Grammar often presents us with subtle challenges, and one of the trickiest distinctions involves the proper usage of ‘itself’ and ‘its self’. While they might sound similar, these terms are not interchangeable. In fact, understanding their correct usage is crucial for clear, precise communication, whether you’re writing for school, work, or personal projects. This article delves deep into these two terms, providing the clarity you need to master their usage once and for all.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to correctly use “itself” and “its self” and avoid common mistakes. Let’s dive in.
Defining Reflexive Pronouns: What is ‘Itself’?
To begin, it’s essential to understand what reflexive pronouns are and how they function in the English language. A reflexive pronoun is a type of pronoun that refers back to the subject of the sentence. It’s a way of showing that the subject and the object of the sentence are the same.
The term ‘itself’ is a reflexive pronoun used specifically for inanimate objects, animals, or things. It refers back to the subject of the sentence in a way that signals self-action. In other words, the subject performs the action on itself.
Example:
- The cat cleaned itself. Here, ‘itself’ refers back to the subject, the cat, showing that the cat did the action to itself.
Reflexive pronouns, including ‘itself’, are crucial for clarity in sentences where you want to indicate that the subject is both performing and receiving the action.
Correct Usage of ‘Itself’ in Sentences
Now, let’s take a closer look at how ‘itself’ works in real sentences. Understanding these examples will help solidify when and why ‘itself’ is used.
Examples:
- The machine fixed itself. In this sentence, ‘itself’ is used to indicate that the machine repaired itself, without any external help.
- The painting hung itself on the wall. Here, ‘itself’ highlights that the painting completed the action alone.
Key Notes on ‘Itself’:
- ‘Itself’ is used when the subject is a thing, animal, or inanimate object.
- It helps show that the subject performs the action to its own benefit or consequence.
When to Use ‘Its Self’: The Rare Case
Many people mistakenly think that ‘its self’ is simply a variant of ‘itself’, but that’s not the case. ‘Its self’ is a more archaic, outdated form that is now rarely used in modern English.
In fact, ‘its self’ appeared in older texts, particularly in philosophical and religious writings, where it was used to describe the concept of a thing’s inner essence or its selfhood. However, in contemporary grammar, we use ‘itself’ exclusively for reflexive purposes.
Example in Context:
- From a philosophical text: “The object in question was its self in a state of eternal flux.” Here, the phrase is used to signify the inner essence or identity of the object.
While ‘its self’ may still appear in some older philosophical or religious contexts, ‘itself’ is the preferred form in modern English, especially for everyday use.
Understanding the Difference: ‘Its’ vs. ‘It’s’
A common point of confusion for many learners of English is the distinction between ‘its’ and ‘it’s’. These two terms, though they sound alike, serve completely different purposes in a sentence.
- ‘Its’ is a possessive pronoun, indicating ownership or association.
- ‘It’s’ is a contraction of ‘it is’ or ‘it has’.
Example:
- ‘Its’: The cat licked its paw.
Here, ‘its’ shows possession – the paw belongs to the cat. - ‘It’s’: It’s raining outside.
In this case, ‘it’s’ is a contraction of “it is.”
Tip: If you can substitute ‘it’s’ with “it is” or “it has” in a sentence and it still makes sense, then ‘it’s’ is correct. If not, you need to use ‘its’.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
Mistakes involving ‘its’ and ‘it’s’, as well as ‘itself’ and ‘its self’, are common because English grammar can be tricky. Let’s go over a few frequent errors and how to avoid them:
Mistake 1: Using ‘it’s’ for possession
- Incorrect: The dog wagged it’s tail.
- Correct: The dog wagged its tail.
Why It Happens:
People mistakenly treat ‘it’s’ as a possessive pronoun, which is incorrect. ‘Its’ should always be used when indicating possession.
Mistake 2: Confusing ‘its self’ with ‘itself’
- Incorrect: The tree found its self in a storm.
- Correct: The tree found itself in a storm.
Why It Happens:
Many English learners may think ‘its self’ is just an alternative to ‘itself’ when, in reality, the latter is almost always the correct choice.
