The English language can be tricky, filled with nuances and exceptions that often challenge even a diligent learner. I once faced deep confusion when deciding how to use its, self, or itself in a sentence. Such a small detail can change the meaning and clarity of sentences, and even a minor grammar mistake may distort how your message is understood. The difference between these similar words lies in how they shape the place and purpose of your thought. Deciphering this puzzle might seem unexpectedly tough at first, but once you think it through, the rule becomes easier to grasp. This subtle point is at the heart of Its Self or Itself? Understanding the Correct Usage, a topic every careful writer should know well.
From my experience, choosing between the two forms requires a simple guide. Its expresses possession, as in “The dog wagged its tail,” which clearly shows ownership without needing an apostrophe. In contrast, itself functions as a reflexive pronoun, used when an action is done back to the subject, such as “The cat cleaned itself.” Once you remember this difference, it becomes easier to choose the correct term every time. This guide helps avoid common errors, ensuring your writing stays precise, clear, and polished. By focusing on straightforward rules and applying them to real-world examples, your meanings will flow smoothly, and your confidence in using English will always feel right.
Quick Answer: Is It ‘Its Self’ or ‘Itself’?
Here’s the short version before we go deep:
✅ “Itself” is the correct and standard form in modern English.
🚫 “Its self” is almost never used, except in rare poetic, philosophical, or historical contexts.
Think of it this way:
- Itself = reflexive pronoun (used in normal grammar).
- Its self = possessive + noun (used rarely for deep, abstract ideas like “the self” or “identity”).
In everyday writing, “itself” is always the right choice.
Example:
- ✅ The cat cleaned itself after eating.
- ❌ The cat cleaned its self after eating.
Comparison Table: ‘Its Self’ vs. ‘Itself’ at a Glance
| Phrase | Grammar Type | Definition | Example Sentence | Accepted in Modern English? |
| Itself | Reflexive pronoun | Refers back to “it” (the subject) | “The company prides itself on innovation.” | ✅ Yes |
| Its Self | Possessive + noun | “Its” shows possession of “self”; used only in philosophy or poetry | “The machine was aware of its self and its function.” | ⚠️ Rare, archaic |
Understanding ‘Itself’: The Reflexive Pronoun
To understand why “itself” is correct, you need to know what reflexive pronouns are.
Reflexive pronouns show that the subject of a sentence is doing something to itself. They include:
- Myself
- Yourself
- Himself
- Herself
- Itself
- Ourselves
- Themselves
They’re formed by adding -self or -selves to possessive pronouns (my, your, her, our, etc.).
How “Itself” Works in Sentences
“Itself” refers back to the subject “it.” Here’s how:
- The dog chased its tail and bit itself.
- The robot repaired itself after a malfunction.
- The idea presented itself during the meeting.
In each case, the action reflects back on the subject.
You’ll also find “itself” used for emphasis:
- The city itself was breathtaking.
Here, “itself” emphasizes the noun “city.”
This usage shows that “itself” can serve both grammatical and stylistic purposes.
What Does ‘Its Self’ Even Mean?
Now let’s tackle the strange cousin — “its self.”
Grammatically, this phrase is made up of:
- “its” (possessive pronoun) meaning “belonging to it.”
- “self” (noun) meaning “one’s own being, nature, or identity.”
So, “its self” literally means “the self that belongs to it.”
This can sound odd in modern English, but it once appeared in older writing — particularly in philosophy, psychology, or spiritual discussions.
Example (rare but grammatically correct):
- “The soul seeks to understand its self in the mirror of existence.”
In this sentence, “self” is not part of a reflexive pronoun — it’s being used as an abstract concept, referring to identity or consciousness.
When Might ‘Its Self’ Be Acceptable?
You might find “its self” in:
- Poetic writing
- Spiritual literature
- Philosophical works (e.g., discussions of self-awareness or the ego)
For example, in Carl Jung’s psychological theories, the “Self” is a specific archetype representing wholeness. In such a context, “its self” could appear correctly:
“The psyche confronts its Self, the totality of its being.”
