help themselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "help themselves" is correct and usable in written English.
It implies that someone has the capability to help themselves without needing additional help from another person. For example: "The students have been given resources and tools to help themselves succeed in their classes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They can't help themselves.

Independent

Mobsters can't help themselves.

The New York Times

Communities could help themselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

Still they can't help themselves.

The New York Times

"But they cannot help themselves.

The New York Times

They cannot help themselves.

The New York Times - Sports

Can hypochondriacs help themselves?

The New Yorker

Residents help themselves.

The New York Times

They couldn't help themselves.

The New York Times - Arts

"They should help themselves.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The players cannot help themselves.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "help themselves" when indicating that individuals are capable of solving their own problems or fulfilling their needs independently. It suggests empowerment and self-reliance.

Common error

Avoid using "help themselves" when referring to a singular subject. Ensure the pronoun agrees in number (e.g., "He can help himself"). Using it incorrectly can lead to grammatical errors and confusion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "help themselves" is as a reflexive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the verb is also the recipient of the action. Ludwig shows this reflexive usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "help themselves" is a versatile reflexive verb phrase that signifies self-reliance and the ability to act independently. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used. Predominantly found in News & Media, and often used in Science and Wiki contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for various situations. When using "help themselves", ensure agreement with the subject (plural). Alternatives such as "fend for themselves" or "take care of themselves" can be used depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stand on their own two feet

Highlights independence and self-reliance, often after a period of dependence.

fend for themselves

Emphasizes the need to survive or manage without assistance.

manage on their own

Implies the capacity to handle situations or tasks independently.

take care of themselves

Focuses on ensuring their own well-being and needs are met.

be independent

Focuses on not being controlled or influenced by others.

be self-sufficient

Highlights the ability to provide everything needed without external help.

rely on their own resources

Stresses the use of personal assets and abilities.

make do

Suggests using limited resources effectively.

get by

Indicates managing to survive or succeed with difficulty.

be their own boss

Implies controlling one's own actions and decisions.

FAQs

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

You can use "help themselves" to indicate that people are capable of taking action to improve their situation, such as "The organization provides resources so that people can "help themselves"".

What does "help themselves" mean?

"Help themselves" means to take independent action to improve one's situation or fulfill one's needs. It implies self-reliance and capability.

What are some alternatives to "help themselves"?

Alternatives include "fend for themselves", "take care of themselves", or "be self-sufficient", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "help himself" or "help themselves"?

Both are correct, but they depend on the subject. Use "help himself" for a singular subject (e.g., "He needs to help himself"), and use "help themselves" for a plural subject (e.g., "They need to help themselves").