Reflexive pronouns are an essential part of English grammar, playing a crucial role in sentence construction and meaning. Understanding their function and usage is vital for clear and accurate communication.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to reflexive pronouns, covering their definition, structure, types, usage rules, common mistakes, and advanced topics. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will help you master reflexive pronouns and improve your overall English proficiency.
This guide is designed for English language learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers. It is also useful for teachers and anyone interested in deepening their understanding of English grammar.
By the end of this article, you will be able to confidently identify and use reflexive pronouns in a variety of contexts.
Table of Contents
- Definition of Reflexive Pronouns
- Structural Breakdown of Reflexive Pronouns
- Types of Reflexive Pronouns
- Examples of Reflexive Pronouns
- Usage Rules for Reflexive Pronouns
- Common Mistakes with Reflexive Pronouns
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definition of Reflexive Pronouns
A reflexive pronoun is a type of pronoun that refers back to the subject of a sentence or clause. It is used when the subject and the object of a verb are the same person or thing. Reflexive pronouns end in “-self” (singular) or “-selves” (plural). They are essential for indicating that the action of the verb reflects back upon the subject.
Reflexive pronouns are not simply interchangeable with other pronouns. They have a specific grammatical function and are necessary in sentences where the subject is both the performer and the receiver of the action.
Without a reflexive pronoun in such cases, the sentence would be grammatically incorrect or would convey a different meaning.
Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of reflexive pronouns:
- Function: To refer back to the subject of a sentence or clause.
- Form: Ends in “-self” (singular) or “-selves” (plural).
- Usage: Used when the subject and the object of a verb are the same.
Understanding these aspects is crucial for using reflexive pronouns correctly and effectively in your writing and speech.
Structural Breakdown of Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns are formed by adding “-self” to singular personal pronouns and “-selves” to plural personal pronouns, with a slight modification for the pronoun “you” and “it”. The structure is based on the corresponding personal pronoun, ensuring that the reflexive pronoun agrees in number and person with the subject it refers to.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the structure:
- Singular:
- myself (referring to I)
- yourself (referring to you)
- himself (referring to he)
- herself (referring to she)
- itself (referring to it)
- Plural:
- ourselves (referring to we)
- yourselves (referring to you – plural)
- themselves (referring to they)
Notice that the plural forms are created by changing “-self” to “-selves.” This consistent pattern makes it easier to remember the correct forms of reflexive pronouns.
For example, instead of saying “I hurt me,” you would say “I hurt myself.” The reflexive pronoun “myself” clarifies that the action of hurting is directed back to the subject “I.” Similarly, instead of “They helped them,” you would say “They helped themselves,” indicating that they were the recipients of their own help.
Types of Reflexive Pronouns
While there aren’t distinct “types” of reflexive pronouns in terms of grammatical categories, it’s helpful to understand their function in different sentence structures. They primarily serve two roles: as essential parts of the sentence and as intensifiers.
1. Reflexive Pronouns as Essential Elements
In this usage, the reflexive pronoun is essential for the grammatical correctness and meaning of the sentence. The verb requires an object, and that object is the same as the subject.
Removing the reflexive pronoun would result in an incomplete or nonsensical sentence.
For example: “He blamed himself for the mistake.” In this sentence, “himself” is necessary because the verb “blamed” requires an object. The subject “He” is also the object of the verb.
2. Reflexive Pronouns as Intensifiers
Also known as emphatic pronouns, these pronouns add emphasis to the subject. They are not essential to the sentence’s basic meaning; the sentence would still be grammatically correct without them.
Intensifiers directly follow the noun or pronoun they are emphasizing or appear at the end of the clause.
For example: “The president himself attended the meeting.” Here, “himself” emphasizes that it was the president personally who attended the meeting. The sentence “The president attended the meeting” is still grammatically correct without “himself.”
It’s important to distinguish between these two roles to use reflexive pronouns accurately. Misusing them can lead to grammatical errors and confusion.
Examples of Reflexive Pronouns
To fully understand reflexive pronouns, it’s essential to see them in action. The following examples illustrate how reflexive pronouns are used in various contexts, both as essential elements and as intensifiers.
