Them

'Them' is a third-person plural pronoun. In this part, we will go through its uses and grammatical rules in English grammar.

Them is a third-person plural object pronoun and refers to a group of people, animal, or things. In this lesson, we will discuss when and how to use it.

'Them' as an Object Pronoun

Use

Them as an object pronoun can be the direct object, the indirect object, and the object of a preposition.

Them as a direct object is used to receive the action of the verb. For example:

I love them.

That will be them.

He saw them.

'Them' comes after the verb 'saw.'

Them as an indirect object receives the direct object. Look:

I bought them some presents.

'Some presents' is the direct object and 'them' a direct object.

I gave them my book.

'Them' is before the direct object.

Them as an object of the preposition is introduced by a preposition. For example:

I talked to them.

She bought a book for them.

'Them' is used after 'for.'

Position in a Sentence

Them as a direct object comes after the verb, as an indirect object comes before the direct object, and as an object of preposition comes after the preposition. For example:

I love them.

'Them' is a direct object and comes after the verb.

I gave them some money.

'Them' is an indirect object and comes before the direct object.

I gave it to them.

'Them' is an object of preposition.

Generic 'Them'

We can also use them to refer to authorities like police, government, etc. For example:

She called the police and asked them to help her.

Singular 'Them'

Them as a singular pronoun is used to refer to a person whose sex is not identified or a person whose sex is not categorized as female or male. Remember that we must always use the plural verbs with them. Look:

Sara is a good student, I know them.

'Them' here shows that Sara is a non-binary person.

Them is also used to refer to indefinite pronouns. For example:

I respect everyone and I make friends with them.

'Them' as a Determiner

In spoken English, them is used as a possessive determiner. Look:

Look at them hair.

Tip

In informal or spoken English, them is contracted to 'em. Look:

I loved 'em all.

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