Its Self or Itself? Which Is Correct?

Have you ever been confused about whether to use “its self” or “itself” in a sentence? It’s a common grammatical mistake, even among proficient writers. Understanding the difference between these two terms is crucial for producing clear, effective communication. This article will explain the proper use of “its” and “itself”, clearing up the confusion and ensuring you avoid common mistakes. By the end, you’ll have a solid grasp of their correct usage, enhancing your writing’s clarity and accuracy. Let’s dive in and clarify the difference once and for all!

What Is “Its” and “Itself”? Understanding the Basics

Before we dive into the details of when to use “its” and “itself”, let’s first break down what each term means.

What Does “Its” Mean?

The term “its” is a possessive pronoun that shows ownership or possession. It refers to something that belongs to or is associated with a thing previously mentioned, usually an animal or object. “Its” is similar to other possessive pronouns, such as “his”, “her”, or “their”, but it’s used specifically for non-human things.

Example Sentences:

The dog wagged its tail in excitement.
The company launched its new product line today.

In both examples, “its” indicates possession—the dog owns the tail, and the company owns the product line.

What Does “Itself” Mean?

On the other hand, “itself” is a reflexive pronoun. Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same. “Itself” refers back to the subject of the sentence, meaning the action is being done to the subject itself.

Example Sentences:

The cat licked itself after the bath.
The car started itself after the mechanic made the repair.

In these examples, “itself” refers to the subject (the cat or the car) and indicates that the action is performed on the subject directly.

The Difference Between “Its” and “Itself”

Understanding the distinction between “its” and “itself” is essential to using them correctly. Let’s break it down clearly:

When to Use “Its”

You should use “its” when you are talking about possession. It shows that something belongs to the subject of the sentence. “Its” is often used with non-human entities (animals, objects, or ideas), indicating that they possess something.

Examples:

The tree lost its leaves in the fall.
The robot did its job efficiently.

In both cases, “its” shows that the leaves belong to the tree, and the robot is performing a task.

When to Use “Itself”

Use “itself” when the subject of the sentence is performing an action that affects itself. “Itself” refers back to the subject, and it’s a reflexive pronoun, meaning the subject is both the performer and the receiver of the action.

Examples:

The child dressed himself after the shower.
The clock fixed itself after a brief malfunction.

In these examples, “itself” refers to the subject of the sentence (the child or the clock), showing that the action was directed back to the subject itself.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

Many people make mistakes when using “its” and “itself”, especially since these terms sound similar. Let’s look at some of the most common errors and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Using “Its” for Reflexive Actions

One of the most common mistakes is using “its” when “itself” should be used. Remember, “its” is for possession, while “itself” is for reflexive actions. Here’s an example of how people might mistakenly use “its” instead of “itself”:

Incorrect: The dog hurt its self while playing.
Correct: The dog hurt itself while playing.

Explanation: Since the dog is performing the action on itself, the correct term is “itself”, not “its”.

Mistake 2: Using “Itself” for Possession

Another common error is using “itself” to indicate possession, which is incorrect. “Itself” refers to reflexivity, not possession.

Incorrect: The car parked itself in the garage.
Correct: The car parked its wheels in the garage.

Explanation: Here, “its” is used to show possession (the car’s wheels), while “itself” refers to the car performing the action on itself.

Real-Life Examples and Their Correct Usage

Let’s look at some real-life examples to better understand how to use “its” and “itself” correctly. Below, we’ll compare incorrect and correct usages to further solidify your understanding.

Example 1: Incorrect Usage of “Its” and “Itself”

Incorrect: The tree lost its self in the storm.
Correct: The tree lost its leaves in the storm.

Here, “its self” would be incorrect. The tree does not lose itself; rather, it loses its leaves, which is why “its” (showing possession) is correct here.

Example 2: Reflexive Action with “Itself”

Incorrect: The cat hurt its self when it fell off the counter.
Correct: The cat hurt itself when it fell off the counter.

In this case, “itself” is the right choice because the subject (the cat) is performing an action on itself.

Example 3: Using “Its” for Possession

Incorrect: The company focused on improving itself.
Correct: The company focused on improving its reputation.

Here, “its” is used to show possession— the company owns the reputation. “Itself” would be incorrect in this context, as it refers to a reflexive action, which does not apply here.

Why the Confusion Exists

Possessive vs. Reflexive Forms

The confusion between “its” and “itself” arises from the fact that “its” and “itself” are related but serve different grammatical functions. “Its” is a possessive form, while “itself” is a reflexive pronoun. The key difference is that “its” shows ownership, and “itself” indicates that the subject is acting upon itself.

The Role of Apostrophes

Another reason for confusion is the apostrophe. “Its” is one of the few possessive pronouns that doesn’t use an apostrophe (unlike “it’s”, which is a contraction for “it is”). People often mistakenly add an apostrophe in “its”, which results in incorrect usage.

For example:
Incorrect: The dog chased it’s tail.
Correct: The dog chased its tail.

How to Avoid Confusion

Here are some simple tips to remember the difference between “its” and “itself”:

Tip 1: Use “Its” for Possession

When showing that something belongs to the subject, use “its”. For example, “The house lost its roof in the storm.”

Tip 2: Use “Itself” for Reflexive Actions

If the subject of the sentence is doing something to itself, use “itself.” For example, “The bird preened itself on the branch.”

Quick Test for Clarity

If you’re unsure which word to use, ask yourself:

Is it showing possession? If yes, use “its.”
Is the subject doing something to itself? If yes, use “itself.”

Advanced Usage of “Its” and “Itself”

While the rules for “its” and “itself” are straightfor ward, there are some more advanced cases where both terms might appear together or in more complex sentences.

Reflexive Use in Compound Sentences

In some cases, “itself” appears in compound or complex sentences, where the reflexive action is spread over multiple clauses.

Example:

The robot completed the task itself, and the workers were amazed at how quickly it finished.

In this case, “itself” emphasizes that the robot performed the action autonomously.

Conclusion: Mastering Its vs. Itself

In conclusion, understanding the difference between “its” and “itself” is essential for proper grammar and effective writing. By remembering that “its” shows possession and “itself” refers to a reflexive action, you can easily avoid common mistakes. Whether you’re writing emails, essays, or creative work, applying these rules will make your sentences clearer and more accurate.

By following these simple guidelines, you’ll improve your grammatical precision, ensuring your writing is both professional and error-free.

FAQs: “Its Self” or “Itself”? Which Is Correct?

1. Is “its self” ever correct?

No, “its self” is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is always “itself” when referring to reflexive actions.

2. What is the difference between “its” and “itself”?

“Its” is a possessive pronoun, meaning something belongs to it (e.g., “The dog wagged its tail.”).
“Itself” is a reflexive pronoun, meaning the subject is performing an action on itself (e.g., “The cat cleaned itself.”).

3. Why do people mistakenly use “its self”?

Many assume “its self” follows the pattern of other reflexive pronouns (e.g., “myself,” “yourself”). However, English does not separate “it” and “self”—they combine into “itself”.