Understanding English pronouns can sometimes be tricky, especially when it comes to reflexive pronouns. Two words that often confuse learners are “hisself” and “himself.”
Many people wonder if “hisself” is a correct word or just a mistake. In this article, we will explain the differences between hisself and himself, explore how each is used in English, give examples, and clarify common errors. We will also look at differences between older and modern English, American and British usage, and give practical tips for remembering the right word. By the end, you will clearly understand why “himself” is standard and why “hisself” is considered incorrect.
English has evolved over centuries, and some words like “hisself” appear in old texts but are rarely used today. “Himself” is the correct reflexive pronoun to refer to a male subject when he is both the doer and the receiver of an action. Using the wrong form can confuse readers or listeners, especially in formal writing. Understanding these pronouns helps improve writing clarity, prevents mistakes, and makes English communication stronger. Let’s take a closer look at how hisself and himself differ, their history, and how you can use “himself” correctly in everyday language.
What is “Himself”?
“Himself” is a reflexive pronoun in English. Reflexive pronouns are words that refer back to the subject of the sentence. For example:
- He looked at himself in the mirror.
- John made himself a cup of coffee.
- The boy blamed himself for the mistake.
In each example, the action done by the subject (he, John, the boy) comes back to the same person. “Himself” is always correct in modern English, both in writing and speaking.
“Himself” is used for:
- Emphasizing the subject:
- He himself solved the problem.
- Reflecting the subject in an action:
- The man injured himself while climbing.
- Showing ownership or association:
- He cooked himself dinner.
What is “Hisself”?
“Hisself” is considered a nonstandard form of “himself.” It appears in old English texts or regional dialects but is not correct in standard modern English. For example:
- Incorrect: He made hisself comfortable.
- Correct: He made himself comfortable.
“Hisself” is mostly heard in old literature, dialects, or sometimes in children’s speech. It is never used in formal writing or professional communication. Using “hisself” today may make writing look uneducated or careless.
The History of “Hisself”
“Hisself” was more common in Middle English, around the 14th to 16th centuries. At that time, spelling and grammar were not standardized, so writers often spelled words differently. Over time, himself became the accepted form, and “hisself” faded from standard English.
- Middle English example: “He did it all by hisself.”
- Modern English: “He did it all by himself.”
This shows how language evolves. Today, you might see “hisself” in historical texts, old poems, or books that imitate older speech, but it should not be used in modern writing.
Common Mistakes with “Hisself” and “Himself”
Many learners of English make the mistake of using hisself instead of himself. Here are some common errors:
- Using hisself in formal writing:
- Wrong: The CEO made hisself clear to the team.
- Right: The CEO made himself clear to the team.
- Confusing reflexive pronouns with possessive pronouns:
- Wrong: He gave hisself a book.
- Right: He gave himself a book.
- Mixing it with “he” or “him”:
- Wrong: He did it for hisself.
- Right: He did it for himself.
- Using “hisself” in professional speech or academic work:
- Avoid it completely; it is considered incorrect.
Remembering that himself is always correct is the safest way to avoid mistakes.
Hisself vs Himself in American vs British English
Both American and British English consider himself the standard form. There is no region in modern English where “hisself” is standard, though it might appear in dialects or old texts.
- American English:
Correct: He blamed himself.
Incorrect: He blamed hisself. - British English:
Correct: He did it by himself.
Incorrect: He did it by hisself.
Even in informal speech, himself is preferred. “Hisself” might be heard in some rural dialects in the U.S. or UK, but it is never correct in writing.
Idiomatic Expressions with “Himself”
“Himself” also appears in many common expressions:
- By himself – alone, without help:
- He completed the project by himself.
- Himself and herself – emphasizing the person:
- The president himself attended the event.
- To himself – thinking quietly or privately:
- He muttered a joke to himself.
These expressions are always written with himself, never hisself.
Practical Tips to Remember the Difference
Here are some easy ways to remember when to use himself:
- Think of “him” + “self” – This helps you remember the correct spelling.
- Check the context – Reflexive pronouns refer back to the subject. If you are talking about “he,” use himself.
- Avoid old texts – If you are reading something from Middle English, you might see “hisself,” but in modern writing, always choose himself.
- Practice writing sentences – Example: “He prepared himself for the test.”
Using these simple tips will improve your grammar and make your writing clearer.
Examples in Sentences
Here are some clear examples to show the correct use:
- He made himself a sandwich.
- The boy hurt himself while running.
- John blamed himself for the accident.
- He solved the problem all by himself.
- She said he did it for himself.
Incorrect examples with hisself for comparison:
- He made hisself a sandwich.
- John blamed hisself for the mistake.
Notice how the correct examples feel natural, while the incorrect ones sound wrong or old-fashioned.
How This Improves Writing
Learning the difference between hisself and himself improves your writing in several ways:
- Clarity: Readers easily understand who is performing the action.
- Professionalism: Correct usage shows good grammar skills.
- Confidence: Using standard forms like himself prevents embarrassment in school or work.
- Reading comprehension: Understanding old forms like hisself helps when reading historical texts.
By practicing correct reflexive pronouns, your writing becomes more polished and professional.
Conclusion
In summary, himself is the correct reflexive pronoun used in modern English, while hisself is an outdated, nonstandard form found in old texts and some dialects. Reflexive pronouns are important because they refer back to the subject and make sentences clear. Always remember:
- Use himself in all modern writing and speech.
- Avoid hisself, except when reading historical or dialect texts.
- Reflexive pronouns emphasize the subject and show that the action reflects back on the person.
Mastering himself ensures correct grammar, clear communication, and professional writing.
FAQs
1. Is “hisself” correct?
No, it is considered nonstandard. Only use it in historical or dialect contexts.
2. Can I use “hisself” in informal speech?
Even in informal speech, it is better to use himself.
3. Why do some books use “hisself”?
Older English texts often used “hisself” before spelling was standardized.
4. Is “himself” used in both American and British English?
Yes, it is standard in all modern English.
5. How can I remember the correct form?
Think of it as “him + self” → himself.
6. Can “hisself” appear in poetry or stories?
Yes, sometimes authors use it for historical or stylistic effect.
7. Is “himself” only for males?
Yes, use herself for females and themselves for plural subjects.
8. Can reflexive pronouns be used for emphasis?
Yes, e.g., “The president himself attended the event.”
9. Is “hisself” used in modern dictionaries?
Most modern dictionaries mark it as nonstandard or obsolete.
10. How does using “himself” improve writing?
It ensures correct grammar, clarity, and professionalism in both speaking and writing.
