Emphatic Reflexive Pronouns: A Comprehensive Guide

Emphatic reflexive pronouns, often overlooked in basic grammar lessons, play a vital role in adding emphasis and clarity to sentences. Understanding these pronouns enhances your ability to express yourself precisely and powerfully.

This article provides a comprehensive exploration of emphatic reflexive pronouns, covering their definition, structure, usage rules, common mistakes, and advanced applications. Whether you’re an ESL learner, a student refining your writing skills, or simply someone interested in the nuances of English grammar, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and practice you need to master this essential aspect of the language.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Definition of Emphatic Reflexive Pronouns
• Structural Breakdown
• Types and Categories
• Examples of Emphatic Reflexive Pronouns
• Usage Rules
• Common Mistakes
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics
• FAQ
• Conclusion

Definition of Emphatic Reflexive Pronouns

Emphatic reflexive pronouns, also known as intensive pronouns, are a type of pronoun used to emphasize a noun or pronoun already mentioned in the sentence. They add extra weight to the subject or object, highlighting that the action was performed by that specific person or thing and no one else.

They are not essential to the sentence’s basic meaning; removing them doesn’t change the core information conveyed.

Unlike reflexive pronouns, which are necessary for the sentence to make sense (e.g., “He hurt himself”), emphatic pronouns merely add emphasis. The key difference lies in their function: reflexive pronouns are objects of verbs, while emphatic pronouns are appositives that modify nouns or pronouns.

Classification and Function

Emphatic pronouns belong to the broader category of reflexive pronouns, but they have a distinct function. Reflexive pronouns (e.g., myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves) refer back to the subject of the clause and are essential to the sentence’s meaning. Emphatic pronouns, on the other hand, emphasize the noun or pronoun they refer to and can be removed without affecting the sentence’s grammatical correctness.

The primary function of an emphatic pronoun is to add emphasis. They highlight the agent performing the action, often to express surprise, determination, or personal involvement. For instance, saying “I baked the cake myself” emphasizes that you, and not someone else, baked the cake.

Contexts of Use

Emphatic pronouns are typically used in contexts where the speaker wants to stress the agent of an action. This could be to indicate that the action was done alone, without help, or to express strong personal feelings about the action. They can also be used to express disbelief or surprise, as in “Did you really build that house yourself?”

These pronouns are commonly found in both spoken and written English. In spoken English, they often carry a strong intonation to further emphasize the point.

In written English, they provide a more formal and deliberate way to add emphasis.

Structural Breakdown

The formation of emphatic reflexive pronouns is straightforward. They are created by adding “-self” to singular pronouns and “-selves” to plural pronouns.

The specific pronoun used depends on the noun or pronoun being emphasized.

Pronoun Formation

The following table shows the formation of emphatic reflexive pronouns:

Singular Pronoun	Emphatic Reflexive Pronoun
I	Myself
You	Yourself
He	Himself
She	Herself
It	Itself
Plural Pronoun	Emphatic Reflexive Pronoun
We	Ourselves
You	Yourselves
They	Themselves

As seen in the table, the singular forms use “-self,” while the plural forms use “-selves.” Note that the second-person pronoun “you” has both singular (yourself) and plural (yourselves) forms, depending on whether you are addressing one person or a group.

Sentence Placement

Emphatic pronouns can appear in different positions within a sentence. They typically come directly after the noun or pronoun they emphasize or at the end of the sentence.

The choice of placement often depends on the desired emphasis and the flow of the sentence.

For example:

• Directly after the noun/pronoun: “I myself saw the accident.”
• At the end of the sentence: “He completed the project himself.”

Both placements are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different nuances. Placing the pronoun immediately after the noun/pronoun often creates a stronger, more immediate emphasis.

Placing it at the end can provide a more conclusive or emphatic statement.

Types and Categories

While all emphatic reflexive pronouns serve the same basic function of adding emphasis, they can be categorized based on the pronoun they refer to (e.g., first-person, second-person, third-person) and whether they are singular or plural.

First-Person Emphatic Pronouns

First-person emphatic pronouns refer to the speaker. The singular form is “myself,” and the plural form is “ourselves.” These pronouns are used to emphasize the speaker’s role in an action.

Examples:

• “I myself will handle the arrangements.”
• “We ourselves are responsible for the outcome.”

