This confusion is a common stumbling block even for seasoned writers, who may occasionally pause and consider which form is truly correct. This guide aims to demystify the usage by providing clarity through clear examples, helpful explanations, and practical tips that make it easier to understand the difference.
From my experience, the key is recognizing that “itself” is the standard, reflexive pronoun, while “its self” is rarely correct and mostly a misspelling. Once you internalize this, the confusion disappears, and your writing flows smoothly. By focusing on these straightforward rules and real-world examples, you can avoid common mistakes and use this tricky part of English with confidence.
Quick Answer: Is It ‘Its Self’ or ‘Itself’?
In most cases, “itself” is the correct form. “Its self” is rarely used and typically appears in philosophical or literary contexts.
Comparison Table
| Term | Type | Meaning | Example |
| its | Possessive pronoun | Belonging to it | The dog wagged its tail. |
| it’s | Contraction | It is / It has | It’s going to rain today. |
| itself | Reflexive pronoun | Refers back to the subject | The cat cleaned itself. |
| its self | Noun phrase | The self belonging to it (rare usage) | The AI became aware of its self. |
Understanding ‘Itself’: The Reflexive Pronoun
“Itself” is a reflexive pronoun used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same. Reflexive pronouns in English include:
- Myself
- Yourself
- Himself
- Herself
- Itself
- Ourselves
- Yourselves
- Themselves
Use “itself” when an object or animal performs an action on itself.
Examples:
- The robot repaired itself.
- The company prides itself on innovation.
What Does ‘Its Self’ Even Mean? When Is It Ever Right?
“Its self” is not commonly used in everyday English. However, it can appear in philosophical or literary contexts to discuss the concept of an entity’s selfhood.
Example:
- In the novel, the AI contemplates its self and its place in the world.
In such cases, “self” is treated as a separate noun, and “its” functions as a possessive pronoun.
Common Grammar Mistakes: ‘Its’, ‘It’s’, ‘Itself’, and ‘Its Self’
Understanding the differences between these terms is crucial:
- Its: Possessive form of “it”.
- Example: The company changed its policy.
- It’s: Contraction of “it is” or “it has”.
- Example: It’s been a long day.
- Itself: Reflexive pronoun.
- Example: The cat cleaned itself.
- Its self: Rarely used; refers to the self of an entity.
- Example: The AI questioned its self.
How Context Shapes Meaning
The choice between “itself” and “its self” depends on context:
- Everyday Usage: Use “itself”.
- Example: The machine shut itself down.
- Philosophical or Literary Contexts: “Its self” may be appropriate.
Spot the Difference: Test Yourself
Fill in the blanks with the correct form: “its”, “it’s”, “itself”, or “its self”.
- The dog chased ______ tail.
- I believe the AI is aware of ______.
- ______ going to be a sunny day.
- The company rebranded ______ image.
Answers:
- its
- itself
- It’s
- its
Real-World Examples from Media and Literature
- Correct Usage: “The organization prides itself on community service.”
- Philosophical Context: “The narrative delves into the AI’s perception of its self.”
Writing Tips to Never Mix These Up Again
- Mnemonic for “it’s” vs. “its”: If you can replace the word with “it is” or “it has”, use “it’s”. Otherwise, use “its”.
- Remember: “Itself” is a reflexive pronoun; “its self” is rarely used and typically only in specific contexts.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple, Get It Right
Understanding the distinction between “its self” and “itself” enhances clarity in writing. Use “itself” for reflexive actions and reserve “its self” for rare, specific contexts. When in doubt, “itself” is almost always the correct choice.
FAQs
What is the difference between “its” and “it’s”?
- “Its” is a possessive pronoun, meaning it shows ownership. Example: The dog chased its tail.
- “It’s” is a contraction for “it is” or “it has”. Example: It’s going to rain today or It’s been a long time.
When should I use “itself” instead of “its self”?
You should use “itself” in most situations as a reflexive pronoun, where the subject and object are the same. Example: The cat cleaned itself.
“Its self” is used rarely and usually appears in philosophical or literary contexts when discussing an entity’s self-awareness or existence. Example: The robot struggled to understand its self.
Can I use “its self” in casual writing?
No, “its self” is not commonly used in everyday or casual writing. It’s typically found in more formal, philosophical, or literary contexts. For most purposes, “itself” should be your go-to reflexive pronoun.
How do I remember when to use “its” vs. “it’s”?
A simple trick is to check if you can replace “it’s” with “it is” or “it has.” If you can, then “it’s” is correct. If not, use “its”.
Example:
- It’s going to be sunny (can be “it is”).
- The dog wagged its tail (can’t replace with “it is”).
Why is “itself” used as a reflexive pronoun?
“Itself” is used to indicate that the subject of the sentence is performing an action on itself. Reflexive pronouns like “itself” reflect back on the subject, meaning the subject and the object are the same.
Example: The mirror reflects the image of the dog, and the dog looks at itself.