Table 1: Reflexive Pronouns as Essential Elements
This table provides examples of reflexive pronouns used as essential elements in sentences, where the reflexive pronoun is crucial for the sentence’s grammatical correctness and meaning.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| I told myself to stay calm. | The verb “told” requires an object, and the object is “myself,” referring back to “I.” |
| She bought herself a new car. | “Herself” is the indirect object, indicating who benefited from the purchase. |
| He cut himself while shaving. | “Himself” is the direct object, showing who received the action of cutting. |
| We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service. | “Ourselves” is the object of the verb “pride,” referring back to “we.” |
| They consider themselves lucky. | “Themselves” is the object of the verb “consider,” referring back to “they.” |
| You should ask yourself what you really want. | “Yourself” is the object of the verb “ask,” referring back to “you.” |
| The cat cleaned itself meticulously. | “Itself” is the object of the verb “cleaned,” referring back to “the cat.” |
| I found myself in a difficult situation. | “Myself” is the object of the verb “found,” referring back to “I.” |
| She introduced herself to the guests. | “Herself” is the object of the verb “introduced,” referring back to “she.” |
| He busied himself with paperwork. | “Himself” is the object of the verb “busied,” referring back to “he.” |
| We enjoyed ourselves at the party. | “Ourselves” is the object of the verb “enjoyed,” referring back to “we.” |
| They established themselves as leaders in the industry. | “Themselves” is the object of the verb “established,” referring back to “they.” |
| You should express yourselves clearly. | “Yourselves” is the object of the verb “express,” referring back to “you.” |
| The dog scratched itself behind the ear. | “Itself” is the object of the verb “scratched,” referring back to “the dog.” |
| I taught myself how to play the guitar. | “Myself” is the object of the verb “taught,” referring back to “I.” |
| She allowed herself a treat after finishing the project. | “Herself” is the object of the verb “allowed,” referring back to “she.” |
| He proved himself to be a valuable asset. | “Himself” is the object of the verb “proved,” referring back to “he.” |
| We consider ourselves fortunate to have such supportive friends. | “Ourselves” is the object of the verb “consider,” referring back to “we.” |
| They prepared themselves for the challenges ahead. | “Themselves” is the object of the verb “prepared,” referring back to “they.” |
| You should challenge yourselves to reach new heights. | “Yourselves” is the object of the verb “challenge,” referring back to “you.” |
| The computer restarted itself automatically. | “Itself” is the object of the verb “restarted,” referring back to “the computer.” |
| I dedicated myself to learning a new language. | “Myself” is the object of the verb “dedicated,” referring back to “I.” |
| She reminded herself to stay focused. | “Herself” is the object of the verb “reminded,” referring back to “she.” |
Table 2: Reflexive Pronouns as Intensifiers
This table showcases examples of reflexive pronouns used as intensifiers, adding emphasis to the subject without being essential to the sentence’s grammatical structure.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| I myself saw the accident. | “Myself” emphasizes that it was I who saw the accident. |
| She herself baked the cake. | “Herself” emphasizes that she personally baked the cake. |
| He himself built the house. | “Himself” emphasizes that he personally built the house. |
| We ourselves organized the event. | “Ourselves” emphasizes that we personally organized the event. |
| They themselves admitted their mistake. | “Themselves” emphasizes that they personally admitted their mistake. |
| You yourselves are responsible for the outcome. | “Yourselves” emphasizes that you personally are responsible. |
| The queen herself opened the exhibition. | “Herself” emphasizes that the queen personally opened the exhibition. |
| I will do it myself. | “Myself” emphasizes that I will do it personally. |
| She fixed the car herself. | “Herself” emphasizes that she personally fixed the car. |
| He wrote the letter himself. | “Himself” emphasizes that he personally wrote the letter. |
| We cleaned the house ourselves. | “Ourselves” emphasizes that we personally cleaned the house. |
| They painted the mural themselves. | “Themselves” emphasizes that they personally painted the mural. |
| You should check the documents yourselves. | “Yourselves” emphasizes that you personally should check the documents. |
| The manager himself approved the request. | “Himself” emphasizes that the manager personally approved the request. |
| I myself prefer coffee over tea. | “Myself” emphasizes that I personally prefer coffee. |
| She herself witnessed the event. | “Herself” emphasizes that she personally witnessed the event. |
| He himself designed the website. | “Himself” emphasizes that he personally designed the website. |
| We ourselves experienced the difficulties. | “Ourselves” emphasizes that we personally experienced the difficulties. |
| They themselves prepared the presentation. | “Themselves” emphasizes that they personally prepared the presentation. |
| You yourselves must decide the best course of action. | “Yourselves” emphasizes that you personally must decide. |
| The CEO herself announced the company’s new strategy. | “Herself” emphasizes that the CEO personally announced the strategy. |
| I myself baked all these cookies. | “Myself” emphasizes that I personally baked the cookies. |
| She herself took the photograph. | “Herself” emphasizes that she personally took the photograph. |
Table 3: Reflexive Pronouns in Common Phrases
Some reflexive pronouns frequently appear in common phrases. Understanding these phrases can help you recognize and use reflexive pronouns more naturally.
| Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Help yourself | Please, help yourself to the buffet. |
| Enjoy yourself | I hope you enjoy yourself at the concert. |
| Behave yourself | Behave yourself while we are at Grandma’s house. |
| Make yourself at home | Come in, make yourself at home. |
| Pride yourself on | We pride ourselves on our attention to detail. |
| Avail yourself of | Avail yourself of the free resources available online. |
| Apply yourself | If you apply yourself, you can achieve anything. |
| Express yourself | Art is a great way to express yourself. |
| Find yourself | Many people travel to find themselves. |
| Lose yourself in | I like to lose myself in a good book. |
| Busy yourself with | She busied herself with organizing the event. |
| Content yourself with | He had to content himself with a small portion. |
| Prepare yourself for | Prepare yourself for a challenging interview. |
| Teach yourself | I taught myself how to code. |
| Convince yourself | You need to convince yourself that you can do it. |
| Remind yourself | Remind yourself to stay positive. |
| Dedicate yourself to | She dedicated herself to helping others. |
| Prove yourself to | He wanted to prove himself to his parents. |
| Consider yourself | Consider yourself lucky to have this opportunity. |
| Establish yourself | They established themselves as leaders in their field. |
Usage Rules for Reflexive Pronouns
Using reflexive pronouns correctly requires adherence to specific rules. Understanding these rules will help you avoid common errors and ensure your sentences are grammatically sound.