Second-Person Emphatic Pronouns

Second-person emphatic pronouns refer to the person being addressed. The singular form is “yourself,” and the plural form is “yourselves.” These pronouns emphasize the listener’s role in an action.

Examples:

• “You yourself need to make the decision.”
• “You yourselves must complete the task.”

Third-Person Emphatic Pronouns

Third-person emphatic pronouns refer to someone or something other than the speaker or the person being addressed. The singular forms are “himself,” “herself,” and “itself,” while the plural form is “themselves.” These pronouns emphasize the role of a third party in an action.

Examples:

• “He himself admitted his mistake.”
• “She herself wrote the entire novel.”
• “The machine itself started malfunctioning.”
• “They themselves organized the event.”

Examples of Emphatic Reflexive Pronouns

To further illustrate the use of emphatic reflexive pronouns, here are several examples categorized by the pronoun they emphasize. These examples will help you understand how to use these pronouns in different contexts and with different subjects.

Examples with “Myself”

The following table showcases the usage of “myself” in various sentences to add emphasis.

Sentence	Explanation
I myself witnessed the event.	Emphasizes that the speaker personally saw the event.
I will do it myself.	Highlights that the speaker will do it alone.
I painted the entire room myself.	Stresses that the speaker completed the painting without help.
I, myself, am not convinced.	Adds emphasis to the speaker’s lack of conviction.
I made this cake myself.	Emphasizes that the speaker baked the cake.
I can handle the situation myself.	Stresses the speaker’s ability to manage the situation independently.
I saw the movie myself.	Highlights that the speaker watched the movie personally.
I fixed the car myself.	Emphasizes that the speaker repaired the car without assistance.
I designed the website myself.	Highlights the speaker’s role in designing the website.
I wrote the letter myself.	Emphasizes the speaker’s authorship of the letter.
I myself prefer coffee over tea.	Emphasizes the speaker’s personal preference.
I will take responsibility myself.	Highlights the speaker’s willingness to be accountable.
I cleaned the entire house myself.	Stresses that the speaker single-handedly cleaned the house.
I built this computer myself.	Emphasizes the speaker’s construction of the computer.
I planned the party myself.	Highlights the speaker’s role in organizing the party.
I cooked the dinner myself.	Emphasizes that the speaker prepared the meal.
I solved the problem myself.	Stresses the speaker’s independent resolution of the issue.
I created the artwork myself.	Highlights the speaker’s creation of the artwork.
I learned to play the guitar myself.	Emphasizes the speaker’s self-taught guitar skills.
I will investigate the matter myself.	Highlights the speaker’s personal investigation.

Examples with “Yourself” and “Yourselves”

The following table showcases the usage of “yourself” and “yourselves” in various sentences to add emphasis.

Sentence	Explanation
You yourself are responsible for your actions.	Emphasizes the listener’s accountability.
You need to do it yourself.	Highlights that the listener must do it alone.
Did you bake this cake yourself?	Questions whether the listener baked the cake.
You, yourself, must make the decision.	Adds emphasis to the listener’s need to decide.
You can see for yourself.	Emphasizes that the listener can verify it personally.
You yourselves are the future.	Highlights the listeners’ collective importance.
You all should clean this mess yourselves.	Stresses the listeners’ responsibility to clean up.
You yourselves need to organize the event.	Emphasizes the listeners’ need to organize.
Can you fix it yourself?	Asks if the listener can repair it alone.
You designed this house yourself?	Questions if the listener designed the house.
You yourself must face the consequences.	Emphasizes the listener’s accountability for the consequences.
You should check the facts yourself.	Highlights the listener’s need to verify information.
You yourselves will be judged by your actions.	Stresses that the listeners will be evaluated.
You should try to solve the problem yourselves.	Emphasizes the listeners’ attempt to resolve the issue.
Did you build this shed yourself?	Questions whether the listener built the shed.
You yourself are in charge of this project.	Emphasizes the listener’s responsibility for the project.
You need to experience it yourself to understand.	Highlights the listener’s need for personal experience.
You yourselves must take the initiative.	Stresses that the listeners must be proactive.
You should see the doctor yourself.	Emphasizes the listener’s need to consult a doctor.
You yourself are the key to your success.	Emphasizes the listener’s role in achieving success.

