themselves · pron
themselves (EMPHASIS)
B2 used to emphasize the pronoun "they" or the particular group of people you are referring to
Dictionary examples:
The staff themselves were unhappy with the decision. (20.4)
They themselves had no knowledge of what was happening. (22.0)
themselves (REFLEXIVE)
A2 the reflexive form of the pronoun "they"
Dictionary examples:
The clowns painted themselves with silly colors. (0.0)
The monkeys threw bananas at themselves by accident. (0.0)
The puppies chased themselves in circles, getting dizzy. (0.0)
Did they enjoy themselves at the theater? (12.5)
They asked themselves where they had gone wrong. (19.2)
(by) themselves
A2 alone or without anyone else's help
Dictionary examples:
The students decided to teach the class themselves. (0.0)
The monkeys tried to write a book by themselves. (0.0)
The babies tried to change their diapers by themselves. (0.0)
The kids arranged the party all by themselves. (21.0)
They've decided to run the club themselves. (26.2)
They did the catering themselves. (27.2)