Them vs. They

Attribute	Them	They
Pronoun	Third person plural object pronoun	Third person plural subject pronoun
Usage	Refers to a group of people as the object of a sentence	Refers to a group of people as the subject of a sentence
Example	Give it to them.	They are going to the park.
Gender	Neutral	Neutral
Number	Plural	Plural

Introduction

Language is a powerful tool that allows us to communicate and express ourselves. Pronouns play a crucial role in this process, enabling us to refer to people or things without constantly repeating their names. Two commonly used pronouns, "them" and "they," have distinct attributes that contribute to their unique usage and meaning. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of "them" and "they" and delve into their similarities and differences.

Usage of "Them"

"Them" is a pronoun used to refer to a group of people or objects that are not the subject of a sentence. It is the objective form of the pronoun "they." When using "them," we typically indicate that the group is receiving an action or being referred to indirectly. For example:

• "I gavethem the books."
• "The teacher praisedthem for their hard work."
• "The cat chasedthem up the tree."

As seen in these examples, "them" is used to represent the recipients of an action or the indirect object in a sentence. It is important to note that "them" can refer to both people and objects, making it a versatile pronoun.

Usage of "They"

"They" is a pronoun used to refer to a group of people or objects that are the subject of a sentence. It is the subjective form of the pronoun "them." When using "they," we typically indicate that the group is performing an action or being referred to directly. For example:

• "They are going to the park."
• "They won the game."
• "They are my friends."

As demonstrated in these sentences, "they" is used to represent the subject of the sentence, indicating that the group is performing the action or being referred to directly. Similar to "them," "they" can refer to both people and objects, making it a versatile pronoun as well.

Similarities between "Them" and "They"

While "them" and "they" have distinct usages, they also share several similarities:

1. Both pronouns are used to refer to a group of people or objects.
2. Both pronouns can be used to refer to people or objects indirectly or directly.
3. Both pronouns can be used in singular or plural contexts, depending on the context of the sentence.
4. Both pronouns are gender-neutral, allowing for inclusive language.
5. Both pronouns are widely accepted and used in English grammar.

These similarities highlight the flexibility and versatility of both "them" and "they" in various linguistic contexts.

Differences between "Them" and "They"

While "them" and "they" share similarities, they also have notable differences:

1. "Them" is the objective form of the pronoun, used when the group is receiving an action or being referred to indirectly. In contrast, "they" is the subjective form, used when the group is performing an action or being referred to directly.
2. "Them" is typically used as an object in a sentence, while "they" is used as the subject.
3. "Them" is often used in conjunction with prepositions, such as "to," "for," or "with," to indicate the relationship between the group and the action. "They" does not require prepositions in most cases.
4. "Them" is commonly used in sentences where the group is not the main focus, while "they" is used when the group is the primary subject of the sentence.
5. "Them" can also be used as a pronoun to refer to a single person, indicating a non-binary or gender-neutral identity. "They" is the pronoun commonly used for this purpose.

These differences highlight the specific contexts and roles in which "them" and "they" are used, allowing for precise and nuanced communication.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "them" and "they" are two pronouns that play distinct roles in English grammar. "Them" is the objective form used to represent a group receiving an action or being referred to indirectly, while "they" is the subjective form used to represent a group performing an action or being referred to directly. Despite their differences, both pronouns share similarities, such as their ability to refer to a group of people or objects, their versatility, and their gender-neutral nature. Understanding the attributes of "them" and "they" allows us to communicate effectively and inclusively, fostering clear and respectful dialogue.