The Correct Use of 'Himself' in English Grammar

When dealing with pronoun usage in the English language, clarity and accuracy are essential. One common source of confusion is the use of 'himself' versus the misused form 'hiself.' This article aims to clarify the correct usage and provide a comprehensive guide to help you avoid common misspellings and errors in your writing.

Understanding the Correct Usage of 'Himself'

When it comes to the pronoun 'himself,' there is a clear distinction between the correct form and its common misspelling. The correct form is 'himself,' and it’s used to indicate that the subject does an action to himself. For example:

He did it himself.

She saw him by himself.

Common Misuse and Confusion

Occasionally, people may encounter situations where the correct form can be confusing, especially in the context of:

Medical conditions, such as insomnia or dementia, which can affect cognitive abilities.

Referring to someone from another planet or context where they might be learning English.

Idiomatic expressions where the word 'self' is used in a different context.

The Non-Existence of 'Hiself'

There is a persistent myth that 'hiself' is a valid English word or pronoun. However, this is a misunderstanding. The word 'hiself' does not exist in the English language. The correct form is always 'himself.' Here are a few examples to illustrate this:

No matter how you break the phrase 'his self,' the correct pronoun is 'himself.'

Hiself is not a recognized English word, no matter how it might be represented in speech or writing.

Unless a new word has been added to the dictionary and you are unaware of it, 'hiself' is not a valid English pronoun.

Examples and Usage in Context

Here are some examples of correct usage of 'himself:'

A: He fixed the car himself.

B: She washed the dishes by herself.

C: He saw him talking to himself.

In each of these cases, 'himself' is used correctly to indicate that the subject performed the action on himself or himself.

Conclusion

Remember, when it comes to pronoun usage, clarity and correctness are paramount. The correct form of the reflexive pronoun for a male subject in the third person is 'himself,' and it should never be confused with 'hiself.' By understanding and using this pronoun correctly, you can improve the clarity and professionalism of your writing and communication.