Notice the capitalization — “Self” with a capital S often signals this deeper meaning.
Common Grammar Confusions: ‘Its’, ‘It’s’, ‘Itself’, and ‘Its Self’
Many people mix these forms up because they look similar but serve very different purposes.
Here’s a quick reference guide:
| Word/Phrase | Type | Meaning | Example |
| It’s | Contraction | Short for “it is” or “it has” | “It’s raining outside.” |
| Its | Possessive pronoun | Belongs to “it” | “The dog wagged its tail.” |
| Itself | Reflexive pronoun | Refers back to “it” | “The cat cleaned itself.” |
| Its Self | Possessive + noun | Refers to “its own identity” (philosophical) | “The AI began to question its self.” |
Quick Rule:
- If you can replace it with “it is” → use it’s.
- If something owns something → use its.
- If something acts upon itself → use itself.
- Only use its self for deep or poetic contexts.
Context Shapes Meaning
Language depends heavily on context. The difference between “its self” and “itself” becomes clear when you look at how they’re used.
Formal or everyday writing:
Use “itself.”
“The organization rebuilt itself after the crisis.”
Philosophical or poetic writing:
“Its self” can make sense — but only if “self” means a being’s inner nature.
“The river reflects its self upon the calm surface.”
Technical or scientific writing:
Stick to “itself.” It’s clear, standard, and universally understood.
Think of “its self” as stylistic seasoning — a rare phrase used only when its deeper meaning truly fits.
Spot the Difference: Test Yourself
Try spotting the correct forms below.
Quiz: Which Is Correct?
- The machine turned on by (its self / itself).
- The mind seeks to know (its self / itself).
- The dog hurt (its self / itself) chasing a ball.
- The poem describes nature as aware of (its self / itself).
- The company rebranded (its self / itself) after the scandal.
Answers:
- ✅ itself
- ⚠️ its self (philosophical meaning)
- ✅ itself
- ⚠️ its self (poetic style)
- ✅ itself
Notice how “its self” only fits when “self” refers to identity or consciousness, not simple action.
may you like this: 30 Other Ways to Say “Enjoy Yourself” (With Examples)
Real-World Examples from Media and Literature
Modern English
Most writing today uses “itself.” Here are examples from real-world sources:
- The New York Times: “The nation finds itself at a crossroads.”
- BBC News: “The system corrects itself automatically.”
- National Geographic: “The island sustains itself with rich biodiversity.”
Historical or Philosophical Works
In contrast, older or philosophical texts occasionally use “its self.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson, in Self-Reliance:
“Society is everywhere in conspiracy against the manhood of every one of its members; society is a joint-stock company in which the members agree for the better securing of his bread to surrender the liberty and culture of his self.”
- Carl Jung, in The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious:
“The Self is not only the center but also the whole circumference which embraces both conscious and unconscious; it is the center of this totality, just as the ego is the center of consciousness.”
These examples show that while “its self” may appear in deep psychological or literary analysis, it’s far from standard in everyday grammar.
Writing Tips to Never Mix These Up Again
Keeping “its,” “it’s,” “itself,” and “its self” straight can feel tricky, but these simple techniques will lock them into memory.
1. Use the “Substitution Trick”
Replace the phrase with “it is.”
- If the sentence still makes sense → use it’s.
- If it doesn’t → use its or itself.
Example:
“It’s raining.” ✅ works as “It is raining.”
“Its raining.” ❌ doesn’t make sense.
2. Think Reflexive for Actions
If “it” is doing something to itself → always use itself.
“The company reinvented itself.”
“The cat cleaned itself.”
3. Remember: ‘Self’ as a Noun = Abstract
If you’re writing about identity, awareness, or being → its self may apply.
“The AI recognized its self-awareness.”
But in standard writing, that’s usually unnecessary or confusing. Stick with itself.
4. Mnemonic to Remember
Think of “itself” as “it” looking in the mirror — the action reflects back.