Strengthening Your Grammar: Practical Examples with ‘Itself’
To really grasp the difference between ‘itself’ and ‘its self’, it’s helpful to look at some practical examples in various contexts.
Example 1: Reflexive Actions
- The robot shut down by itself.
- The car cleaned itself using the automatic wash system.
Example 2: Literary Usage
- In an old fable, the turtle found itself facing great challenges.
These examples show how ‘itself’ is used in different contexts, from technology to storytelling.
When to Drop the Apostrophe: Possessive Pronouns
Another important distinction to make is how possessive pronouns such as ‘its’ differ from other pronouns. Possessive pronouns never require an apostrophe.
Key Point:
Unlike contractions like ‘it’s’, the possessive form ‘its’ does not use an apostrophe.
| Correct Usage | Incorrect Usage |
| The dog chased its tail. | The dog chased it’s tail. |
| The company changed its policy. | The company changed it’s policy. |
In both of the examples above, the correct form is ‘its’. Remember, no apostrophe!
Why This Matters: Enhancing Clarity in Writing
The key to mastering ‘itself’ and ‘its self’ (and possessive pronouns in general) is clarity. Understanding these distinctions will elevate your writing and make it more precise. Proper usage of reflexive and possessive pronouns prevents confusion and ensures your readers understand your intended meaning.
Real-Life Application:
In professional settings, especially when you’re dealing with technical writing or academic papers, precision matters. For example:
- A technical manual for a robot would say: The robot repairs itself.
- An academic paper discussing philosophy may still reference ‘its self’ when discussing the concept of identity or essence in a more abstract way.
Conclusion: Mastering the Nuances of ‘Its Self’ and ‘Itself’
In summary, understanding when to use ‘itself’ and ‘its self’ is crucial for effective written communication.
- ‘Itself’ is the preferred, modern reflexive pronoun for non-human subjects.
- ‘Its self’ is largely outdated, found mostly in older or philosophical texts.
- ‘Its’ and ‘it’s’ are often confused, but remembering the rule that ‘its’ shows possession and ‘it’s’ is a contraction of ‘it is’ or ‘it has’ can clear up the confusion.
Remember, clarity is key. When in doubt, ‘itself’ is almost always the correct choice, and ‘its’ will never need an apostrophe. By mastering these distinctions, you’ll ensure that your writing is both precise and professional.
Further Practice:
If you want to reinforce your understanding, consider reviewing additional sentences, checking out grammar guides, or even reading classic texts where these distinctions are crucial. The more you practice, the more natural it will feel.
FAQs on ‘Itself’ vs. ‘Its Self’
1. What is the difference between ‘itself’ and ‘its self’?
The difference is straightforward:
- ‘Itself’ is a reflexive pronoun used to show that the subject of the sentence is performing the action on itself. It is the correct form used in most modern contexts.
- ‘Its self’ is an archaic or outdated usage and is rarely used in modern English. It was once used in more formal or philosophical contexts, typically referring to the concept of a thing’s essence or inner being.
2. Is ‘its’ the same as ‘it’s’?
No, ‘its’ and ‘it’s’ are not the same:
- ‘Its’ is a possessive pronoun, showing ownership or belonging. Example: The cat licked its paw.
- ‘It’s’ is a contraction of ‘it is’ or ‘it has’. Example: It’s raining outside.
3. When should I use ‘itself’ in a sentence?
You should use ‘itself’ when the subject of the sentence is performing an action on itself, specifically for non-human subjects, objects, or animals. Example: “The robot powered down itself.” It indicates that the subject and object are the same.
4. Is ‘its self’ still correct to use in modern English?
No, ‘its self’ is considered outdated and is not used in modern grammar. The correct term to use is ‘itself’. You might still encounter ‘its self’ in older philosophical or religious texts, but it’s rare in everyday language.
5. Can I always use ‘itself’ instead of ‘its self’?
Yes, in most situations, ‘itself’ is the correct choice in modern English. The only exceptions are specific literary or philosophical texts where ‘its self’ might still be encountered. In general, for everyday usage, always opt for ‘itself’.
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