Have you ever stopped typing because you weren’t sure if the plural of “self” is “selves” or “selfs”? You are not alone. This is one of the most common grammar questions people search for every day.
The confusion is understandable because English has many tricky plural rules. Some words just add an “s,” while others completely change their spelling.
In this article, I will give you a clear and simple answer. You will learn exactly which spelling is correct. You will also understand why people get confused and how to avoid this mistake forever.
By the end, you will never have to hesitate again when writing about more than one “self.”
Selves or Selfs – Quick Answer
The correct plural form of “self” is “selves.” “Selfs” is not a standard English word. You should always use “selves” in your writing. For example, say “our best selves” not “our best selfs.” Remember, “self” changes to “selves” when you mean more than one .
Key Difference Between Selves and Selfs
The key difference is simple:
- “Selves” is the correct plural form of “self”
- “Selfs” is a misspelling and not accepted in standard English
Comparison Table: Selves vs Selfs
Is Selves or Selfs Correct or Incorrect?
“Selves” is correct. “Selfs” is incorrect in standard English.
“Self” is a noun. Its plural is “selves.” This is the only correct form. All major dictionaries list “selves” as the plural of “self” . “Selfs” does not appear in standard English dictionaries.
Why Do People Confuse Selves and Selfs?
People confuse these words for a few simple reasons.
The -f to -ves Rule
Many English words change from “-f” to “-ves” in the plural. Think of “leaf” becoming “leaves.” People expect “self” to follow this rule. It does .
Unfamiliarity with Plural Rules
Some people do not know the plural rules for words ending in “-f.” They simply add an “-s” without changing the word .
Influence of Other Words
Some English words simply add “-s” to form the plural. Think of “roof” becoming “roofs.” People sometimes think “self” follows this pattern. It does not.
Informal Speech and Internet
People sometimes use “selfs” in casual online writing. This spreads the mistake. But it is still incorrect.
The Origin of Selves
The word “self” comes from Old English. The plural form has been “selves” for many centuries. In Old English, the word was “self” or “selfa” . The plural form followed the pattern of other words ending in “-f.” It changed to “-ves” . This has been the standard for over 1000 years.
British English vs American English Spelling
The spelling is the same in both British and American English. “Selves” is the only correct plural in all forms of English .
Comparison Table: Spelling by Region
| Region | Correct Spelling | Incorrect Spelling |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Selves | Selfs |
| United Kingdom | Selves | Selfs |
| Australia | Selves | Selfs |
| Canada | Selves | Selfs |
| Other Commonwealth | Selves | Selfs |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
For US Audience
Always use “selves.” American English does not accept “selfs.” Write “our best selves” in all your writing.
For UK/Commonwealth Audience
Always use “selves.” British English also rejects “selfs.” Use “selves” in all formal and informal writing.
For Global/SEO Writing
Use “selves.” This is the standard worldwide. “Selfs” will be seen as a spelling error in every English-speaking country .
How to Pronounce Selves
The pronunciation is simple.
“Selfs” would be pronounced “selfs.” But you should never use this word. The two words would sound different if “selfs” existed. But since it does not exist, you only need to know how to say “selves.”
Formal vs Informal Usage of Selves or Selfs
Academic Writing
Always use “selves.” This is the standard academic form. For example, “The study explored individuals’ perceptions of their future selves.”
Business Communication
Use “selves” in all business writing. For example, “We need to present our best selves to the client.”
Casual Conversation
Use “selves” in casual speech too. For example, “We were just being ourselves.” Even in informal contexts, “selfs” sounds incorrect.
Common Mistakes with Selves or Selfs
1: Using “Selfs” in Plural
Incorrect example: “We need to be our best selfs.”
Correct example: “We need to be our best selves.”
Explanation: “Selfs” is never correct. Always change to “selves” for plural.
2: Forgetting to Change the “f” to “v”
Incorrect example: “They were true selfs.”
Correct example: “They were true selves.”
Explanation: Words ending in “-f” often change to “-ves.” “Self” is one of these words.
3: Confusing “Selves” with Other Pronouns
Incorrect example: “We baked the cake ourselfs.”
Correct example: “We baked the cake ourselves.”
Explanation: “Ourselves” is the reflexive pronoun. It uses “selves” .
Selves in Everyday Examples
In Emails
“Let us be our productive selves this week.”
In News
“Though Newcastle players technically covered more distance, they did not look their usual intense selves.”
In Social Media
In Formal Writing
“The study examined the participants’ professional selves and personal selves.”
Simple Rule to Remember
1: Always change “f” to “v” when making “self” plural. “Self” becomes “selves.”
2: If you are talking about more than one person’s identity, use “selves.”
3: If you are unsure, remember the word “shelf.” One shelf, many shelves. One self, many selves .
Selves or Selfs – Google Trends & Usage Data
Google Trends shows “selves” is used everywhere. It is the standard in all English-speaking countries. “Selfs” is rarely searched for. This shows people are more likely to look up the correct spelling. “Selfs” is not a recognized word. Its use is very low and likely due to errors.
Country/Usage Table
Related Grammar Terms You Should Know
- Reflexive Pronouns: Words like “myself,” “yourself,” and “ourselves” that refer back to the subject .
- Plural Nouns: Words that show more than one person or thing. “Selves” is the plural of “self.”
- Pronouns: Words that take the place of nouns. “Self” is used to form compound pronouns .
- Compound Pronouns: Words formed by combining a personal pronoun with “-self” or “-selves.”
FAQs
1. Is “selfs” a word in the dictionary?
No, “selfs” is not found in any standard English dictionary. The plural of self is always “selves.”
2. Why is the plural of self “selves” and not “selfs”?
English words ending in “-f” often change to “-ves” in the plural. “Self” follows this pattern, just like “leaf” becomes “leaves.”
3. Is “theirselves” a correct word?
No, “theirselves” is not a word. The correct form is “themselves.” “Themselves” uses the plural “selves.”
4. Can I ever use “selfs” in informal writing?
It is best to avoid “selfs” completely. It is a spelling error even in informal writing. Always use “selves.”
5. How do you use “selves” in a sentence?
You can use “selves” to talk about multiple people. Example: “We need to be our better selves.” It is also used in compound pronouns like “ourselves.”
Conclusion
The answer to the question “selves or selfs” is clear. “Selves” is the only correct plural of “self.” You should never use “selfs” in your writing.
The rule is simple: one self, many selves. You can remember this by thinking of the word “shelf.” One shelf, many shelves. One self, many selves. This will help you avoid the mistake forever.
Now you know the correct spelling. You can write with confidence. Always use “selves” for more than one self.
