yourselves

yourselves

You must wash yourselves before swimming.

Definition
  1. Reflexive pronoun (plural):
    • Used as the object of a verb or preposition when the subject is "you" (plural) and the action refers back to the subject: "yourselves" indicates that the people being addressed are also the ones affected by the action.
    • Used for emphasis: "yourselves" can emphasize that the people addressed, and not others, are involved.
Usage Examples

  • Reflexive use:

    • You should take care of yourselves. (The people addressed must care for themselves.)
    • Did you enjoy yourselves at the party? (The people addressed had a good time.)

  • Emphatic use:

    • You yourselves are responsible for this project. (The people addressed, not anyone else, are responsible.)
    • You can do it yourselves without help. (The people addressed can do it alone.)
Advanced Usage

  • "by yourselves": alone or without assistance.

    • You'll have to finish the work by yourselves. (You must complete it without help from others.)

  • "for yourselves": for your own benefit or use.

    • You should see the movie for yourselves. (You should watch it to form your own opinion.)

  • "be yourselves": to act naturally or without pretense.

    • Just be yourselves during the interview. (Act naturally, not pretending to be someone else.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Yourself (singular reflexive pronoun): used for one person.

    • You should take care of yourself. (Refers to a single person.)

  • Self (noun): the essential being of a person.

    • He is focusing on his self. (His own personal identity.)
Synonyms
  • No direct synonyms: "yourselves" is a specific reflexive pronoun; it cannot be replaced by a single word. In some contexts, "you" can be used (e.g., is nonstandard). The phrase "your own selves" is sometimes used for emphasis.
Related Idioms

  • "Help yourselves": an invitation to take something freely (often food or drink).

    • Please help yourselves to the snacks. (Take as much as you like.)

  • "Keep yourselves to yourselves": to avoid social interaction with others.

    • They keep themselves to themselves in the neighborhood. (They stay isolated.)

  • "Pull yourselves together": to regain composure after being upset.

    • Pull yourselves together and finish the game. (Calm down and focus.)