Ask Difference

Them vs. They — What's the Difference?

By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 11, 2024
"Them" is an object pronoun, used to refer to a group or entity in the objective case, while "they" is a subject pronoun, referring to a group or entity in the nominative case.
Them vs. They — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Them and They

ADVERTISEMENT

Key Differences

"Them" is used when the group or entity being referred to is the recipient of an action, appearing in sentences where the group is not performing the action but is acted upon. "They," on the other hand, is used when the group or entity is the one performing the action, placed in the sentence's subject position.
For example, in the sentence "I saw them at the park," "them" is used because the group is the object of the action "saw." In contrast, in the sentence "They went to the park," "they" is used because the group is the subject performing the action "went."
While "they" can also be used as a singular pronoun to refer to someone whose gender is unknown or to individuals who identify outside of the traditional binary gender categories, "them" similarly serves as a singular object pronoun in such contexts. For instance, "I spoke to Alex. They said they would join us later. I gave them the address."
The choice between "them" and "they" depends on the role the pronoun plays in the sentence structure. Understanding the distinction helps ensure grammatical accuracy and clarity in communication.
Additionally, "they" can sometimes appear in impersonal constructions where the subject is indefinite or unknown, such as in "They say it's going to rain today." In this case, "they" doesn't refer to a specific group but is used in a generalized way to refer to people in general or authorities.
ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Case

Objective
Nominative

Function

Refers to the recipient of an action
Refers to the performer of an action

Example Usage

"I gave them a book."
"They are reading a book."

Singular Use

Can be used for a singular entity in an objective case
Can be used for a singular entity in a nominative case

Impersonal Use

Not typically used impersonally
Can be used in impersonal constructions

Compare with Definitions

Them

Them is used when referring to a group or entity as the object of a sentence.
Please give them the message.

They

It appears in sentences where the group or entity is performing the action.
They are studying for the exam.

Them

Them can refer to a single person in a non-binary context as the object.
Jordan forgot their umbrella. Can you return it to them?

They

They can refer to a single person in a non-binary context as the subject.
Alex said they would join us later.

Them

It appears in sentences where the group or entity is receiving the action.
The teacher praised them for their work.

They

They is used when referring to a group or entity as the subject of a sentence.
They won the game.

Them

Them is often used after prepositions.
Are you going with them?

They

They is used in impersonal phrases.
They say laughter is the best medicine.

Them

Them is not used to refer to the subject performing an action.
Them are going is incorrect; it should be They are going.

They

They is not used to refer to the object receiving an action.
Give they a chance is incorrect; it should be Give them a chance.

Them

Those
"Them dogs will find the end of them footprints before ten o'clock" (William Faulkner).

They

In Modern English, they is a third-person pronoun.

Them

(in the plural) Those ones.

They

Used to refer to two or more people or things previously mentioned or easily identified
The two men could get life sentences if they are convicted

Them

Used as the direct object of a verb.
She treated them for a cold.

They

Used to refer to a person of unspecified gender
Ask a friend if they could help

Them

Used as the indirect object of a verb.
She wrote them a letter.

They

(the third-person plural nominative) A group of entities previously mentioned.
Fred and Jane? They just arrived.
Dogs may bark if they want to be fed.
Plants wilt if they are not watered.
I have a car and a truck, but they are both broken.

Them

Used as the object of a preposition.
Give it to them.

They

A single person, previously mentioned, but typically not if previously named and identified as male or female, especially if of unknown or (since 21st century) non-binary gender.
They requested a seat at Friday's performance but didn't say if they preferred the balcony or the floor.
If someone enters the restricted area, they are required to present identification.

Them

(in the singular) A single person, previously mentioned, especially if of unknown or non-binary gender.

They

(indefinite pronoun, vague meaning) People; some people; people in general; someone, excluding the speaker.
They say it’s a good place to live.
They didn’t have computers in the old days.
They should increase our wages.
Ha, you believe the moon is real? That's just what they want you to think.

Them

Used as the direct object of a verb.
If a student has an inappropriate question, whatever you do, do not berate them.

They

There especially as an expletive subject of be.

Them

Used as the indirect object of a verb.
If one of my patients calls, please bring them their dinner.

They

The, those.

Them

Used as the object of a preposition.
If someone comes and asks for the ticket, just give it to them.

They

Their.

Them

(dialectal) Those.

They

The plural of he, she, or it. They is never used adjectively, but always as a pronoun proper, and sometimes refers to persons without an antecedent expressed.
Jolif and glad they went unto here [their] restAnd casten hem [them] full early for to sail.
They of Italy salute you.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness.

Them

The objective case of they. See They.
Go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father.
Little stars may hide them when they list.

Common Curiosities

How do I know when to use "them" or "they"?

Use "them" when the pronoun is the object of the sentence or action, and "they" when the pronoun is the subject performing the action.

Can "they" be used impersonally?

Yes, "they" can be used in impersonal constructions, often to refer to people in general or authorities, as in "They say it's going to rain."

Is it grammatically correct to use "they" for a single person?

Yes, it's grammatically correct and increasingly common to use "they" as a singular pronoun to refer to someone whose gender is unknown or to non-binary individuals.

Can "they" and "them" be used for singular references?

Yes, both "they" and "them" can be used as singular pronouns, especially in contexts referring to individuals with non-binary gender identities or when the gender is unspecified.

What is the main difference between "them" and "they"?

The main difference is that "them" is an object pronoun, while "they" is a subject pronoun, indicating their different roles in a sentence.

What's an example of "them" being used correctly?

"I met with the new clients, and I showed them the proposal."

What's an example of "they" being used correctly?

"They are planning a trip to Europe next summer."

Can "them" start a sentence?

"Them" typically doesn't start a sentence because it's an object pronoun, but it can appear at the beginning in some cases, like in questions ("Them?" when pointing at a group, for instance).

Why is the distinction between "them" and "they" important?

The distinction is important for grammatical clarity and accuracy, ensuring that sentences convey the intended meaning.

How has the use of "they" and "them" evolved in English?

The use of "they" and "them" has evolved to include singular references, reflecting broader recognition and respect for diverse gender identities and the flexibility of English pronouns.

Share Your Discovery

Share via Social Media
Embed This Content
Embed Code
Share Directly via Messenger
Link
Previous Comparison
Crush vs. Trample
Next Comparison
Actin vs. Myosin

Author Spotlight

Written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat

Popular Comparisons

Trending Comparisons

New Comparisons

Trending Terms