Itself vs. Its Self – Which is Correct?
The correct spelling is itself, which functions as a reflexive or intensive pronoun. The spelling “its self” is grammatically incorrect in standard English. “Itself” refers back to a non-human or inanimate subject, emphasizing the subject or indicating the action is performed by or on the subject.
Itself or Its Self – Which is Correct?
The distinction between “itself” and “its self” is straightforward: itself is the only correct spelling. “Its self” is a common misspelling that arises from incorrectly separating the possessive determiner “its” from the noun “self.” However, the reflexive pronoun is always written as a single, compound word.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
To remember the correct spelling, think of other reflexive pronouns like “myself,” “yourself,” “himself,” “herself,” and “themselves.” Notice that all of these are single, compound words. There is no “my self” or “your self.” Therefore, “itself” follows the same pattern, always written as one word.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Itself | Reflexive/Intensive Pronoun | Refers to a non-human or inanimate subject; used for emphasis or when the subject is also the object of the action. | The cat groomed itself thoroughly. |
| Its self | Incorrect Spelling | Grammatically incorrect; should always be written as “itself.” | (Incorrect) The company prided its self on innovation. |
How to Use Itself
The word “itself” serves two primary grammatical functions: as a reflexive pronoun and as an intensive pronoun. In both cases, it refers back to a singular, non-human, or inanimate antecedent.
As a reflexive pronoun, “itself” indicates that the action of the verb is performed by the subject upon the subject. It is essential when the subject and object of a verb are the same. For example, “The machine repaired itself.”
As an intensive pronoun, “itself” is used to add emphasis to a noun or pronoun. It typically appears immediately after the noun or pronoun it emphasizes, or at the end of the clause. For instance, “The city itself is a major tourist attraction.”
Example 1 (Reflexive): The old car started itself with a jolt, surprising everyone.
Example 2 (Intensive): The concept itself is not difficult, but its application can be challenging.
Example 3 (Reflexive): The artificial intelligence system learned to improve itself over time.
Etymology of the word Itself
The word “itself” originated in the 14th century, evolving from “it self.” The separation was more common in older English. Over time, particularly by the 17th century, the two words began to coalesce into the single compound word “itself,” following the pattern of other reflexive pronouns like “myself” and “himself.” It combines the possessive determiner “its” with the noun “self,” but functions as a unified pronoun.
Related Concepts
Understanding these grammatical concepts can further clarify why “itself” is the correct form and how it functions in sentences.
- Reflexive Pronouns: These pronouns (myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves) are used when the subject and object of a verb refer to the same person or thing. They reflect the action back onto the subject.
- Intensive Pronouns: Identical in form to reflexive pronouns, intensive pronouns are used for emphasis. They typically appear after the noun or pronoun they are emphasizing and can be removed from a sentence without changing its core meaning.
- Possessive Determiners: Words like “my,” “your,” “his,” “her,” “its,” “our,” and “their” are used before a noun to show ownership or possession. For example, “its” in “its tail” shows that the tail belongs to “it.”
Examples from Media and Literature
Here are several examples demonstrating the correct usage of “itself” in various contexts:
- “The universe is a machine for the making of gods, and the gods are machines for the making of the universe. It is a perpetual motion machine, feeding on itself, growing on itself.” – Neil Gaiman, American Gods
- “A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes. The internet itself is a testament to this speed.” – Adapted from a quote often attributed to Mark Twain
- “The storm, having gathered strength, began to lash itself against the coastal cliffs.” – News report, June 2026
- “Every organism, from the smallest bacterium to the largest whale, is a complete world in itself.” – Scientific article
- “The company prided itself on its innovative approach to sustainable energy solutions.” – Business review
Itself Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| By itself | Alone; without assistance or external influence. (Often used interchangeably with “itself” in certain contexts, e.g., “The door opened by itself.”) |
| Per se | By or in itself; intrinsically. (Latin, often used in formal contexts to mean “as such” or “in itself.”) |
| Inherent | Existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute. (Can describe a quality that is part of “itself.”) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Can “itself” refer to a person?
No, “itself” specifically refers to a singular non-human entity, an animal (when gender is unknown or irrelevant), an object, or an abstract concept. For people, you would use “himself” or “herself.”
Question 2: Is “itself” always used for emphasis?
Not always. “Itself” can be used reflexively, meaning the subject acts upon itself (e.g., “The robot recharged itself”). It can also be used intensively, where it adds emphasis to the subject (e.g., “The problem itself is quite simple”).
Question 3: Why do people sometimes write “its self”?
The misspelling “its self” often occurs due to confusion with possessive forms like “my car” or “its tail,” where “its” functions as a possessive determiner. People mistakenly apply this separation to the reflexive pronoun, overlooking that reflexive pronouns are always single, compound words.
Conclusion
In the debate of “itself” vs. “its self,” the answer is unequivocal: itself is the only correct spelling. It functions as a versatile reflexive or intensive pronoun, referring back to a non-human or inanimate subject. The form “its self” is a grammatical error, likely stemming from a misunderstanding of how reflexive pronouns are constructed in English.
Pro Tip: Using correct grammar and spelling, especially for commonly confused words like “itself,” significantly enhances your credibility in both professional and academic writing. Always proofread to ensure your communication reflects precision and attention to detail.
