Hisself vs Himself – Which is Correct?

The English language is a beautifully complex, ever-evolving system, but even experienced writers can get tripped up by its intricate grammar rules. A classic case of this confusion lies in the mix-up between Hisself vs Himself. As someone who has worked as a writing coach, I’ve often been asked about which pronoun is correct to use. It’s not just a random question – it genuinely stumps both native and non-native speakers. What seems like a minor quirky detail is actually a full-blown grammatical conundrum, rooted deeply in historical context, linguistic research, and evolving modern usage norms.

Whether it’s in casual conversation, informal blog posts, or everyday writing, some still try to defend hisself. But when we examine reliable sources, style guides, and the standard form, the facts are hard to argue with: himself is correct. The breakdown often comes from blending similar-sounding structures in spoken speech. But when you review real-world examples, and understand how reflexive pronouns properly function within sentence patterns, everything clicks. Getting this right enhances clarity, builds professionalism, and clears up years of confusion – all triggered by a single, misused word.

Table of Contents

Understanding Reflexive Pronouns: A Quick Refresher

Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and object of a sentence are the same person or thing. They’re essential in everyday English and help maintain sentence clarity.

Standard reflexive pronouns include:

Subject Pronoun	Reflexive Pronoun
I	myself
you	yourself
he	himself
she	herself
it	itself
we	ourselves
you (plural)	yourselves
they	themselves

Reflexive pronouns are used:

When the subject does something to itself: He hurt himself.
For emphasis: I made the cake myself.
In idiomatic expressions: She kept it to herself.

In this system, “himself” is the reflexive form of “he.” But where does “hisself” come in?

The Standard: What Makes ‘Himself’ Grammatically Correct

“Himself” is the only standard, grammatically correct reflexive pronoun used for the third person singular masculine subject “he.”

Historical Background:

Originates from Old English “himself” (“him” + “self”)
Used for over 1000 years in written English
Appears in all formal grammar guides and dictionaries

“The reflexive form ‘himself’ has been standard since Middle English, used in both literature and formal documentation.” – Cambridge Grammar of the English Language

According to Merriam-Webster and Oxford English Dictionary, “himself” is the correct and universally accepted form across all varieties of Standard English.

‘Hisself’: A Nonstandard Variation Explained

Despite the authority of “himself,” the term “hisself” continues to pop up. Here’s why.

Origins of ‘Hisself’:

Traces back to dialectal variations in Southern American English and African American Vernacular English (AAVE)
Likely a result of analogical formation from “his” + “self”

Why it’s Nonstandard:

Not listed as a reflexive pronoun in any grammar book
Marked as incorrect in formal writing
Still common in informal speech and regional dialects

“‘Hisself’ is considered a nonstandard reflexive form and should be avoided in edited prose.” – Chicago Manual of Style

Grammar Rules Backing the Use of ‘Himself’

To understand why “himself” is correct and “hisself” isn’t, you need to understand how reflexives are constructed in English.

Construction Pattern:

Reflexive = Possessive/Objective Pronoun + “self” or “selves”

But there’s a catch:

We use the objective pronoun form for reflexives (e.g., him > himself)
We don’t use the possessive form (e.g., his > hisself)

That’s why:

Correct: He blamed himself.
Incorrect: He blamed hisself.

Grammar Tip:

Always align reflexive pronouns with objective pronouns, not possessives.

Real-Life Usage: ‘Himself’ in Correct Sentences

Here are examples showing “himself” in use:

He taught himself how to code in Python.
The CEO introduced himself at the start of the meeting.
John looked at himself in the mirror.
The cat cleaned himself after the bath.
He prided himself on being punctual.

Notice the clarity and flow that “himself” brings to each sentence.

Why ‘Hisself’ Persists in Spoken English

You might hear “hisself” in casual conversations, but that doesn’t make it right. Here’s why it’s still around:

Regional Usage:

Common in Southern U.S. dialects, especially in rural areas
Found in African American Vernacular English
Occasionally used in folklore, music, and storytelling

Language Evolution:

English evolves with usage
But standard grammar remains consistent in academic, professional, and global communication

“Language variation is natural, but prescriptive grammar remains essential for effective written communication.” – Linguistic Society of America

‘Hisself’ vs ‘Himself’: A Comparison Table

Feature	Himself (Standard)	Hisself (Nonstandard)
Accepted in formal writing	Yes	No
Found in dictionaries	Yes	As dialectal only
Regional usage	Nationwide	Mostly Southern US
Recommended by grammar experts	Yes	No
Reflexive pronoun status	Standard	Incorrect

Analogy-Based Explanation for Easier Understanding

Let’s break this down with some analogies:

Think of reflexive pronouns as part of a family pattern. If “I” pairs with “myself” and “she” pairs with “herself,” then naturally “he” should pair with “himself” – not “hisself.”

Analogy:

Just as you wouldn’t say “herself” as “herselfs,” you shouldn’t say “hisself” instead of “himself.”

Trick to Remember:

“He” always goes with “himself”
“His” is a possessive and doesn’t take “self”

Practical Tips to Remember the Right Form

Here are some simple tricks to always get it right:

Mnemonics:

“If it’s him, it’s himself.”
“His self is not himself.”

Usage Hacks:

When in doubt, remove the reflexive. Does it still make sense?
- ✓ “He blamed.” = correct → add “himself”
- ✗ “His blamed.” = incorrect → don’t add “self”

Tech Tools:

Grammarly and Microsoft Word will flag “hisself” as incorrect
Use grammar checkers to auto-correct these mistakes in your writing

Common Errors and How to Fix Them

Top Mistakes:

Using “hisself” instead of “himself” in essays, emails, or resumes
Copying colloquial speech into formal writing
Assuming dialectal speech is always grammatically valid

Correction Tips:

Read your work aloud
Use grammar-checking apps
Re-learn the reflexive pattern by practicing 5 correct sentences daily

Expert Opinions and Linguistic Insights

What Grammar Experts Say:

“While ‘hisself’ is commonly heard in certain dialects, it’s not acceptable in Standard English and should be avoided in formal settings.” – Oxford English Grammar

“Language is fluid, but the reflexive pattern is one rule that remains clear. ‘Himself’ is the form you should always use.” – American Heritage Guide to Contemporary Usage

Linguist Insight:

Studies show that speakers who use “hisself” tend to do so by habit, not by rule. Learning grammar helps break those habits.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between “hisself” and “himself” isn’t just about grammar – it’s about clarity, correctness, and effective communication. While “hisself” may sound familiar to some, it’s not recognized in professional or academic settings. Learning to use “himself” correctly not only improves your grammar but also enhances your writing credibility.

Stick with “himself” and leave “hisself” behind – your readers (and editors) will thank you.