When you’re learning English, you’ll find that it’s full of tricky parts that might confuse you. Have you ever wondered about the right way to use words that seem similar, but might have a difference you can’t see right away? Today, we’re going to look at two such words: “itsself” and “itself.” What do you think? Do both of them sound right to you, or does one seem a bit off?
The correct form is itself. “Itsself” is not a recognized word in English. Itself is a reflexive pronoun, meaning it refers back to the subject of the sentence. It is used when the object of a verb is the same as the subject.
For example, consider the sentence: “The cat washed itself.” Here, “the cat” is both the subject doing the washing and the object being washed. Using itself clarifies that the cat is performing the action on its own.
Understanding the Basics
Before we jump deeper, let’s make sure we’re clear on one thing: pronouns. Pronouns are words like he, she, it, and they. They stand in for the names of people and things. For example, instead of saying “The cat is happy,” you could say, “It is happy.” This keeps our sentences from sounding repetitive and clunky.
Now, when it comes to pronouns, there are also what we call reflexive pronouns. These are special because they are used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same. For example, in “She taught herself,” herself is a reflexive pronoun referring back to she.
Which One Is Correct?
So, back to our problem: “itsself” or “itself”? Well, “itself” is the correct form. The word “itsself” actually doesn’t exist in English. It’s a common mistake, especially for those just learning the language. So, any time you think you need to use “itsself,” you’re actually looking for “itself.”
Learning from Examples
Let’s see how “itself” is used in sentences:
- The cat licked itself.
- The machine turns itself off automatically.
- The tree sheds its leaves by itself.
- The company stands by itself in its unique approach.
Do you notice what’s happening in each example? “Itself” is used when something acts on its own or on its own behalf. No outside force is involved; the action stays within the subject.
Why Do People Confuse “Itsself” and “Itself?”
Confusion often comes from the fact that “its” and “it’s” mean different things. “Its” shows belonging, like “The dog wagged its tail.” Here, the tail belongs to the dog. “It’s,” on the other hand, is a contraction for “it is” or “it has.”
Since both “it’s” and “its” are valid, it’s easy to think adding another “s” might work for reflexive actions, but that’s not how English grammar operates in this case.
Tricks to Remember
How can you stop making this mistake? Think of “itself” as the go-to word whenever something does something on its own. If you’re ever in doubt, swap out “it” with another pronoun like “he” or “she.” You wouldn’t say “hersself” or “himself;” you’d just say “herself” or “himself.” So, it’s always “itself.” Easy right?
Another tip is to read your sentences out loud. Sometimes, hearing them gives you a better sense of what sounds right. Practice makes perfect, and the more you use “itself” correctly, the stranger “itsself” will sound to your ears.
Final Thoughts
In the beginning, remembering all these rules might seem like a heavy task. But don’t worry! The more you read and write, the more natural it becomes. Why not try writing a few sentences using “itself” right now? See how it fits into what you want to say.
Remember, learning a language is like learning to ride a bike. You might wobble a bit at first, but soon you’ll be riding smoothly. Keep at it; you’re doing great!
In the end, don’t be hard on yourself if you slip up now and then. Everyone makes mistakes, even native speakers. The important part is that you keep learning and improving each day. Have you ever caught yourself or someone else using “itsself”? It could be a fun way to remind each other and learn together.
