When constructing a sentence in English, the choice between "himself" and "hisself" is not merely a grammatical detail; it is a decision that dictates whether your writing appears polished and educated or informal and unrefined. "Himself" is the standard, objective reflexive pronoun used for males, while "hisself" is widely considered a non-standard dialectal variation. Understanding the distinction between these two words is essential for anyone aiming to communicate with clarity and authority in both written and spoken contexts.
The Grammatical Foundation of Reflexive Pronouns
To determine the correct term, it is necessary to understand the role of reflexive pronouns in sentence structure. These words refer back to the subject of the sentence, indicating that the object of a verb or preposition is the same as the subject. In standard English, the formation of these pronouns follows a strict pattern involving the object pronouns (me, you, him, her, it, us, them). By adding "-self" or "-selves" to these objects, we create reflexive forms like himself, herself, and themselves. Consequently, when the antecedent is a male subject, the correct grammatical form is himself, as it adheres to the established rules of English morphology.
Hisself: A Dialectal Variation
The word "hisself" does not exist in formal dictionaries or academic style guides, yet it persists in everyday conversation. This term is classified as a dialectal or colloquial variant, often emerging from the phonetic blending of "his" and "self." You might encounter "hisself" in regional accents or in the speech of individuals who have not been formally instructed on standard pronoun usage. While linguists acknowledge that language evolves through common usage, writing professionals and educators generally classify "hisself" as an error. From a grammatical standpoint, the substitution of "hisself" for "himself" is viewed as a mistake in syntax rather than a valid alternative form.
Contextual Applications and Examples
Imagine a scenario where a man is preparing dinner alone. The correct construction would be, "He cooked dinner for himself." This sentence correctly uses "himself" because the man (he) is both the subject performing the action and the object receiving it. If one were to use the non-standard version, it would read, "He cooked dinner for hisself," which immediately signals to the reader or listener that the speaker is either speaking informally or lacks formal education. In professional settings, such as business emails, academic papers, or legal documents, the use of "himself" is not just preferred—it is mandatory to maintain credibility.
Common Errors and Misconceptions
A frequent error occurs when writers attempt to avoid gendered language. Someone might think that using "hisself" is a creative way to refer to a person whose gender is unknown or non-binary. However, the standard solution is to use "themself" as a singular, gender-neutral pronoun, or to rephrase the sentence entirely to avoid the pronoun. For instance, instead of saying, "A doctor should check hisself," the correct and modern approach is to write, "A doctor should check themself" or "Doctors should check themselves." This avoids the grammatical issue while promoting inclusivity.
The Importance of Audience Awareness
Language is a tool for connection, and understanding your audience dictates which version of the word you should employ. If you are writing a casual blog post intended to mimic spoken dialogue, "hisself" might be used strategically to convey a specific regional accent or character voice. However, if your goal is to publish content that establishes you as an authority—such as a research paper, a business proposal, or a news article—adhering to standard grammar is non-negotiable. The choice between these terms ultimately signals your respect for the reader and your commitment to clear communication.
