Many English learners wonder whether they should write itself or its self. Since English contains expressions like myself, yourself, and himself, it’s easy to assume that its self might also be correct. However, the standard form is different.
Understanding the difference between itself vs its self will help you avoid a common grammar mistake and write more naturally in both formal and everyday English.
Quick Answer
Itself is the correct standard spelling. Its self is almost always incorrect in modern English. Use itself as the reflexive pronoun when referring back to a thing, animal, or idea.
Why People Confuse It
The confusion happens because many reflexive pronouns are formed by combining a possessive pronoun with self or selves, such as:
- Myself
- Yourself
- Himself
- Herself
Some learners incorrectly separate itself into its self, even though modern English treats itself as a single word.
Itself
Itself is a reflexive pronoun.
Meaning
It refers back to the same thing, object, animal, or idea that is already the subject of the sentence.
Examples
- The cat cleaned itself.
- The machine turned itself off.
- The company prides itself on quality.
- The door opened by itself.
- The problem solved itself over time.
Its Self
Its self is not the standard spelling in modern English.
Although you may occasionally find it in very old texts or in highly specialized philosophical writing where self is treated as a separate noun, it is considered incorrect in everyday, academic, and professional English.
Incorrect Examples
- ❌ The dog hurt its self.
- ❌ The computer restarted its self.
Correct Forms
- ✅ The dog hurt itself.
- ✅ The computer restarted itself.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Itself | Its Self |
|---|---|---|
| Correct standard English | ✅ Yes | ❌ Usually no |
| Reflexive pronoun | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Used in everyday writing | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Accepted in formal English | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Recommended spelling | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
When to Use Each
Use itself when:
- Referring back to a thing, object, animal, or organization.
- Using a reflexive pronoun.
- Writing formal or informal English.
Avoid its self unless you are quoting historical texts or discussing philosophy where self is intentionally used as a separate noun.
Examples
- The baby taught itself to roll over.
- The phone restarted itself.
- The company introduced itself at the conference.
- The cat entertained itself.
- The system updated itself overnight.
- The tree protected itself from insects.
- The software installed itself automatically.
- The robot balanced itself perfectly.
- The door locked itself.
- The engine cooled itself.
- The issue resolved itself naturally.
- The business established itself as a market leader.
Common Mistakes
Many learners make these errors.
- Writing its self instead of itself.
- Confusing itself with the possessive pronoun its.
- Separating the reflexive pronoun into two words.
Correct:
- The machine fixed itself.
Incorrect:
- The machine fixed its self.
Memory Trick
Remember this simple rule:
All common reflexive pronouns are one word.
- Myself
- Yourself
- Himself
- Herself
- Ourselves
- Themselves
- Itself
If you mean the reflexive pronoun, write itself as one word.
American vs British English
There is no difference between American and British English.
Both varieties use itself as the correct standard spelling.
Similar Words
You may also confuse these words:
- Its vs It’s
- Yourself vs Your Self
- Myself vs My Self
- Himself vs Him Self
- Herself vs Her Self
- Themselves vs Them Selves
- Ourselves vs Our Selves
- Whose vs Who’s
- Their vs They’re
- Affect vs Effect
Final Verdict
The correct form is itself. It is the standard reflexive pronoun used to refer back to a thing, animal, organization, or idea. Its self is almost always incorrect in modern English and should be avoided in everyday, academic, and professional writing.
Whenever you need the reflexive pronoun, remember that itself is always written as one word.
Remember This
Itself = Correct. ✅
Its self = Incorrect in modern English. ❌
Think:
The computer restarted itself.
FAQs
Which is correct, itself or its self?
Itself is the correct standard spelling. Its self is generally incorrect in modern English.
Is “its self” ever correct?
Only in very rare historical, literary, or philosophical contexts where self is intentionally treated as a separate noun. In normal English, use itself.
What is “itself”?
Itself is a reflexive pronoun that refers back to a thing, animal, organization, or idea.
Why is “its self” considered incorrect?
Because modern English treats itself as a single reflexive pronoun, just like myself and yourself.
Do British and American English spell “itself” differently?
No. Both varieties use itself as one word.
Can “itself” be used for companies?
Yes. For example: The company prides itself on excellent customer service.
Is “itself” always one word?
Yes. In standard English, itself is always written as one word.
Conclusion
The difference between itself and its self is straightforward. Itself is the correct reflexive pronoun used in all standard varieties of English, while its self is generally considered incorrect outside of rare historical or philosophical contexts.
To write clear, natural, and grammatically correct English, always use itself as a single word.
Nancy Lisa is a passionate writer and contributor at DrameyHut, focused on uncovering the deeper meanings behind dreams. She creates engaging and insightful content that helps readers interpret their dreams and understand their subconscious thoughts. Her work inspires self-reflection, clarity, and a stronger connection to inner emotions.
