Definition of “Them”
“Them” is the object form of the third-person plural pronoun “they”. It is used to refer to a group of people, animals, or things that have already been mentioned or are understood from the context. “Them” is employed when the group or individual is receiving the action of the verb in a sentence, rather than performing it. In modern English, “them” can also be used as a singular, gender-neutral pronoun to refer to someone whose gender is unknown or non-binary.
Uses of “Them”
1. Referring to Multiple People or Things
The primary use of “them” is to refer to more than one person, animal, or object when they are the object of the verb in a sentence. It indicates who or what is being acted upon.
- Examples:
- “I saw them at the party.” (Referring to multiple people)
- “Please move the boxes and stack them over here.” (Referring to multiple objects)
- “The dogs were barking, so I called them inside.” (Referring to multiple dogs)
2. Referring to a Group or Collective Noun
“Them” can refer to a collective noun or group that is being acted upon, even when the group is considered a single unit.
- Examples:
- “The team was excited after I congratulated them.” (Referring to the team members)
- “The committee discussed the proposal, and I met with them afterward.” (Referring to the committee members)
3. As a Gender-Neutral Singular Pronoun
“Them” can be used in singular form as a gender-neutral pronoun when referring to someone whose gender is unknown, unspecified, or non-binary. This usage promotes inclusivity and avoids gender assumptions.
- Examples:
- “Someone left their umbrella. I’ll return it to them.”
- “Jordan said I could meet them after work.” (Referring to a non-binary person)
- “If anyone has questions, direct them to me.” (Referring to a singular, unspecified person)
4. Receiving an Action
“Them” is used when referring to people, animals, or things that are receiving the action of the verb. It answers the question of “to whom” or “for whom” an action is done.
- Examples:
- “I gave them the tickets.” (The tickets are given to them)
- “The teacher explained the instructions to them.” (The instructions were explained to them)
- “Can you tell them about the meeting?” (The information is directed toward them)
Grammatical Role of “Them”
1. Object Pronoun
“Them” is used as an object pronoun, meaning it takes the place of the noun or nouns that receive the action in a sentence. It can refer to multiple people, animals, or things.
- Examples:
- “I called them yesterday.”
- “He found the keys and gave them to me.”
2. Possessive Form: “Their”
The possessive form of “them” is “their”, indicating that something belongs to the group or individual.
- Examples:
- “They left their books on the table.”
- “Jordan said their car is in the shop.”
3. Reflexive Form: “Themselves” / “Themself”
The reflexive form of “them” is “themselves” when referring to plural subjects, and “themself” when referring to a singular, gender-neutral subject.
- Examples:
- “They were proud of themselves.” (Plural reflexive)
- “Jordan introduced themself at the meeting.” (Singular, gender-neutral reflexive)
Common Phrases with “Them”
1. “Give them a hand”
This phrase is used to offer help or congratulate someone for an achievement.
- Examples:
- “They did a great job, so let’s give them a hand.” (Offering applause or recognition)
- “Can you give them a hand with their project?” (Offering help)
2. “Take them on”
This phrase means to challenge or engage with someone, typically in a competition or task.
- Examples:
- “I’m ready to take them on in the game.” (Ready to compete against them)
- “She decided to take them on and argue her case.” (Challenge or oppose them)
3. “Listen to them”
This phrase encourages someone to pay attention or give consideration to what another person is saying.
- Examples:
- “Listen to them; they know what they’re talking about.”
- “You should listen to them before making a decision.”
Common Mistakes with “Them”
1. Confusing “Them” with “They”
A common mistake is using “them” as the subject of a sentence, when “they” should be used instead. “Them” is an object pronoun, while “they” is a subject pronoun.
- Incorrect: “Them are going to the store.”
- Correct: “They are going to the store.”
2. Using “Them” for Non-Human Objects Without Clear Context
While “them” can refer to objects, it can sometimes cause confusion if the context doesn’t make it clear that “them” refers to inanimate things.
- Confusing: “I put them on the table.” (Without prior context, it’s unclear what “them” refers to)
- Clear: “I put the books on the table and arranged them by size.”
3. Singular Use of “Them” in Informal Contexts
Though “them” is widely accepted as a gender-neutral singular pronoun in modern usage, some people might find it unfamiliar in formal writing. Using “them” for singular references may require clear context to avoid misunderstanding.
- Example: “Jordan asked me to meet them.” (This is acceptable, but might need further clarification in some contexts)
Importance of “Them” in Communication
“Them” is essential for referring to people, animals, or things in conversation, especially when they are the object of an action. It provides clarity by indicating who or what is being acted upon, and it supports more fluid communication in both plural and gender-neutral contexts.
In a world where language is becoming more inclusive, using “them” as a singular pronoun helps avoid assumptions about gender and ensures that language reflects respect and inclusivity. Understanding how to use “them” appropriately contributes to clear, respectful, and effective communication.
Conclusion
“Them” is a versatile object pronoun used to refer to multiple people, animals, or objects, and it also functions as a singular, gender-neutral pronoun in modern English. Whether referring to groups or individuals, “them” plays a crucial role in sentences where people or things are receiving an action. Mastering the use of “them” helps ensure clear and inclusive communication, particularly in contexts where gender neutrality is important.