A2pronoun2K

Itself

UK /["/ɪtˈself/"]/US /["/ɪtˈself/"]/

Definition

used when the animal or thing that does an action is also affected by it

In simple words: Refers back to the subject in a sentence.

Examples

  • The cat was washing itself.
  • Does the computer turn itself off?
  • The company has got itself into difficulties.
  • There's every reason for the team to feel proud of itself.
  • The village itself is pretty, but the surrounding countryside is rather dull.
  • The manager of the hotel was courtesy itself.
  • The machine will start by itself in a few seconds.
  • The house stands by itself in an acre of land.
  • In itself, it's not a difficult problem to solve.
  • The company doesn't have the market to itself.

Usage notes

Used to emphasize the subject or when the subject performs the action on itself. Avoid in very formal writing where more complex phrases can be used.

Grammar pattern

itself + subject

Memory hint

Sounds like 'it self' — think of 'it doing something for itself'.

Collocations

  • speak for itself
  • do it itself
  • by itself

Synonyms

  • oneself
  • themselves
  • it

Antonyms

  • others
  • themselves

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'it' in some contexts.
  • Using 'itself' when the subject is plural.
  • Misplaced within longer sentences.