are themselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are themselves" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize that the subject is acting in a way that is consistent with their true nature or character. Example: The politicians, who claim to represent the interests of the people, are themselves ignoring the needs of their constituents.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They are themselves responsible".

The New York Times

They are themselves conflicted.

The New Yorker

Finally they are themselves consumed by greed.

Independent

Those options are themselves mirror images.

The New Yorker

Some policemen are themselves engaged in crime.

The Economist

These edges are themselves cutting edges.

Independent

But these shield areas are themselves complex.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mending clothes that are themselves second-hand.

The Economist

None of these products are themselves perfect.

The New York Times - Tech

Indeed, many marketmakers are themselves HFT firms.

The Economist

"His listeners are, themselves, communicators".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are themselves" to emphasize that a group or entity is acting on its own accord, without external influence. For example, "The students are themselves responsible for their grades."

Common error

Avoid using "are themselves" with singular subjects. It's grammatically incorrect. Instead, use "is himself" or "is herself" for singular pronouns or nouns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are themselves" functions as a reflexive emphasis. It highlights that the subject is acting or being a certain way independently. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct. The phrase emphasizes the subject's inherent qualities or self-driven actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are themselves" is a versatile and grammatically correct construction used to emphasize that a subject's actions or qualities originate from within. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, but particularly common in News & Media and Scientific writing. It highlights intrinsic qualities, stresses agency and responsibility, and distinguishes self-driven actions from external influences. Remember to avoid using it with singular subjects, where "is himself" or "is herself" would be appropriate. Consider alternatives like "in their own nature" or "by their own doing" for subtle variations in meaning when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in and of themselves

Emphasizes the self-contained nature of something, independent of external factors.

are truly

Highlights the genuine or real aspect of something.

are by nature

Indicates that something is naturally or inherently a certain way.

are intrinsically

Emphasizes that a quality is an essential part of something's being.

are fundamentally

Highlights the most basic or essential aspect of something.

essentially are

Highlights the fundamental or intrinsic nature of something.

genuinely are

Emphasizes the authenticity or sincerity of something.

are in reality

Emphasizes the true nature of something, focusing on what something truly is as opposed to what it may seem.

constitute themselves

Focuses on the act of forming or establishing something by the subject itself.

in their own nature

Highlights the inherent characteristics of something.

FAQs

How can I use "are themselves" in a sentence?

Use "are themselves" to emphasize that a group is acting or experiencing something independently. For example, "The employees "are themselves" responsible for meeting the deadline".

What's a good alternative to "are themselves"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "in their own nature", "by their own doing", or "on their own" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "is themselves"?

No, "is themselves" is grammatically incorrect. "Themselves" is a plural reflexive pronoun, so it should be used with the plural form of the verb "to be", which is "are". The correct phrase is "are themselves".

What is the difference between "are themselves" and "by themselves"?

"Are themselves" emphasizes the inherent quality or action of a group, while "by themselves" ("by themselves") indicates doing something alone without assistance. For example, "They are themselves responsible" versus "They completed the project by themselves".