Hey guys! Ever found yourself wondering whether to use "himself" or "hisself"? You're not alone! It's a common question, and we're here to clear up the confusion. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of these pronouns, figure out which one is the real deal, and give you some examples to make sure you've got it down pat. Understanding the subtle nuances of grammar can really elevate your writing and speaking, making you sound like a total pro. So, buckle up, and let's get started on this pronoun adventure!

What's the Deal with "Himself"?

Okay, let's break down "himself." This is a reflexive or intensive pronoun. Basically, it refers back to a male noun or pronoun that's already been mentioned in the sentence. Think of it as the pronoun doing a little dance back to the subject. It's used when the subject and the object of the verb are the same person. For example, "He hurt himself while trying to juggle chainsaws." Here, "he" is both the one doing the hurting and the one being hurt. Make sense?

"Himself" can also be used for emphasis. In this case, it's an intensive pronoun. It adds extra oomph to the noun or pronoun it's referring to, but you could actually remove it without changing the basic meaning of the sentence. For instance, "The CEO himself handled the customer complaint." The sentence still makes sense if you take out "himself," but it adds a certain weight to the fact that the CEO personally took care of it. Knowing when and how to use "himself" correctly is super important for clear and effective communication. It helps avoid ambiguity and ensures your message comes across exactly as you intend. Plus, using it right just makes you sound more polished and professional!

Examples of "Himself" in Action

To really nail this down, let's look at some more examples:

• "John accidentally locked himself out of the house."
• "The king himself signed the decree."
• "He promised himself a reward after finishing the marathon."

See how in each case, "himself" is either reflecting back to the subject or adding emphasis? Got it? Great! Keep these examples in mind, and you'll be using "himself" like a grammar guru in no time. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to use it in your everyday writing and conversations. The more you use it, the more natural it will become. And trust me, your teachers, colleagues, and friends will appreciate your attention to detail and your commitment to using proper grammar. It's all about making a good impression and communicating effectively!

The Mystery of "Hisself"

Now, let's talk about "hisself." Here's the scoop: "hisself" is generally considered nonstandard in modern English. That means it's not typically used in formal writing or speech. You might hear it in some dialects or informal settings, but it's not something you'd want to use in a report, presentation, or essay. It's kind of like wearing sneakers to a black-tie event – technically, you could do it, but it's probably not the best choice. The reason "hisself" exists at all is likely due to the way language evolves over time. People sometimes create new words or forms based on patterns they see in other words. In this case, "hisself" might have arisen by analogy with words like "myself," "yourself," and "herself." However, unlike those words, "hisself" never became widely accepted in standard English.

Why "Hisself" Isn't Standard

So, why isn't "hisself" standard? Well, language standards are basically rules that a lot of people agree on. These rules help us communicate clearly and avoid confusion. When a word or phrase doesn't follow these rules, it can sound odd or incorrect to many people. "Hisself" falls into this category. Most style guides and grammar references will tell you to use "himself" instead. Using nonstandard forms can sometimes make your writing or speech seem less professional or educated. It's not necessarily a sign of low intelligence, but it can create that impression. In some situations, using nonstandard language might be a deliberate choice to create a certain effect, like showing a character's dialect or social background in a novel. But in most cases, it's best to stick to standard English, especially in formal contexts. Think of it as dressing appropriately for the occasion – you want to use the language that's expected and accepted in the situation.

Where You Might Hear "Hisself"

Okay, so if "hisself" isn't standard, where might you actually hear it? You're more likely to encounter it in certain regional dialects, particularly in some parts of the United States. It might also pop up in informal conversations or in literature that's trying to capture the way people speak in those regions. For example, you might find it in dialogue in a novel set in the rural South or in the Ozarks. Sometimes, "hisself" is used humorously or ironically. Someone might say it jokingly to poke fun at someone else's grammar or to create a deliberately folksy tone. However, it's important to be aware of your audience and the context before using "hisself" in this way. What might be funny to one person could be offensive or confusing to another. So, while "hisself" isn't something you should generally use in formal writing or speech, it's good to be aware of its existence and the situations in which it might appear. It's all part of understanding the rich and varied landscape of the English language.

Key Differences: Himself vs. Hisself

Let's nail down the key differences between "himself" and "hisself" once and for all. The main takeaway is that "himself" is the standard, accepted form, while "hisself" is considered nonstandard. This means you should always use "himself" in formal writing, professional settings, and any situation where you want to be grammatically correct. Using "himself" shows that you have a good command of the English language and that you pay attention to detail. It's a small thing, but it can make a big difference in how people perceive you.

When to Use Each Pronoun

• Himself: Use this in all formal and informal situations where you need a reflexive or intensive pronoun referring to a male noun or pronoun. It's the safe and correct choice in virtually every context.
• Hisself: Avoid using this in formal writing or speech. If you're writing dialogue for a character who speaks in a nonstandard dialect, it might be appropriate, but otherwise, it's best to steer clear.

Quick Recap

• "Himself" is standard; "hisself" is not.
• Use "himself" in formal and informal settings.
• Avoid "hisself" unless you're deliberately trying to create a nonstandard effect.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Okay, let's talk about some common mistakes people make with "himself" and reflexive pronouns in general. One frequent error is using "himself," "herself," or "themselves" when the simple pronouns "him," "her," or "them" are needed. For example, you might hear someone say, "He gave the book to himself," when they should say, "He gave the book to him." The reflexive pronoun is only necessary when the subject and the object of the verb are the same person. Another mistake is using "hisself" instead of "himself," as we've already discussed. This is a simple error to avoid once you're aware of it.

Tips for Using Reflexive Pronouns Correctly

• Always double-check: Before using a reflexive pronoun, make sure the subject and the object of the verb are the same person.
• Avoid unnecessary reflexives: Don't use "himself," "herself," or "themselves" when a simple pronoun will do.
• Stick to standard forms: Always use "himself," not "hisself."

Practice Makes Perfect

Alright, guys, let's put your knowledge to the test with a few practice sentences. See if you can identify whether "himself" or "hisself" is the correct choice (hint: it's almost always "himself"). This is a great way to reinforce what you've learned and build your confidence in using these pronouns correctly. Remember, the key is to focus on whether the subject and object of the verb are the same. If they are, then a reflexive pronoun like "himself" is needed. If not, then a simple pronoun like "him" is the way to go. And of course, always stick to the standard form "himself" unless you have a very specific reason to use "hisself" (which, let's be honest, you probably don't!). So, grab a pen and paper, and let's get started!

Practice Sentences

1. He accidentally cut ______ while shaving.
2. The manager ______ approved the new policy.
3. He bought a gift for ______.
4. He blamed ______ for the mistake.
5. He considers ______ to be an expert in the field.

Answer Key

1. himself
2. himself
3. him
4. himself
5. himself

Conclusion: Wrapping It Up

So, there you have it! "Himself" is the standard, correct choice, while "hisself" is generally considered nonstandard. Stick with "himself" in your writing and speech, and you'll be golden. Understanding these little grammar nuances can really boost your communication skills and make you sound more polished. Keep practicing, and you'll be a pronoun pro in no time! Remember, language is a constantly evolving thing, but it's always a good idea to stick to the standard forms in most situations. This will help you communicate clearly and effectively with a wide range of people. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be the one teaching others about the difference between "himself" and "hisself"! Keep learning, keep practicing, and keep improving your language skills. The world is your oyster!