Itself or Its Self? Understanding the Correct Usage

English grammar can be tricky, especially when it comes to seemingly simple words. Take “itself” and “its self,” for example. These two terms are often confused, and knowing when and how to use each can elevate your writing.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the nuances of these words, offering you a clearer understanding of when to use “itself” and “its self.”

We will explore reflexive pronouns, the correct contextual usage of these terms, common mistakes people make, and much more. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to use these terms confidently and correctly in your writing.

Understanding Reflexive Pronouns in English

Before we dive into the specific case of “itself” and “its self,” it’s important to understand reflexive pronouns in general. Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and the object of a sentence refer to the same thing. In English, reflexive pronouns include:

• I → myself
• You → yourself
• He/She/It → itself
• We → ourselves
• They → themselves

What is “Itself”?

“Itself” is a reflexive pronoun used for things that are neutral in gender or singular subjects like animals or objects. It’s essential to understand how “itself” functions within a sentence. It refers to the subject of the sentence performing the action upon itself, creating a connection between the subject and the object.

Examples of “Itself”:

• The dog is cleaning itself.
• The machine started itself after being fixed.

In these examples, “itself” refers back to the subject (dog and machine) and clarifies that the action is being performed by the subject upon itself.

Contextual Usage of ‘Itself’ in Sentences

When writing, you should be aware of how to use “itself” in various contexts. The most common use cases involve objects or animals when performing actions on their own.

Itself is used:

• When the subject and object are the same.
• To emphasize the subject’s action.
• To indicate a process or an automatic action.

Example Sentences with “Itself”:

• The car drove itself to the repair shop.
• The plant grew itself in the wild without any human help.
• The children played themselves in the yard.

As you can see, “itself” shows that the subject is acting on itself. This is the simplest and most direct usage.

The Intricacies of ‘Its Self’ in Philosophical and Religious Texts

The term “its self” is a little trickier and not commonly used in everyday writing. “Its self” tends to show up more in philosophical or religious contexts, where it’s used to refer to something’s essence, soul, or identity. In these cases, “its self” isn’t used as a reflexive pronoun but as a unique phrase to indicate a deeper or metaphysical concept.

Examples of ‘Its Self’ in Context:

• Philosophy: “The mind strives to understand its self in a world filled with distractions.”
• Religious Texts: “The soul finds peace in understanding its self beyond material things.”

This usage highlights the profound and often abstract ideas of identity or essence, which cannot be conveyed with “itself.” In everyday writing, “its self” is usually avoided in favor of “itself,” as its application is more specialized.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions in Using ‘Its’ and ‘It’s’

It’s easy to mix up “its” and “it’s,” especially since they sound the same. However, these two words have distinct meanings and functions in English. Let’s clear up the confusion.

“Its” vs. “It’s”

• Its is a possessive pronoun, used to show ownership.
• It’s is a contraction for “it is” or “it has.”

Common Mistakes:

• Incorrect: “The dog wagged it’s tail.”
• Correct: “The dog wagged its tail.”

Here, “its” shows possession, indicating the tail belongs to the dog. The word “it’s” would imply “it is” or “it has,” neither of which makes sense in this context.

Identifying Contractions: When ‘It’s’ Is Not ‘Its’

As we just touched on, “it’s” is a contraction, while “its” is a possessive pronoun. Knowing when to use each can significantly improve your writing. Here are some examples that will help you remember the difference:

Examples of ‘It’s’ (Contraction):

• It’s a beautiful day today. (It is)
• It’s been a long time since we last met. (It has)

Examples of ‘Its’ (Possessive):

• The company is expanding its operations worldwide.
• The cat chased its shadow.

When writing, it’s critical to remember that “it’s” always represents a shortened form of “it is” or “it has,” while “its” shows possession.

Understanding Possessive Pronouns: When to Drop the Apostrophe

Possessive pronouns like “its,” “his,” “hers,” and “theirs” don’t require an apostrophe. An apostrophe is used for contractions or to show possession in nouns (like “dog’s”), but not in possessive pronouns.

Example Sentences:

• The school is proud of its achievements.
• The tree lost its leaves.
• We have to take care of our responsibilities.

Common Mistakes:

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

When Can I or When I Can? Mastering the Correct Usage of ‘Can’ and ‘Could’ in English

Practical Examples: Strengthening Your Grammar with ‘Itself’

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s look at some practical examples of how to use “itself” effectively in writing. By observing different contexts, you can strengthen your grammar and boost your writing clarity.

Everyday Use:

• Itself is used to describe things that happen naturally or automatically.
  • The door opened itself when I walked toward it.
  • The computer turned off itself after completing the update.

Scientific Context:

• Itself can be used in academic or scientific writing when explaining processes.
  • The cell divided itself during mitosis.
  • The organism adapted to its environment itself over generations.

Philosophical Context:

• Use itself when discussing an object or concept that functions on its own.
  • The idea revealed itself to the philosopher after years of contemplation.
  • The theory stood by itself without the need for external validation.

By practicing with these examples, you can better understand how “itself” works within your sentences. It’s an incredibly versatile word that can enhance your writing style.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between “itself” and “its self” is key to mastering English grammar. While “itself” is the reflexive pronoun for things or animals, “its self” appears mainly in abstract, philosophical, or religious contexts. Knowing when to use each will ensure that your writing remains clear and precise.

To recap, here are the main takeaways:

• Itself is used as a reflexive pronoun.
• Its self is rare and typically used in philosophical or religious contexts.
• It’s is a contraction for “it is” or “it has,” while its is a possessive pronoun.
• Remember that possessive pronouns like its do not require an apostrophe.

By following these guidelines, you will strengthen your grammar skills and avoid common mistakes. If you’re still unsure, continue practicing these terms in your writing, and you’ll find yourself using them naturally.

FAQs

1. Can ‘its self’ be used in modern writing?

• While “its self” isn’t commonly used in everyday writing, it appears in philosophical or religious texts to refer to a deeper meaning of identity or essence.

2. What’s the best way to remember when to use ‘it’s’ vs. ‘its’?

• “It’s” is always a contraction for “it is” or “it has.” If you can replace it with “it is” or “it has” and the sentence still makes sense, then “it’s” is correct. Otherwise, use “its” to show possession.

3. Are there any other common mistakes with reflexive pronouns?

• One common mistake is using reflexive pronouns like “himself” or “herself” when you should use “him” or “her.” Remember that reflexive pronouns are used only when the subject and object are the same.

4. How can I avoid confusing ‘its’ and ‘it’s’?

• A quick trick is to replace “it’s” with “it is” or “it has” in your sentence. If it doesn’t make sense, use “its.” Always keep an eye on context to avoid mix-ups.

By following these tips and practicing regularly, you’ll master these subtle grammatical distinctions and become a more confident writer!