TextRanch
The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

TextRanch Editors

defines themselves vs define themselves

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Defines themselves' is used when referring to a singular subject, while 'define themselves' is used when referring to a plural subject or in a general context. The choice between them depends on the subject being singular or plural.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 790 views

This phrase is correct when referring to a singular subject defining themselves.

"defines themselves"

This phrase is used when talking about a singular subject, such as 'He defines himself as a leader.'

Examples:

  • She defines herself as an artist.
  • The author defines himself as a storyteller.
  • Most people define themselves by this finite body.
  • Only the ineffectual define themselves by their parents.
  • We should also respect the way in which institutions define themselves.
  • We're promoting the idea that people with Down's Syndrome need to reclaim their own identities in order to define themselves.
  • Maybe young people are interested in what's new, but... they want to define themselves.
  • In the context of undertakings' freedom to define themselves and taking account of EU competition rules, this phrase should be deleted.
  • Member states are free to define themselves as belonging to either the developed or the developing group.
  • In fact many people, as we can see from the low turnouts, no longer define themselves in political terms and therefore disengage from the political process.
  • In particular a mere 47 % of European citizens see themselves both as citizens of their country and of Europe, while the rest define themselves only by their national identity.
  • We appeared surprised at the behaviors of those who define themselves by the size of the tick on their shoes, yet acquisition has been the narrative we have offered.
  • And for young women, looking to define themselves and their dreams, you ask...
  • But the solution must include treating political democratic forces in Europe equally, including those which define themselves otherwise and which, for example, are critical of the EU, and not excluding them from this problem-solving process.
  • At the moment, Member States can define night time themselves.
  • To ensure compliance with, and the consistency of, the traditional specialities guaranteed, producers organised into groups should themselves define specific characteristics in a product specification.
  • I believe that the regions should specialise in smart and green developments and define for themselves a set of innovation priorities based on the EU's objectives and their needs, and channel Community resources into these priorities which have been identified.
  • Whatever one may think about this, it is for the Member States themselves to define what is meant by services in the public interest.
  • In fact, the five large States, which represent approximately three quarters of the Community GDP, want to be able to define monetary policy themselves.
  • Under the plan, the senior officials will themselves define the calendar of work, topics to explore and target outputs.
  • To ensure that traditional specialities guaranteed comply with their specification and are consistent, producers organised into groups should themselves define the product in a specification.
  • When companies and organisations themselves define what they think is fair and then offer the consumer products produced according to the criteria thus defined, this is a demonstration of consumer power, which is a very good thing.

Alternatives:

  • defines himself
  • defines herself

This phrase is correct when referring to a plural subject or in a general context.

"define themselves"

This phrase is used when talking about plural subjects or in a general sense, such as 'They define themselves as activists.'

Examples:

  • Students define themselves through their achievements.
  • People define themselves based on their beliefs.
  • Most people define themselves by this finite body.
  • In fact many people, as we can see from the low turnouts, no longer define themselves in political terms and therefore disengage from the political process.
  • Maybe young people are interested in what's new, but... they want to define themselves.
  • But the solution must include treating political democratic forces in Europe equally, including those which define themselves otherwise and which, for example, are critical of the EU, and not excluding them from this problem-solving process.
  • We should also respect the way in which institutions define themselves.
  • We're promoting the idea that people with Down's Syndrome need to reclaim their own identities in order to define themselves.
  • In the context of undertakings' freedom to define themselves and taking account of EU competition rules, this phrase should be deleted.
  • Member states are free to define themselves as belonging to either the developed or the developing group.
  • We appeared surprised at the behaviors of those who define themselves by the size of the tick on their shoes, yet acquisition has been the narrative we have offered.
  • And for young women, looking to define themselves and their dreams, you ask...
  • In particular a mere 47 % of European citizens see themselves both as citizens of their country and of Europe, while the rest define themselves only by their national identity.
  • Only the ineffectual define themselves by their parents.

Alternatives:

  • define themselves
  • define himself
  • define herself

Related Comparisons

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

  • Emails and short texts
  • Proofreading & editing
  • Ready in 5-10 minutes
SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

  • Documents of any type (*.docx)
  • Advanced & Premium editing
  • Ready in as little as 4 hours
UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

  • Personalized answers to your language questions
  • Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
  • Ready in 24 hours
ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Powered By Humans

TextRanch Editors

AI is a great tool, but when it comes to perfecting your writing, we rely on real human editors.

  • All our editors are native English speakers.
  • Each editor has passed a rigorous admission test to ensure quality.
  • Our global team is ready to correct any text, anytime.

MEET OUR EDITORS

TextRanch Editors

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

People Feedback 4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Profile picture of Zubair from Bangladesh

Zubair
from Bangladesh From

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Profile picture of Arturo from Mexico

Arturo
from Mexico From

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Profile picture of Selena from USA

Selena
from USA From

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Profile picture of Ifiok from Nigeria

Ifiok
from Nigeria From

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Profile picture of Wilson from France

Wilson
from France From

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Profile picture of Susan from Germany

Susan
from Germany From

Trusted by Hundreds Teams

Facebook logo
Accenture logo
Air Asia logo
AirBus logo
Amazon logo
Bayer logo
Decathlon logo
Docusign logo
Ebay logo
Fiverr logo
Fossil logo
Keller Williams logo
LinkedIn logo
Loreal logo
Motorola logo
Orange logo
Roche logo
Salesforce logo
Stellantis logo