Understanding pronouns in English can be tricky, especially when it comes to reflexive forms like oneself. Many learners and even native speakers ask whether oneself is considered third person or something entirely different. This question reveals the complexity of English grammar and how pronouns function depending on context. To answer it thoroughly, we need to explore grammatical person, reflexive pronouns, and the specific use of oneself in both formal and general communication. Let’s examine how this pronoun fits within the structure of English and why it often causes confusion.
What Is Oneself in Grammar?
Oneself is a reflexive pronoun. Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same. In other words, the action of the verb is reflected back on the subject. Examples of reflexive pronouns include:
- Myself
- Yourself
- Himself
- Herself
- Itself
- Ourselves
- Yourselves
- Themselves
- Oneself
Unlike most reflexive pronouns, which clearly link to personal pronouns such as I or he, oneself is associated with the impersonal pronoun one. The word one is used in a general, formal, or philosophical sense to refer to people in general, not a specific individual. For example:
- One should always be true to oneself.
Here, oneself refers back to the subject one. So, is one third person? And by extension, is oneself third person too? The answer depends on how grammatical person is defined.
Grammatical Person: First, Second, and Third
In English, grammatical person refers to the relationship between the speaker, the listener, and others being talked about. The system is divided into three basic categories:
- First Person: Refers to the speaker I, we, myself, ourselves.
- Second Person: Refers to the listener you, yourself, yourselves.
- Third Person: Refers to someone or something else he, she, they, himself, themselves.
The pronoun one does not fit neatly into this framework. It is not first person (the speaker) or second person (the listener), but it also doesn’t refer to a specific person like third-person pronouns do. Instead, one is a general or impersonal subject used to make statements that apply broadly.
Is One Considered Third Person?
Technically, yes one is treated as a third-person singular subject in terms of verb agreement. That means it follows the same grammatical rules as he or she when conjugating verbs:
- One goes to the store.
- One tries to stay calm in such situations.
In both examples, the verb form agrees with third person singular. Therefore, in grammatical structure, one behaves as a third-person singular pronoun, and so oneself aligns with third person as well. However, unlike he or she, it does not identify a specific person it remains impersonal and formal.
Uses of Oneself in Sentences
Oneself is commonly used in formal, academic, or philosophical writing. It reflects an introspective or generalized tone. Here are some correct uses of oneself in context:
- It is important to challenge oneself to grow.
- One should always conduct oneself with dignity.
- Discipline requires controlling oneself in difficult moments.
In these cases, oneself refers back to one, which stands in for any person. Although this structure is less common in casual speech, it is entirely correct and appropriate in professional or reflective settings.
Comparison with Other Reflexive Pronouns
Let’s compare oneself with other reflexive pronouns to clarify the relationship:
| Subject Pronoun | Reflexive Pronoun | Grammatical Person |
|---|---|---|
| I | myself | First person singular |
| You | yourself | Second person singular |
| He/She | himself/herself | Third person singular |
| One | oneself | Third person singular (impersonal) |
As seen above, oneself clearly fits into the third person, even though its tone is distinctively impersonal and formal. This places it in a unique grammatical category, functioning as third person but used for generalization.
Common Mistakes and Clarifications
Because oneself is not commonly used in casual speech, it can be misused or confused with similar-sounding reflexive pronouns. Some common errors include:
- Using yourself instead of oneself Incorrect: One should help yourself.
- Replacing one with you inconsistently Incorrect: You should help oneself.
The correct usage maintains consistency between subject and reflexive pronoun:
- Correct: One should help oneself.
- Correct: You should help yourself.
This consistency is vital for grammatical accuracy, especially in writing.
When to Use Oneself vs. Other Forms
Use oneself when:
- You are writing or speaking formally.
- You want to make a general statement that applies to people in general.
- You are avoiding direct reference to a specific person.
Examples:
- One must educate oneself in order to succeed.
- It is important for one to believe in oneself.
In more casual conversation, people often replace one with you, using yourself instead:
- You must believe in yourself.
Both are grammatically correct, but they differ in tone and style.
Is Oneself Third Person?
Yes, oneself is considered third person. It is the reflexive pronoun corresponding to the impersonal subject one, which follows third-person singular verb forms. While oneself does not refer to a specific individual, it still functions within the third-person grammatical category. Its primary use is in formal or generalized statements where the speaker is not referring directly to themselves or the listener but instead offering broader insights or truths. Understanding how and when to use oneself correctly can add clarity and sophistication to both written and spoken English, especially in professional or reflective contexts.