher with a degree in Education and five years of experience working with students of all ages, from young kids learning their first grammar rules to adults picking up English as a second language. I started Linguistics Guide because I kept seeing good learners hit a wall due to explanations that were either too vague or too complicated. Every article here comes from a real question I have heard in a classroom or seen asked online.