Examples with “Himself,” “Herself,” and “Itself”

The following table showcases the usage of “himself,” “herself,” and “itself” in various sentences to add emphasis.

Sentence	Explanation
He himself admitted his mistake.	Emphasizes that he personally admitted it.
She herself completed the project.	Highlights that she completed it alone.
The computer fixed itself.	Emphasizes the computer’s autonomous repair.
He, himself, is responsible.	Adds emphasis to his responsibility.
She decorated the house herself.	Stresses that she decorated it without help.
The door opened itself.	Emphasizes the door’s autonomous opening.
He built the entire house himself.	Highlights that he constructed the house alone.
She wrote the book herself.	Emphasizes her sole authorship of the book.
The cat cleaned itself.	Stresses the cat’s self-grooming.
He organized the event himself.	Emphasizes his role in organizing the event.
She designed the dress herself.	Highlights her design of the dress.
The car repaired itself.	Emphasizes the car’s self-repairing capability.
He painted the picture himself.	Stresses that he painted it alone.
She managed the entire business herself.	Highlights her management of the business.
The program updated itself.	Emphasizes the program’s automatic update.
He learned to play the piano himself.	Emphasizes his self-taught piano skills.
She proved her point herself.	Highlights her personal demonstration of the point.
The problem solved itself.	Emphasizes the problem’s spontaneous resolution.
He negotiated the deal himself.	Emphasizes his personal negotiation of the deal.
She presented the project herself.	Highlights her personal presentation of the project.

Examples with “Ourselves” and “Themselves”

The following table showcases the usage of “ourselves” and “themselves” in various sentences to add emphasis.

Sentence	Explanation
We ourselves witnessed the incident.	Emphasizes that we personally saw it.
They themselves are responsible for the mistake.	Highlights their accountability.
We built the house ourselves.	Emphasizes that we built it without help.
They decorated the room themselves.	Stresses that they decorated it alone.
We, ourselves, must take action.	Adds emphasis to our need to act.
They organized the event themselves.	Highlights their role in organizing the event.
We cooked the dinner ourselves.	Emphasizes that we prepared the meal.
They fixed the car themselves.	Stresses that they repaired it without assistance.
We designed the website ourselves.	Highlights our role in designing the website.
They wrote the report themselves.	Emphasizes their authorship of the report.
We ourselves will handle the situation.	Highlights our personal handling of the situation.
They will take care of the arrangements themselves.	Emphasizes their personal management of the arrangements.
We cleaned the entire house ourselves.	Stresses that we single-handedly cleaned the house.
They built the computers themselves.	Emphasizes their construction of the computers.
We planned the trip ourselves.	Highlights our role in organizing the trip.
They solved the puzzle themselves.	Stresses their independent solution of the puzzle.
We created the artwork ourselves.	Highlights our creation of the artwork.
They learned the language themselves.	Emphasizes their self-taught language skills.
We will investigate the matter ourselves.	Highlights our personal investigation.
They managed the project themselves.	Emphasizes their personal management of the project.

Usage Rules

Using emphatic reflexive pronouns correctly involves understanding their placement, agreement with the noun or pronoun they emphasize, and the context in which they are used. Adhering to these rules ensures clarity and avoids grammatical errors.

Agreement

An emphatic pronoun must agree in number and person with the noun or pronoun it emphasizes. This means that a singular noun requires a singular emphatic pronoun, and a plural noun requires a plural emphatic pronoun.

Similarly, the person (first, second, or third) must also match.

Examples:

• Correct: “I myself will do it.” (First-person singular)
• Incorrect: “I herself will do it.”
• Correct: “They themselves are responsible.” (Third-person plural)
• Incorrect: “They himself are responsible.”

Placement

As mentioned earlier, emphatic pronouns can be placed either directly after the noun or pronoun they emphasize or at the end of the sentence. While both placements are grammatically correct, the choice can affect the emphasis.

Examples:

• “She herself wrote the letter.” (Emphasis is immediate)
• “She wrote the letter herself.” (Emphasis is conclusive)

In general, placing the emphatic pronoun directly after the noun or pronoun provides a stronger, more immediate emphasis. Placing it at the end of the sentence can add a sense of finality or resolution.

