Hey guys! Let's dive into a common grammar question: Should you use "himself" or "his self"? This is a question that might pop up when you're trying to be extra careful with your words, but the answer is pretty straightforward. In standard English, "himself" is the correct reflexive pronoun, and "his self" is generally considered non-standard. So, if you're aiming for clear, correct communication, stick with "himself."

Understanding Reflexive Pronouns

To really get why "himself" is the way to go, let's break down what reflexive pronouns actually do. Reflexive pronouns are words like himself, herself, myself, yourself, itself, ourselves, and themselves. They refer back to the subject of the sentence. This means the person or thing performing the action is also the recipient of the action. For example:

• He hurt himself while playing soccer.
• She bought herself a new dress.
• We treated ourselves to ice cream.

In each of these sentences, the person doing the action is also the one affected by it. That's the key job of a reflexive pronoun. They "reflect" the action back to the subject. Without the reflexive pronoun, the sentence might not make sense or would require a different structure. Reflexive pronouns are essential for showing that the subject is both the actor and the receiver of the action, providing clarity and grammatical correctness. Using them properly ensures that your sentences are clear and avoid potential ambiguity, making your writing and speech more effective.

Why "Himself" Works

The word "himself" is already a complete reflexive pronoun. It combines the possessive pronoun "him" with the reflexive suffix "-self." This combination indicates that the action reflects back to the male subject. There's no need to add another possessive pronoun like "his" in front of it, because "himself" already serves that function. Think of it like saying "him self" - the grammar gets clumsy and redundant. "Himself" is the established and grammatically sound way to express the reflexive action.

Consider these examples:

• Correct: He saw himself in the mirror.
• Incorrect: He saw his self in the mirror.

The first sentence is clear and grammatically correct. The second sentence sounds awkward and is not considered standard English. Using "himself" aligns with the established rules of grammar, ensuring that your sentences are clear, concise, and properly structured. This helps avoid confusion and ensures that your intended meaning is accurately conveyed to your audience. Sticking with "himself" maintains the integrity and clarity of your writing.

The Case Against "His Self"

So, if "himself" is correct, why does "his self" sometimes sneak into our vocabulary? Well, language is always evolving, and sometimes non-standard forms pop up, especially in informal speech or certain dialects. However, in formal writing and standard spoken English, "his self" is generally considered incorrect. It just doesn't follow the established rules of grammar for reflexive pronouns.

Why It Sounds Off

The reason "his self" sounds off to many people is because it's redundant. The pronoun "his" already indicates possession or relation, and adding it before "self" doesn't add any extra meaning or clarity. In fact, it makes the phrase clunky and awkward. Using "himself" is more streamlined and grammatically accurate, which is why it's the preferred choice in formal contexts.

Where You Might Hear It

While "his self" isn't standard, you might encounter it in a few places:

• Informal Speech: Sometimes, in casual conversation, people might use "his self" without realizing it's not grammatically correct.
• Dialects: Certain regional dialects might include "his self" as part of their unique vocabulary. However, it's important to remember that these dialects might not be considered standard English.
• Creative Writing: In some cases, authors might intentionally use "his self" to create a specific effect, such as highlighting a character's lack of education or using a non-standard voice. However, this is a stylistic choice and not a reflection of correct grammar.

Even if you hear "his self" in these contexts, it's best to avoid using it in your own writing and formal speech. Sticking with "himself" will ensure that you're communicating clearly and correctly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Now that we've cleared up the "himself" vs. "his self" debate, let's look at some other common mistakes people make with reflexive pronouns. Avoiding these errors will help you polish your grammar and communicate more effectively.

Mixing Up Reflexive and Personal Pronouns

One common mistake is using a personal pronoun (like him, her, me) when a reflexive pronoun is needed. Remember, reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and object of the verb are the same person or thing.

• Incorrect: He blamed him for the mistake.
• Correct: He blamed himself for the mistake.

In the first sentence, it sounds like he's blaming someone else. The second sentence clarifies that he's taking responsibility for his own actions. Always ensure that you're using the reflexive pronoun when the action reflects back to the subject.

Using Reflexive Pronouns Unnecessarily

Another mistake is using reflexive pronouns when they're not needed. This often happens when people are trying to sound formal, but it can actually make the sentence awkward.

• Incorrect: John and myself will attend the meeting.
• Correct: John and I will attend the meeting.

In this case, "I" is the correct pronoun to use because it's part of the subject of the sentence. Using "myself" is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect. Only use reflexive pronouns when the subject and object are the same.

Incorrect Pronoun Agreement

Make sure your reflexive pronouns agree in number and gender with the subject they refer to. This means using the correct form based on whether the subject is singular or plural, male or female.

• Incorrect: The team congratulated himself on the victory.
• Correct: The team congratulated themselves on the victory.

Since "team" is a plural noun, the reflexive pronoun should be "themselves," not "himself." Pay attention to the subject and make sure the reflexive pronoun matches.

Using "Theirselves"

"Theirselves" is a common error, as the correct reflexive pronoun for "they" is "themselves."

• Incorrect: They made it theirselves.
• Correct: They made it themselves.

By being mindful of these common mistakes, you can ensure that you're using reflexive pronouns correctly and effectively.

Quick Recap

Okay, let's wrap things up with a quick recap:

• Use "himself," not "his self."
• Reflexive pronouns refer back to the subject of the sentence.
• Avoid using reflexive pronouns unnecessarily.
• Make sure your pronouns agree in number and gender.

By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to mastering reflexive pronouns and avoiding common grammar mistakes. Keep practicing, and you'll become a grammar pro in no time!

Practice Exercise

To solidify your understanding, here's a quick practice exercise. Fill in the blanks with the correct reflexive pronoun:

1. She bought _____ a new car.
2. He hurt _____ while playing basketball.
3. We treated _____ to a fancy dinner.
4. The cat cleaned _____.
5. They built the house _____.

Answers:

1. herself
2. himself
3. ourselves
4. itself
5. themselves

How did you do? If you got them all right, congratulations! You've got a solid grasp of reflexive pronouns. If you missed a few, don't worry. Just keep practicing and reviewing the rules, and you'll get there.

Final Thoughts

So, the next time you're wondering whether to use "himself" or "his self," remember that "himself" is the correct choice in standard English. By understanding the rules of reflexive pronouns and avoiding common mistakes, you can communicate clearly and effectively. Keep honing your grammar skills, and you'll become a more confident and articulate communicator. Happy writing, everyone! Mastering these finer points of grammar not only enhances your communication but also boosts your confidence in expressing yourself clearly and accurately. Keep up the great work!