The distinction between "himself" and "him self" is a classic example of how a single space can alter the function and readability of a sentence. In the vast landscape of English grammar, this specific pairing falls into a category of common orthographic pitfalls that even seasoned writers can stumble upon. Understanding when to use the single, closed compound pronoun versus the two-word adverbial phrase is essential for clear and professional communication. This exploration will dissect the rules, exceptions, and nuances surrounding these two forms.
Grammatical Function: Pronoun vs. Adverb
At its core, "himself" is a reflexive pronoun. Reflexive pronouns like "himself," "herself," and "themselves" are used when the object of a verb refers back to the subject. They complete the meaning of the verb by reflecting the action to the doer. For example, in the sentence "He prepared the report himself," "himself" emphasizes that he, and no one else, completed the action of preparing. Conversely, "him self" is simply the object pronoun "him" followed by the noun "self." In standard modern English, this construction does not function as a reflexive pronoun. Instead, it is generally interpreted as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating separation or individuality, though this usage is rare and often sounds archaic or poetic.
Common Errors and Misinterpretations
One of the most frequent errors occurs when writers mistakenly insert a space into the correct reflexive pronoun. This usually happens in informal typing or when a speaker mishears the word. Phrases like "He did it him self" are grammatically incorrect because "him" is the objective case and cannot act as a reflexive element. The mind often tries to parse the two words as a single unit, leading to a moment of confusion for the reader. Such errors can undermine the credibility of a writer, making it appear as if they are unsure of standard English conventions. Recognizing this as a common mistake is the first step in avoiding it entirely.
Usage in Professional and Academic Writing
In professional and academic contexts, precision is paramount. The closed compound "himself" is the only acceptable form when a reflexive pronoun is required. You would write, "The CEO signed the contract himself," to emphasize his personal involvement. Using the open form "him self" in a business report or research paper would mark the writer as unpolished or inexperienced. Style guides from major publishing houses and academic institutions uniformly dictate the use of the single-word version for grammatical correctness. Adhering to this standard ensures that the focus remains on the content, not the mechanics of the language.
Historical Context and Literary Examples
While "him self" is largely obsolete in modern grammar, it has historical roots in older forms of English and literature. In Elizabethan English and the works of playwrights like Shakespeare, the open form was sometimes used for emphasis or metrical purposes. For instance, one might encounter constructions designed to place stress on the word "self" for dramatic effect. However, contemporary English has solidified the closed compound as the standard. Today, encountering "him self" in print usually indicates a deliberate stylistic choice in poetry or a deliberate error in dialogue to signify a character's dialect or education level.
Practical Tips for Correct Application
To ensure you are using the correct form, try a simple substitution test. If you can replace the word with "himself" and the sentence still makes logical sense, then you need the closed compound. For example, change "He did it him self" to "He did it himself"—the sentence becomes grammatically correct. If the substitution results in nonsense, then you are likely dealing with a different construction altogether. Additionally, always run a spellcheck or grammar check, as modern tools are specifically designed to flag the incorrect separation of reflexive pronouns as a common error.
