What’s the Plural of Self? Meaning, Rules, and Useful Examples

Language often challenges us with words that do not follow the neat rules we expect. One such word is self. At first glance, it seems simple, yet when asked to form its plural, many people pause. Should it be selves or selfs? This question arises not only for students learning English but also for native speakers writing in formal contexts.

In this article, we will look closely at the word self, study how its plural form works, and support the explanation with examples, historical notes, and evidence from linguistic research.

What is the correct plural of “self”?

The accepted plural of self is selves. This form has been standard in English for centuries and is used in both everyday writing and formal works. For example, psychologists speak of “multiple selves,” and philosophers explore the concept of “the divided selves of human nature.” The form selfs is considered nonstandard and is not used in educated writing.

Why is it “selves” and not “selfs”?

The explanation lies in a pattern of English spelling and pronunciation that applies to words ending in -f or -fe. In many such words, the f sound changes to v before adding -es.

This pattern is based on historical phonology, where voiced consonants became easier to pronounce between vowels. University research in historical linguistics confirms that this change appeared during Middle English, influenced by Norse and Norman French contact.

Examples of the pattern

Wolf → Wolves
(not wolfs)
Knife → Knives
(not knifes)
Leaf → Leaves
(not leafs)
Shelf → Shelves
(not shelfs)

In each case, the f softens into a v, then adds -es. The word self follows the same rule, giving us selves.

Are there exceptions to the -f to -ves rule?

Yes. Not all words ending in -f change to -ves. For instance, roofs, cliffs, and chiefs keep the f and simply add -s. Scholars in morphology point out that frequency of use and historical borrowing affect these patterns. Words of Anglo-Saxon origin, like wolf and self, usually adopt the -ves form, while borrowed or later-formed words often keep the simple -s.

How is “selves” used in real contexts?

The plural selves is most often seen in literature, psychology, philosophy, and everyday expressions. It refers to people’s identities, personalities, or multiple versions of a person’s being.

Examples in sentences

We must discover our true selves before we can live authentically.
The students presented different versions of their selves in class and at home.
Writers often explore the conflict between public and private selves.
Children grow into independent selves with unique ideas and emotions.

Each example shows selves representing more than one aspect of personal identity.

Can “self” ever be pluralized differently?

In standard English, the only accepted plural is selves. However, historical texts from Early Modern English sometimes reveal experimental forms like selfs. These did not survive into modern usage because they did not match the dominant phonological pattern. Linguistic studies highlight that language naturally favors consistent and pronounceable structures, which is why selves became fixed.

How do compound words with “self” form the plural?

Another area of confusion comes with compound words ending in -self. Words like myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, and themselves are reflexive pronouns, and they already have plural forms built into them. But when self is part of a compound noun, such as self-image or self-concept, the plural follows the same -ves rule.

Examples of compound plurals

self-image → self-images
(Here, the word image carries the plural, not self.)
self-esteem → self-esteems
(Since esteem is the noun, it takes the plural.)
selfhood → selfhoods
(Pluralized like a regular noun.)
self → selves
(When the focus is on self itself, the plural becomes selves.)

This shows that when self is combined, the pluralization depends on the structure of the compound.

Graphical guide: Plural of “self” and related forms

Word Type	Singular	Plural	Notes
Simple noun	self	selves	Standard plural
Reflexive pronoun	myself	ourselves	Already irregular
Reflexive pronoun	yourself	yourselves	Irregular, follows same change
Compound noun (self-image)	self-image	self-images	Head noun takes plural
Compound noun (selfhood)	selfhood	selfhoods	Regular plural

What do research studies say about “selves”?

Modern linguistic research, including works in cognitive psychology and sociolinguistics, shows that the word selves carries rich meaning beyond grammar. Studies in identity theory (such as those published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology) describe humans as having multiple selves—the social self, the private self, and the ideal self. This academic usage confirms that selves is not only correct but also widely accepted in scholarly writing.

Why is understanding this plural important?

Knowing that self → selves is important for several reasons:

Accuracy in writing: It prevents errors in academic or professional work.
Clarity in meaning: The difference between self and selves can change the sense of a sentence.
Confidence in communication: Learners gain assurance when they use correct forms.
Connection with broader ideas: The word selves links grammar with psychology, literature, and philosophy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is “selfs” ever correct?

No. In modern English, selfs is considered a mistake. The only correct form is selves.

2. Why does “self” follow the same pattern as “wolf” and “leaf”?

Because all three words are of Old English origin, where the phonological shift from f to v before plural endings became common.

3. How should I pluralize reflexive pronouns like “myself”?

Reflexive pronouns already have distinct plural forms: myself → ourselves, yourself → yourselves, himself → themselves. You do not add -s to myself directly.

4. Can I say “different selfs” to mean different identities?

No. The correct phrase is “different selves.” Writers in philosophy and psychology always use selves when referring to multiple identities.

5. Do learners of English often confuse this?

Yes. Research in second-language acquisition shows that learners frequently apply the regular -s ending without realizing that irregular plural rules exist. Teaching resources stress the importance of memorizing such exceptions.

6. Is “selves” used in everyday conversation?

Yes. While not as common as books or cars, it appears in phrases like “Be your best selves” or “They revealed their true selves.”

7. Why does “roofs” not become “rooves” while “self” becomes “selves”?

This is due to historical variation. Some words resisted the shift because they were used differently across dialects. Over time, the simpler form roofs won out, but selves kept the -ves ending.

8. Is there a difference between “selves” and “selves’ ” (with an apostrophe)?

Yes. Selves is the plural noun. Selves’ is the plural possessive, meaning something belongs to multiple selves. Example: The students’ true selves’ voices were heard.

Conclusion

The plural of self is selves, and this form has strong support in history, phonology, and academic usage. It follows the same irregular pattern as wolf → wolves and leaf → leaves.

The form selfs is incorrect and should be avoided. Understanding this plural not only improves grammar but also opens a window into how language connects with deeper ideas of identity and human nature. By remembering that the word belongs to the special -f → -ves group, learners can confidently write and speak about their selves in any context.

What’s the Plural of Self? Meaning, Rules, and Useful Examples