Hey guys! Have you ever paused mid-sentence, wondering whether to use "himself" or "hisself"? It's a common hiccup in everyday language, and you're definitely not alone if you've found yourself scratching your head over this one. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of these two terms and clear up the confusion once and for all. Trust me, by the end of this, you'll be armed with the knowledge to confidently choose the right word every time. Let's get started!

Understanding "Himself"

When we talk about "himself," we're dealing with a reflexive pronoun. Reflexive pronouns refer back to the subject of the sentence or clause. They're used when the subject and the object of a verb are the same person. This means that the person performing the action is also the one receiving it. Think of it as a linguistic mirror, reflecting the action back onto the actor. Reflexive pronouns like "himself" play a crucial role in ensuring sentences are clear and grammatically sound. Without them, sentences can become awkward or ambiguous, leading to confusion about who is doing what to whom. So, understanding their function is key to mastering English grammar and communicating effectively.

In grammatical terms, "himself" is the third-person singular masculine reflexive pronoun. It's used when the male subject of a sentence is also the receiver of the action. This means that when a male individual performs an action that affects him directly, we use "himself" to make the connection clear. For instance, consider the sentence "He hurt himself while playing football." Here, "he" is the subject, and the action of hurting is reflected back onto him. Similarly, in the sentence "John taught himself how to play the guitar," John is both the learner and the receiver of the learning. This reflexive action is precisely where "himself" finds its purpose, ensuring clarity and grammatical correctness. Recognizing this specific function is essential for using "himself" accurately and avoiding common errors.

To illustrate further, let’s consider a few more examples: "He bought himself a new car," "The boy defended himself against the bully," and "Mr. Smith poured himself a glass of wine." In each of these sentences, the subject is performing an action that directly affects themselves. This is the essence of reflexive pronouns. Now, let's look at some common mistakes people make. Often, individuals mistakenly use "himself" in place of "he" or "him," particularly after prepositions or in compound subjects. For instance, saying "John and himself went to the store" is incorrect; the correct form is "John and he went to the store." Similarly, "The gift was for John and himself" should be "The gift was for John and him." These errors highlight the importance of understanding the distinct roles of reflexive and personal pronouns. By grasping these differences, you can ensure your sentences are not only grammatically correct but also clear and precise.

Why "Hisself" is Generally Considered Incorrect

Alright, let's tackle the elephant in the room: "hisself." You might hear it in casual conversation, or even see it pop up in informal writing. However, in standard English, "hisself" is generally considered nonstandard or incorrect. It doesn't follow the established rules of English grammar, and you won't find it in formal writing or academic contexts. The primary reason "hisself" is deemed incorrect is that it doesn't align with the historical development and standardization of English pronouns. Standard English has evolved over centuries, with grammarians and language authorities establishing clear rules for pronoun usage. "Hisself" simply doesn't fit into this framework. While language is constantly evolving, certain forms become accepted and standardized, while others remain outside the norm. "Hisself" falls into the latter category.

So, why do some people use "hisself" if it's not considered correct? Well, language is dynamic and varies across regions and dialects. In some dialects, particularly in certain regions of the United States, "hisself" might be used colloquially. This doesn't make it standard English, but it does highlight how language can differ based on geography and social context. It's also worth noting that language evolves over time, and what was once considered nonstandard might eventually gain acceptance. However, as of now, "hisself" remains outside the realm of standard English. This means that while you might hear it in informal settings, it's best to avoid using it in formal writing, academic papers, or professional communication. Sticking to "himself" ensures that your writing is clear, grammatically correct, and widely accepted.

To further illustrate why "hisself" is generally avoided, consider the pattern of reflexive pronouns in English. We have "myself," "yourself," "herself," "itself," "ourselves," and "themselves." Notice that each of these pronouns is formed by adding "self" or "selves" to the possessive form of the pronoun (e.g., my, your, her, our, their). However, "himself" doesn't follow this pattern strictly, as it uses the objective form "him" rather than a possessive form like "his." This irregularity is one of the reasons why "hisself" doesn't sound right to many native English speakers. It deviates from the established structure of reflexive pronouns. While language is indeed flexible and ever-changing, adhering to standard forms ensures clarity and avoids potential confusion. In professional and academic contexts, using "himself" over "hisself" demonstrates attention to detail and respect for established linguistic norms.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Navigating the world of pronouns can be tricky, and even seasoned writers sometimes stumble. One common mistake is using "himself" in place of "he" or "him" when it's not a reflexive situation. For instance, you might hear someone say, "John and himself went to the store." In this case, "himself" is being used incorrectly. The correct sentence is, "John and he went to the store." Similarly, avoid using "himself" after prepositions when it should be "him." For example, "The gift was for John and himself" should be "The gift was for John and him." These errors often arise from a misunderstanding of when reflexive pronouns are appropriate.

Another frequent mistake is using "himself" in compound subjects or objects when a simple pronoun is needed. Consider the sentence, "The manager spoke to John and himself." The correct version is, "The manager spoke to John and him." The key here is to remember that reflexive pronouns should only be used when the subject and the object are the same person. In the corrected sentence, John and the unnamed individual are not the subject performing the action; they are the recipients of the manager's speech. By keeping this principle in mind, you can avoid many common pronoun errors.

To steer clear of these pitfalls, always double-check whether the pronoun is referring back to the subject of the sentence. If the subject and the object are the same, then a reflexive pronoun like "himself" is appropriate. If not, use the correct personal pronoun ("he," "him," etc.). Another helpful tip is to break down the sentence and identify who is doing what to whom. This can help you pinpoint whether a reflexive pronoun is needed. Additionally, reading your writing aloud can help you catch errors that you might miss when reading silently. Trust your ear; if something sounds off, it probably is. By being mindful of these common mistakes and employing these strategies, you can ensure that your pronoun usage is accurate and clear.

Tips for Remembering the Correct Usage

Okay, guys, let's nail this down with some easy-to-remember tips! Firstly, always ask yourself: Is the person doing something to themselves? If the answer is yes, then "himself" (or another reflexive pronoun) is your go-to. Think of it as a boomerang – the action comes right back to the person who threw it. For example, "He accidentally cut himself while chopping vegetables." The action of cutting comes back to "him," making "himself" the correct choice.

Another helpful tip is to remember the pattern of reflexive pronouns. We have "myself," "yourself," "herself," "itself," "ourselves," and "themselves." Notice that "himself" fits this pattern, using the objective form "him" rather than a possessive form. This can serve as a mental checklist when you're unsure. If you find yourself tempted to use "hisself," pause and remember that it deviates from this established pattern.

Lastly, practice makes perfect! The more you write and edit your work, the more natural the correct usage will become. Try writing a few sentences using "himself" correctly each day. You can also read through your old writing and identify any instances where you might have made a mistake. Pay attention to how other writers use reflexive pronouns in their work. Over time, you'll develop a stronger sense of what sounds right and what doesn't. By incorporating these tips into your writing routine, you'll not only improve your grammar but also boost your confidence in your communication skills. Keep practicing, and you'll master the art of using "himself" like a pro!

Conclusion

So, there you have it! While you might hear "hisself" in casual conversation, remember that "himself" is the correct and standard form. Stick with "himself" to ensure your writing is clear, grammatically sound, and widely accepted. Now go forth and write with confidence!