All By Himself Vs Hisself Which Is Correct: The Grammar Showdown No One Asked For
In the quiet war between descriptive linguistics and prescriptive grammar, few battles are as oddly specific as the fate of the pronoun "himself" in the phrase "all by himself." While millions use the term naturally, a vocal minority insists the archaic reflexive "hisself" holds historical weight, sparking debates that blend folk etymology with modern syntax. This article dissects the origins, legitimacy, and evolving status of these competing forms, separating grammatical fact from linguistic folklore.
The Contenders: Definitions and Core Grammar
To resolve any debate, clarity on definitions is essential. The standard construction "all by himself" employs the pronoun "himself" in its objective form, functioning as the object of the preposition "by."
Reflexive pronouns like "himself" are used when the object of a verb or preposition refers back to the subject. In "He did it all by himself," "himself" correctly refers back to "He."
The Case for "Hisself": Historical Roots and Folk Etymology
The emergence of "hisself" is not random error but a pattern in English known as "hypercorrection" or folk linguistics. Similar to "hisself," terms like "theirselves" and "ourself" (sometimes used in legal contexts) exist in non-standard dialects. Linguists note that these forms often arise from a logical, albeit incorrect, assumption about etymology.
- The "His" Misinterpretation: The most prevalent theory is that speakers misanalyze the etymology. The word "self" is Old English "sēalf," but the possessive pronoun "his" is Old English "hīe." The "his" in "himself" is a genitive case marker, not the possessive adjective "his" meaning "belonging to him." However, because the modern pronoun "his" is so common, speakers intuitively substitute "his" + "self" to create "hisself."
- Historical Precedent: While condemned in modern standard English, "hisself" and similar forms like "herself" (from Old English "heo selfum") were more prevalent in older forms of English and various regional dialects. In Early Modern English, the distinction between "his" and the genitive/dative "his" was less rigid, allowing for constructions that sound non-standard today.
Author and language commentator John McIntyre has addressed this phenomenon, stating, Language is often judged by the standards of the educated elite, but dialects and folk forms have their own internal logic, even when that logic is based on a misunderstanding of history.
The Case for "Himself": Modern Standard and Clarity
Despite the historical curiosity of "hisself," "himself" is the only form accepted in formal writing, professional communication, and standardized testing. This is not a matter of snobbery but of clarity and adherence to the established rules of Standard American English and British English.
- Grammatical Function: "Himself" is the objective form of the reflexive pronoun. It is used when the subject and the object are the same. In "He bought a gift for himself," "himself" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Consistency: English maintains a relatively consistent system for reflexive pronouns: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves. "Hisself" breaks this pattern, creating an irregularity that serves no grammatical purpose.
- Professional Perception: In journalism, academia, and business, using "hisself" can undermine the author's credibility. It is universally viewed as a dialectical or informal variant, not a correct alternative.
Linguistic Evolution vs. Prescriptive Rules
The debate over "hisself" touches a larger conversation: should language be a living, evolving entity, or a set of fixed rules?
Descriptivists argue that if a term is widely understood and used in everyday speech, it holds linguistic validity. They might point to historical shifts where formerly incorrect forms become standard. However, prescriptivists counter that without standardized rules, communication becomes inefficient and ambiguous.
While "y'all" has successfully entered the mainstream lexicon due to its utility, "hisself" lacks the same widespread utility and is largely confined to specific regional dialects or informal speech. Major style guides like The Associated Press Stylebook and The Chicago Manual of Style explicitly list "himself" as the correct form, with no mention of "hisself."
When You Might Hear "Hisself" (and Why It Still Doesn't Matter)
"Hisself" is not absent from the English-speaking world. It remains a feature of certain dialects, particularly in parts of the Southern United States and among older generations. Hearing it in conversation is not uncommon.
- Informal Speech: In casual, face-to-face conversation, the distinction often blurs. A speaker might say, "He did it hisself," without intending to write it down.
- Regional Identity: For some, the term is a marker of regional pride and cultural identity. It carries the rhythm and flavor of a specific community.
However, the context is crucial. Understanding the dialectal origin of "hisself" is different from endorsing it for general use. Just as one might understand a thick Scottish brogue without adopting the accent, understanding "hisself" does not necessitate using it.
The Verdict: Clarity Over Controversy
So, which is correct? The answer is definitive within the bounds of standard English.
All by himself is the only correct and universally accepted phrase.
Hisself is a non-standard, dialectical variation with historical roots but no place in formal writing or professional speech. It is a fascinating artifact of linguistic evolution, but it is not a replacement for the grammatically standard reflexive pronoun.
For the writer, the student, the professional, and the careful speaker, the choice is clear. Using "himself" ensures clarity, professionalism, and adherence to the rules that allow English to function as a global lingua franca. While "hisself" holds a place in the family tree of language, "himself" remains the proper branch to hang your hat on.