Mirror Rule:
If the subject looks back at itself → use itself, not “its self.”
5. Watch Out for Apostrophe Mistakes
People often confuse its and it’s.
Here’s how to avoid that pitfall:
- Its = possessive
- It’s = “it is”
Write a few sentences aloud. If you can say “it is” naturally, you need the apostrophe.
Case Study: AI and the Question of “Its Self”
Let’s explore a modern, fascinating use case — artificial intelligence.
As machines become more advanced, discussions about whether an AI can develop a sense of self have surfaced. Writers and researchers sometimes use “its self” deliberately when referring to an AI’s identity, not just its function.
Example:
“The algorithm began to question its self-awareness, blurring the line between tool and thinker.”
In this context, “its self” isn’t a grammar mistake. It’s intentional — meant to highlight consciousness rather than reflexive action.
However, in technical writing or general use, “itself” remains the only correct choice.
So even though you might encounter “its self” in sci-fi or academic discussions, don’t use it in everyday writing unless your topic revolves around identity or existential thought.
Context Comparison Table
| Context Type | Correct Form | Example | Explanation |
| Everyday Conversation | Itself | “The car drives itself.” | Standard reflexive pronoun. |
| Formal Writing | Itself | “The economy corrected itself.” | Grammatically correct and natural. |
| Poetic Writing | Its Self | “The river reflected its self in the moonlight.” | Acceptable for stylistic depth. |
| Philosophical Text | Its Self | “The mind perceives its self as distinct.” | Used when “self” = identity. |
| Academic/Technical | Itself | “The program updates itself.” | Always standard. |
Summary: Keep It Simple, Keep It Correct
If you remember one rule, let it be this:
Use “itself” 99.9% of the time.
Save “its self” for poetry, spirituality, or abstract philosophy — where “self” refers to consciousness or essence.
Quick Recap:
- ✅ Itself = Reflexive pronoun (correct in almost all cases).
- ⚠️ Its self = Possessive + noun (rare, philosophical).
- ❌ Never use its self when you mean itself in ordinary grammar.
Conclusion
Mastering the difference between its self and itself takes patience, but once you understand their distinct meanings, you’ll write with natural clarity and confidence. The English language is full of nuances, yet recognizing these subtle grammar details sets strong writers apart. Remember—its shows possession, while itself reflects the action of the subject. When you apply these straightforward rules, your sentences will sound polished, professional, and effortlessly correct. Over time, this awareness will make Its Self or Itself? Understanding the Correct Usage second nature to you.
FAQs
1. What is the main difference between “its self” and “itself”?
The phrase “itself” is correct and used as a reflexive pronoun when an action returns to the subject. “Its self” is generally incorrect and considered a misspelling.
2. Why do people often confuse “its self” with “itself”?
Because English has many exceptions and subtle nuances, learners sometimes assume “its self” follows the same possessive pattern as “yourself” or “myself.” However, that’s not the case.
3. Can “its self” ever be correct?
It’s rare but can appear in philosophical writing when discussing the “self” of an object or entity—such as “the machine’s self-awareness.” In normal grammar, though, use “itself.”
4. What are some examples of “itself” used correctly?
- The cat cleaned itself.
- The company prides itself on quality.
- The mirror reflected itself in the sunlight.
5. How can I remember the correct usage easily?
Think of “itself” as one complete word that reflects the subject. If you’re showing possession, use “its” (without an apostrophe). If it’s performing the action, use “itself.”
6. Is “it’s self” ever correct?
No. “It’s” means “it is” or “it has.” Writing “it’s self” combines two incorrect forms. Always write “itself.”
7. Why does grammar clarity matter here?
Clear grammar helps your writing stay precise and professional. Confusing the two can distract readers or weaken your message.
8. What’s an easy trick to avoid mistakes?
Whenever you’re unsure, read your sentence aloud. If you can replace “itself” with “himself” or “herself” and it still makes sense, you’ve chosen correctly.