Contextual Appropriateness

Emphatic pronouns should be used in contexts where emphasis is genuinely needed. Overusing them can make your writing or speech sound unnatural or forced.

Consider whether the emphasis is necessary to convey your intended meaning.

For example, in a casual conversation, saying “I myself went to the store” might sound overly formal. However, in a situation where it’s important to stress that you, and not someone else, went to the store, it would be appropriate.

Avoiding Ambiguity

Ensure that the emphatic pronoun clearly refers to the intended noun or pronoun. Ambiguity can arise if the sentence structure is unclear or if there are multiple possible referents.

Example:

• Clear: “The manager himself approved the decision.”
• Ambiguous: “The manager told the employee that he himself was responsible.” (Who is responsible – the manager or the employee?)

In the ambiguous example, it’s unclear whether “he himself” refers to the manager or the employee. To avoid this, rephrase the sentence to make the referent clear.

Common Mistakes

Several common mistakes can occur when using emphatic reflexive pronouns. Being aware of these errors can help you avoid them and ensure correct usage.

Using Reflexive Pronouns Instead of Emphatic Pronouns

One common mistake is using a reflexive pronoun when an emphatic pronoun is needed, or vice versa. Remember that reflexive pronouns are essential to the sentence’s meaning, while emphatic pronouns merely add emphasis.

Examples:

• Incorrect: “I hurt myself, myself.” (Redundant use of “myself”)
• Correct: “I hurt myself.” (Reflexive pronoun used correctly)
• Correct: “I myself hurt myself.” (Emphatic and reflexive pronouns used correctly)

Incorrect Pronoun Agreement

Another common mistake is using an emphatic pronoun that doesn’t agree in number and person with the noun or pronoun it emphasizes.

Examples:

• Incorrect: “They himself did the job.”
• Correct: “They themselves did the job.”
• Incorrect: “She himself wrote the book.”
• Correct: “She herself wrote the book.”

Unnecessary Use of Emphatic Pronouns

Overusing emphatic pronouns can make your writing or speech sound unnatural. Use them only when you genuinely want to add emphasis.

Examples:

• Unnecessary: “I myself think that it is a good idea myself.”
• Better: “I think it is a good idea.” or “I myself think that it is a good idea.”

Misplacement of Emphatic Pronouns

While emphatic pronouns can be placed in different positions, misplacing them can lead to ambiguity or awkward phrasing.

Examples:

• Awkward: “The book she herself wrote was a bestseller.”
• Better: “She herself wrote the book that was a bestseller.” or “The book she wrote herself was a bestseller.”

Practice Exercises

To solidify your understanding of emphatic reflexive pronouns, complete the following exercises. These exercises will test your ability to identify and use these pronouns correctly.

Exercise 1: Identifying Emphatic Pronouns

Identify the emphatic reflexive pronouns in the following sentences. If a sentence does not contain an emphatic pronoun, write “None.”

Sentence	Emphatic Pronoun
1. I myself baked the cookies.
2. He hurt himself while playing.
3. She completed the project herself.
4. They themselves admitted their mistake.
5. We enjoyed the party.
6. You yourself are responsible for the decision.
7. The computer fixed itself.
8. I will do it.
9. We ourselves will handle the situation.
10. She bought a new car.

Answer Key:

Sentence	Emphatic Pronoun
1. I myself baked the cookies.	Myself
2. He hurt himself while playing.	None
3. She completed the project herself.	Herself
4. They themselves admitted their mistake.	Themselves
5. We enjoyed the party.	None
6. You yourself are responsible for the decision.	Yourself
7. The computer fixed itself.	None
8. I will do it.	None
9. We ourselves will handle the situation.	Ourselves
10. She bought a new car.	None

Exercise 2: Completing Sentences with Emphatic Pronouns

Complete the following sentences with the appropriate emphatic reflexive pronoun.

Sentence	Answer
1. I will do it __________.
2. She __________ wrote the entire novel.
3. They __________ are responsible for the event.
4. You __________ must make the final decision.
5. We __________ saw the accident happen.
6. He __________ fixed the car.
7. The dog __________ opened the door.
8. I __________ prefer coffee over tea.
9. They __________ organized the party.
10. You __________ should clean your room.

