“Its self” and “itself” may look similar but they are not normally interchangeable. Itself is the correct standard spelling when you are using the reflexive pronoun referring to a thing, animal, organization or situation. The form its self is generally incorrect when you mean the reflexive pronoun.
For example, you should write, “The machine turned itself off,” not “The machine turned its self off.” Itself is written as one word because it is a reflexive pronoun, just like himself, herself and themselves. Understanding this distinction can help you avoid a common spelling and grammar mistake in formal, academic, and everyday writing.
Quick Answer
Itself is the correct form when you need the reflexive pronoun related to it. Its self is generally incorrect when used in its place. For example, write “The door closed itself” not “The door closed its self.”
Why People Confuse “Its Self” and “Itself”
The confusion happens because its and self are both separate English words.
However, when self forms a reflexive pronoun with it, the words combine:
it + self = itself
Other examples follow the same pattern:
- him + self = himself
- her + self = herself
- them + selves = themselves
- your + self = yourself
Therefore, when you need the reflexive pronoun, use itself as one word.
Itself
Itself is a reflexive pronoun.
It is used to refer back to a singular thing, animal, organization, or other entity previously mentioned.
Examples
The cat cleaned itself.
The computer restarted itself.
The company has positioned itself as a market leader.
The door opened itself.
The word can also be used for emphasis:
The problem itself is not difficult.
Here, itself emphasizes “the problem.”
Its Self
Its self is generally not the correct spelling when you mean the reflexive pronoun itself.
Incorrect:
The machine repaired its self.
Correct:
The machine repaired itself.
However, its and self can theoretically appear next to each other when they have separate grammatical functions in an unusual context where self is being treated as a noun. This is rare and generally not what writers mean when they make this spelling mistake.
For normal English writing, use itself.
Comparison Table
| Form | Correct for the reflexive pronoun? | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Itself | Yes | The dog hurt itself. |
| Its self | No, generally | Avoid this when you mean the reflexive pronoun. |
When to Use “Itself”
Use itself when the subject and object of a sentence refer to the same thing.
Example
The robot turned itself off.
The robot is both the subject and the thing affected by the action.
You can also use itself for emphasis:
The idea itself is interesting.
Here, itself emphasizes the noun “idea.”
Common Uses of Itself
Use itself:
- As a reflexive pronoun
- To emphasize a noun
- To refer back to a previously mentioned thing
- In expressions such as “by itself”
Examples:
The computer fixed itself.
The building itself is beautiful.
The machine works by itself.
10+ Examples of “Itself”
- The door closed itself.
- The cat cleaned itself.
- The computer restarted itself.
- The machine turned itself off.
- The dog hurt itself while playing.
- The phone switched itself off.
- The problem will solve itself eventually.
- The company has established itself in the market.
- The device can update itself automatically.
- The plant can protect itself from certain threats.
- The building itself is worth visiting.
- The idea itself is not complicated.
- The system can monitor itself.
- The application installed itself automatically.
- The animal defended itself.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: “The Computer Restarted Its Self”
Incorrect:
The computer restarted its self.
Correct:
The computer restarted itself.
Mistake 2: “The Dog Hurt Its Self”
Incorrect:
The dog hurt its self.
Correct:
The dog hurt itself.
Mistake 3: Writing the Pronoun as Two Words
Because its is normally written separately from nouns, some writers mistakenly separate itself.
Remember that itself is a single pronoun.
Memory Trick
Think of:
IT + SELF = ITSELF
Just like:
HIM + SELF = HIMSELF
and:
HER + SELF = HERSELF
So when you need the reflexive pronoun, write itself as one word.
Easy Rule
Itself = one word.
If you mean “the thing does something to the same thing,” use itself.
The machine repaired itself.
American vs British English
There is no significant difference between American and British English regarding the spelling of this reflexive pronoun.
Both varieties use:
itself
The form its self is generally not used as a substitute for the standard reflexive pronoun.
Similar Words
Itself belongs to a group of reflexive pronouns:
- Myself
- Yourself
- Himself
- Herself
- Itself
- Ourselves
- Yourselves
- Themselves
These words are normally written as single words.
Examples
I taught myself.
She introduced herself.
He blamed himself.
The machine turned itself off.
They prepared themselves.
Final Verdict
Itself is the correct standard form when you need the reflexive pronoun.
Use:
Itself
Avoid:
Its self
when you mean the reflexive pronoun.
For example:
Correct: The machine repaired itself.
Incorrect: The machine repaired its self.
The simplest rule is: itself is one word.
FAQs
Is it “its self” or “itself”?
Itself is correct when you mean the reflexive pronoun.
Is “its self” ever correct?
In ordinary modern English, its self is generally not used when referring back to a thing. In normal writing, use itself.
Is “itself” one word?
Yes. Itself is normally written as one word.
What does “itself” mean?
“Itself” is a reflexive pronoun that refers back to a singular thing, animal, organization, or other entity.
Can “itself” be used for emphasis?
Yes.
The building itself is impressive.
Here, itself emphasizes the noun “building.”
What is the difference between “its” and “itself”?
Its is a possessive determiner:
The company changed its policy.
Itself is a reflexive pronoun:
The company changed itself.
Is “by itself” correct?
Yes.
The machine works by itself.
This means that the machine works without help or independently.
Remember This
When you need the reflexive pronoun, always remember:
ITSELF = ONE WORD
Correct: The dog hurt itself.
Incorrect: The dog hurt its self.
Conclusion
The correct form is itself, not its self, when you need the reflexive pronoun referring to a thing, animal, organization or situation. It can describe an action directed back toward the subject or emphasize a noun.
The easiest way to remember the spelling is to treat itself like other reflexive pronouns such as himself, herself and themselves. In standard English, write itself as one word.
