When I first started teaching English, I noticed how seasoned writers could still pause over whether to use its self or itself. The distinction matters because itself is the correct form, the standard reflexive pronoun in English, while its self is rare and often mistaken as a misspelling. I’ve seen students, professionals, and even editors stumble over this choice. In my experience, the confusion disappears when you focus on usage, clarity, and rules rather than guesswork. A guide or set of examples helps recognizing the difference, and once you internalize it, your writing flows more smoothly.
In practical terms, itself refers back to a subject in a sentence, like “The cat cleaned itself.” But its self might appear in poetic or philosophical contexts, such as “The company is discovering its self,” breaking the norm and causing confusion.
From my own editing work, I’ve learned that knowing the syntax, semantics, and reflexivity behind this choice makes a big difference. If you focus on accurate, proper usage and avoid bad grammar habits, your language will be sharper, your purpose clearer, and your confidence in English writing will grow.
The Core Difference Between “Itself” and “Its Self”
The distinction between these two is simple in form but important in meaning.
| Term | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example Sentence |
| Itself | Reflexive pronoun | Refers back to the subject “it” in a sentence. | The cat cleaned itself after eating. |
| Its self | Possessive pronoun (its) + noun (self) | Refers to the “self” or identity of the subject as a separate concept. | The robot improved its self-awareness over time. |
Key takeaway:
- Use “itself” when you’re talking about the subject doing something to or emphasizing itself.
- Use “its self” when “self” is a separate noun with its own meaning, usually in philosophical or psychological contexts.
Understanding Reflexive Pronouns in English
Reflexive pronouns are words like myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, and themselves. They serve two main purposes:
- As objects of verbs or prepositions when the subject and object are the same.
The dog hurt itself while jumping off the couch. - For emphasis (also called intensive pronouns).
The project itself took less than a week to complete.
Why “Itself” Fits Here
“Itself” belongs in this family of pronouns and always refers back to “it,” meaning the subject is acting on or emphasizing itself.
In professional writing—especially in academic and legal contexts—reflexive pronouns can help clarify meaning or avoid ambiguity.
Proper Usage of “Itself”
Let’s look at when “itself” is the correct choice.
1. As the Object of a Verb
When the subject and object are the same thing:
The company restructured itself after the market crash.
2. After a Preposition
Used after prepositions for clarity:
The building stood by itself at the edge of the field.
3. For Emphasis
To stress a noun without changing the meaning:
The software itself isn’t the problem; the hardware is.
Correct vs. Incorrect Usage Table for “Itself”
| Correct Usage | Incorrect Usage |
| The machine repaired itself. | The machine repaired its self. |
| Nature can heal itself over time. | Nature can heal its self over time. |
| The book itself explains everything. | The book its self explains everything. |
Pro tip: If removing “self” still leaves the sentence grammatically correct but less emphatic, you’re probably dealing with “itself”, not “its self.”
What Does “Its Self” Mean?
While “its self” looks like a typo to most people, it’s actually correct in certain contexts. It combines the possessive pronoun its with the noun self—meaning the self or identity of the subject.
You’ll see “its self” in:
- Philosophy:
The mind seeks to understand its self through reflection. - Religion:
The soul must separate itself from its self to achieve purity. - Psychology:
The AI system developed its self-awareness after multiple iterations.
When to Use “Its Self”
Only when “self” is a standalone noun with its own meaning—often in discussions about identity, consciousness, or introspection.
The “Its” vs. “It’s” Trap
Before you can master “its self” and “itself,” you need to lock down its vs. it’s—because the wrong apostrophe will confuse readers instantly.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Its | Possessive pronoun meaning “belonging to it.” | The car lost its wheel. |
| It’s | Contraction of “it is” or “it has.” | It’s been a long day. |
Memory trick: If you can replace the word with “it is” or “it has” and it still makes sense, use it’s (with the apostrophe). Otherwise, it’s its.
Example in context:
- Correct: The dog licked itself to clean its fur.
- Incorrect: The dog licked itself to clean it’s fur.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
Even experienced writers mix these up. Here’s what to watch for:
- Mistake 1: Using its self when you mean itself.
The company prides on its self.
The company prides itself. - Mistake 2: Adding unnecessary emphasis with itself.
The book itself, itself was very informative.
The book itself was very informative. - Mistake 3: Confusing reflexive pronouns with intensive pronouns.
Reflexive: She taught herself to code.
Intensive: She herself taught the entire class.
Practical Usage Scenarios
Here’s where you’ll encounter both “itself” and “its self” in real life.
Academic Writing
- Itself: Often used in scientific reports.
The virus replicates itself within the host cell. - Its self: Found in philosophical essays.
The theory explores the mind’s relationship with its self.
Professional Communication
- Itself:
The department itself approved the budget. - Its self: Rare, but may appear in technical or psychological reports.
The AI adapted its self-image based on feedback.
Everyday Conversation
- You’ll almost always use “itself.”
Rarely will “its self” appear outside formal, reflective contexts.
Practice Exercise Table
Identify which option is correct for each sentence.
| Sentence | Correct Form |
| The organization rebranded ___ last year. | itself |
| The meditation practice helped the mind connect with ___. | its self |
| The city ___ has a rich cultural heritage. | itself |
| The AI software improved ___ learning algorithm. | its self |
Quick Grammar Tools and Memory Aids
- Mnemonic: “Itself is one word, unless the self stands alone.”
- Diagram:
- Checklist Before Writing:
- Is “self” acting as a separate concept? → Use its self.
- Is the word referring back to the subject? → Use itself.
Conclusion
Choosing between its self and itself doesn’t have to be a stumbling block. Itself is the correct, standard reflexive pronoun in almost every context, while its self is rare and usually belongs in poetic or philosophical writing.
By focusing on usage, clarity, and the basic rules of English grammar, you can avoid confusion and strengthen your writing. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting, mastering this difference boosts your confidence and ensures your purpose comes through clearly.
FAQs
Q1: Is “its self” ever correct?
Yes, but it’s rare and mostly appears in literary, poetic, or philosophical contexts. In everyday writing, it’s considered nonstandard.
Q2: Why is “itself” the standard form?
Because it’s the reflexive pronoun that refers back to the subject, following established English grammar rules.
Q3: Can using “its self” be a mistake?
In most cases, yes. Unless your context intentionally calls for it, “its self” will be seen as an error.
Q4: How can I remember the difference?
Think of “itself” as the safe, correct choice for almost every sentence. Use “its self” only for special stylistic or philosophical purposes.
Q5: Does this rule apply to other pronouns?
Yes. Reflexive pronouns like “myself,” “yourself,” “himself,” and “herself” follow the same structure.