Answer Key:

Sentence	Answer
1. I will do it myself.	Myself
2. She herself wrote the entire novel.	Herself
3. They themselves are responsible for the event.	Themselves
4. You yourself must make the final decision.	Yourself
5. We ourselves saw the accident happen.	Ourselves
6. He himself fixed the car.	Himself
7. The dog itself opened the door.	Itself
8. I myself prefer coffee over tea.	Myself
9. They themselves organized the party.	Themselves
10. You yourself should clean your room.	Yourself

Exercise 3: Correcting Sentences with Emphatic Pronouns

Correct the following sentences if they contain errors in the use of emphatic reflexive pronouns. If a sentence is correct, write “Correct.”

Sentence	Corrected Sentence
1. I herself will do it.
2. They themselves are going to the store.
3. She herself made the cake himself.
4. We ourselves saw the movie ourselves.
5. You himself must take responsibility.
6. He himself is responsible for his actions.
7. The cat himself cleaned himself.
8. I myself am happy with the results.
9. They hisselves fixed the problem.
10. We ourselves will plan the event.

Answer Key:

Sentence	Corrected Sentence
1. I herself will do it.	I myself will do it.
2. They themselves are going to the store.	Correct
3. She herself made the cake himself.	She herself made the cake.
4. We ourselves saw the movie ourselves.	We ourselves saw the movie.
5. You himself must take responsibility.	You yourself must take responsibility.
6. He himself is responsible for his actions.	Correct
7. The cat himself cleaned himself.	The cat itself cleaned itself.
8. I myself am happy with the results.	Correct
9. They hisselves fixed the problem.	They themselves fixed the problem.
10. We ourselves will plan the event.	Correct

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, there are some more nuanced aspects of emphatic reflexive pronouns to consider. These include using them in complex sentences and understanding their stylistic effects.

Emphatic Pronouns in Complex Sentences

Emphatic pronouns can be used in complex sentences to emphasize a particular clause or phrase. This can add depth and nuance to your writing.

Example:

• “Although the team tried their best, I myself believe that more effort was needed.”

In this sentence, “myself” emphasizes the speaker’s personal belief, even in the context of the team’s efforts.

Stylistic Effects

The use of emphatic pronouns can have a significant stylistic effect. They can make your writing more persuasive, assertive, or personal, depending on the context.

Consider the difference between these two sentences:

• “I completed the project.”
• “I myself completed the project.”

The second sentence carries a stronger sense of personal accomplishment and determination. This can be particularly effective in persuasive writing or when expressing strong opinions.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about emphatic reflexive pronouns:

1. What is the difference between reflexive and emphatic pronouns?

   Reflexive pronouns are essential to the meaning of the sentence and refer back to the subject. Emphatic pronouns add emphasis and can be removed without changing the sentence’s core meaning.

2. Where can I place an emphatic pronoun in a sentence?

   You can place it directly after the noun or pronoun it emphasizes or at the end of the sentence. The choice depends on the desired emphasis.

3. Can I overuse emphatic pronouns?

   Yes, overusing them can make your writing or speech sound unnatural. Use them only when you genuinely want to add emphasis.

4. Do emphatic pronouns need to agree with the noun/pronoun they emphasize?

   Yes, they must agree in number and person.

5. Is it always necessary to use an emphatic pronoun?

   No, they are not always necessary. Use them only when you want to add emphasis or highlight a specific agent.

6. Can emphatic pronouns be used in questions?

   Yes, they can be used in questions to express surprise or disbelief. For example: “Did you really build that yourself?”

7. What happens if I use the wrong emphatic pronoun?

   Using the wrong emphatic pronoun will result in a grammatical error and can make your sentence confusing or unclear.

8. Are emphatic pronouns common in formal writing?

   Yes, they are used in formal writing to add emphasis and clarity, but should still be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly emphatic.

Conclusion

Mastering emphatic reflexive pronouns is crucial for enhancing your English grammar skills and improving your ability to express yourself with precision and emphasis. By understanding their definition, structure, usage rules, and common mistakes, you can effectively incorporate these pronouns into your writing and speech.

Remember that practice is key to mastering any grammar concept, so

continue to practice the exercises and examples provided in this guide. With consistent effort, you’ll be able to use emphatic reflexive pronouns confidently and correctly, adding depth and clarity to your communication.

Keep refining your skills and exploring the nuances of English grammar to become a more proficient and articulate speaker and writer.