English spelling can sometimes feel confusing, especially when two versions of a word look almost the same. One common question people ask is: Should I write “its self” or “itself”? If you have ever paused while writing and wondered which one is correct, you are definitely not alone.
The truth is simple once you understand how English reflexive pronouns work. In most situations, “itself” is the correct form, while “its self” is almost always incorrect.
In this guide, we’ll clearly explain the difference, show practical examples, highlight common mistakes, and help you confidently use the right word every time.
Quick Answer
- Correct: Itself
- Incorrect in most cases: Its self
“Itself” is a reflexive pronoun used when something performs an action on itself.
Example:
- The cat cleaned itself.
- The machine turned itself off.
The separated form “its self” is rarely used in modern English and usually appears only in unusual or poetic contexts.
What Does “Itself” Mean?
“Itself” is a reflexive pronoun. Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and the object of the sentence are the same.
Common reflexive pronouns include:
- myself
- yourself
- himself
- herself
- itself
- ourselves
- themselves
When we use “itself,” we are referring back to a thing, animal, object, or concept already mentioned.
Examples:
- The dog scratched itself behind the ear.
- The computer restarted itself after the update.
- The company reinvented itself after the crisis.
- The door closed itself due to the wind.
In each example, the action goes back to the subject.
Why “Its Self” Is Usually Incorrect
The phrase “its self” separates the possessive pronoun “its” from the noun “self.” In modern English, reflexive pronouns are one word, not two.
Because of this rule, writing “its self” usually creates a grammatical mistake.
Incorrect examples:
- The dog cleaned its self. ❌
- The machine shut its self down. ❌
- The baby entertained its self. ❌
Correct versions:
- The dog cleaned itself. ✔
- The machine shut itself down. ✔
- The baby entertained itself. ✔
In modern writing, you should almost always use “itself.”
Simple Examples of “Itself”
Here are some clear everyday examples showing how the word is used correctly.
With animals
- The cat washed itself after eating.
- The horse freed itself from the rope.
With objects
- The phone turned itself off.
- The system updated itself overnight.
With abstract ideas
- The problem solved itself over time.
- History often repeats itself.
These examples show how the subject performs an action directed back toward itself.
Comparison Table: Its Self vs Itself
| Feature | Itself | Its Self |
| Word Type | Reflexive pronoun | Possessive phrase |
| Standard Usage | Correct | Usually incorrect |
| Modern English | Very common | Rare |
| Grammar Rule | One word | Not standard |
| Example | The robot repaired itself | The robot repaired its self ❌ |
The table makes it clear that “itself” is the correct form for standard English writing.
When Could “Its Self” Be Used?
Although rare, “its self” can technically appear in very old or poetic writing where “self” is treated as a separate noun.
Example:
- The machine seemed to have a mind of its self.
However, even in this case, most modern editors would rewrite the sentence as:
- The machine seemed to have a mind of its own.
Because of this, modern English writers almost never use “its self.”
Common Mistakes Writers Make
Many writers confuse “itself” with similar-looking words. Let’s look at some of the most frequent mistakes.
1. Writing “its self” instead of “itself”
Incorrect:
- The program fixed its self.
Correct:
- The program fixed itself.
2. Confusing “its” and “it’s”
Another very common mistake involves its and it’s.
- Its = possessive (belongs to it)
- It’s = contraction of it is or it has
Examples:
Correct:
- The company changed its policy.
- It’s going to rain today.
3. Overusing reflexive pronouns
Sometimes writers use “itself” unnecessarily.
Incorrect:
- The company announced itself a new product.
Correct:
- The company announced a new product.
Use reflexive pronouns only when the action truly refers back to the subject.
American vs British English Usage
Good news: there is no difference between American English and British English when it comes to “itself.”
Both varieties follow the same rule:
- ✔ Itself is correct.
- ❌ Its self is generally incorrect.
Examples used in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia all follow this same standard.
Tips to Remember the Correct Form
If you want to avoid mistakes, remember these quick tips:
- Reflexive pronouns are always one word.
- If the subject acts on itself, use “itself.”
- Avoid writing “its self” in modern English.
A simple trick:
If you would use myself, yourself, or himself, then itself should also be one word.
Example pattern:
- I hurt myself
- She hurt herself
- The dog hurt itself
FAQs
1. Is “its self” ever correct?
In modern English, it is almost always considered incorrect. The correct reflexive form is “itself.”
2. What type of word is “itself”?
“Itself” is a reflexive pronoun used when the subject and object of a sentence are the same.
Example:
- The robot repaired itself.
3. Why do people write “its self”?
Most of the time, it happens because people mistakenly separate the possessive pronoun “its” and the noun “self.” However, reflexive pronouns should remain one word.
4. Can “itself” refer to objects?
Yes. “Itself” is commonly used for objects, animals, systems, and abstract ideas.
Example:
- The software updated itself.
5. Is “itself” used in formal writing?
Yes. “Itself” is perfectly acceptable in both formal and informal writing, including academic and professional contexts.
6. What is the difference between “itself” and “it’s”?
- Itself = reflexive pronoun
- It’s = contraction of it is or it has
Example:
- The cat cleaned itself.
- It’s raining today.
7. Is “its self” used in old English?
Yes, some very old texts separated reflexive pronouns. But modern English combines them into one word.
8. How can I remember the correct spelling?
Think of other reflexive pronouns like myself and herself. Since they are written as one word, “itself” follows the same rule.
Summary
Understanding the difference between “its self” and “itself” is actually very simple once you know the rule. In modern English, “itself” is the correct reflexive pronoun, used when a subject performs an action on itself. The separated form “its self” is rarely used and usually considered incorrect in everyday writing.
To avoid mistakes, remember that reflexive pronouns are always written as one word. Just like myself and herself, the correct form is itself. Whenever you want to show that something acts upon itself, this is the word you should use.
Actionable takeaway:
When writing, quickly check your sentence. If the subject is doing something to itself, simply write “itself” as one word. This small habit will instantly improve your grammar and make your writing clearer and more professional.
Jase Tucker is a contributing author at SyntaxlyHub, dedicated to helping readers master English grammar with clarity and confidence. His writing focuses on practical rules, common mistakes, and clear examples that support accurate writing, stronger sentence construction, and effective communication in academic, professional, and everyday contexts.