- Reflexive pronouns must refer back to the subject of the clause. The subject and the object must be the same person or thing. For example: “I bought myself a gift.” (Correct) vs. “I bought herself a gift.” (Incorrect, because “herself” does not refer to “I”).
- Reflexive pronouns are necessary when the subject and object are the same. If the object is different from the subject, a regular object pronoun is used. For example: “She praised herself for her hard work.” (Correct) vs. “She praised her for her hard work.” (Correct, but “her” refers to someone else).
- Avoid using reflexive pronouns as subjects. Reflexive pronouns cannot be used as subjects of sentences. Use personal pronouns instead. For example: “Myself and John went to the store.” (Incorrect) should be “John and I went to the store.” (Correct).
- Use reflexive pronouns as intensifiers to add emphasis. When used as intensifiers, reflexive pronouns are not essential to the sentence’s basic meaning. They can be removed without affecting the sentence’s grammatical correctness. For example: “The CEO herself approved the plan.” (Correct, intensifier) vs. “The CEO approved the plan.” (Also correct, without emphasis).
- Be mindful of number and person agreement. The reflexive pronoun must agree in number and person with the subject. For example: “We helped ourselves.” (Correct) vs. “We helped myself.” (Incorrect).
- Reflexive pronouns are often used after certain verbs. Some verbs commonly take reflexive pronouns, such as blame, hurt, pride, enjoy, avail, apply, express, find, lose, busy, content, prepare, teach, convince, remind, dedicate, prove, consider, establish.
Understanding and applying these rules will significantly improve your accuracy in using reflexive pronouns.
Common Mistakes with Reflexive Pronouns
Even experienced English speakers sometimes make mistakes with reflexive pronouns. Being aware of these common errors can help you avoid them in your own writing and speech.
- Using reflexive pronouns as subjects. This is a very common mistake. Remember that reflexive pronouns cannot be the subject of a sentence.
- Incorrect: Myself and my friend went to the movies.
- Correct: My friend and I went to the movies.
- Using reflexive pronouns when a regular object pronoun is needed. This happens when the object is not the same as the subject.
- Incorrect: She gave the book to herself. (when referring to another person)
- Correct: She gave the book to her.
- Incorrect agreement in number or person. The reflexive pronoun must agree with the subject it refers to.
- Incorrect: They helped himself.
- Correct: They helped themselves.
- Unnecessary use of reflexive pronouns. Sometimes, reflexive pronouns are used when they are not needed, making the sentence sound awkward.
- Incorrect: Please feel free to contact myself if you have any questions.
- Correct: Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
- Misunderstanding the difference between reflexive and intensive pronouns. Knowing whether the pronoun is essential to the sentence or simply adding emphasis is crucial.
- Reflexive (essential): He hurt himself.
- Intensive (emphasis): He himself wrote the book.
By being mindful of these common mistakes and practicing correct usage, you can significantly improve your fluency and accuracy with reflexive pronouns.
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of reflexive pronouns, complete the following exercises. These exercises cover various aspects of reflexive pronoun usage, from identifying them in sentences to constructing your own sentences using them correctly.
Exercise 1: Identifying Reflexive Pronouns
Identify the reflexive pronoun in each of the following sentences.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I bought myself a new jacket. | myself |
| 2. She introduced herself to the audience. | herself |
| 3. He blamed himself for the mistake. | himself |
| 4. We enjoyed ourselves at the party. | ourselves |
| 5. They consider themselves lucky. | themselves |
| 6. You should ask yourself what you really want. | yourself |
| 7. The cat cleaned itself. | itself |
| 8. I found myself in a strange situation. | myself |
| 9. She treated herself to a spa day. | herself |
| 10. He cut himself while cooking. | himself |
Exercise 2: Choosing the Correct Reflexive Pronoun
Fill in the blank with the correct reflexive pronoun.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I made ______ a cup of tea. | myself |
| 2. She told ______ to be brave. | herself |
| 3. He bought ______ a new car. | himself |
| 4. We helped ______ to the food. | ourselves |
| 5. They consider ______ fortunate. | themselves |
| 6. You should express ______. | yourselves |
| 7. The dog scratched ______. | itself |
| 8. I taught ______ to play the piano. | myself |
| 9. She allowed ______ a break. | herself |
| 10. He proved ______ to be reliable. | himself |
Exercise 3: Correcting Sentences with Reflexive Pronouns
Correct the following sentences if they contain errors in the use of reflexive pronouns. If the sentence is correct, write “Correct.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Myself and my friend went to the park. | My friend and I went to the park. |
| 2. She gave the book to herself. (when referring to another person) | She gave the book to her. |
| 3. They helped himself. | They helped themselves. |
| 4. Please feel free to contact myself. | Please feel free to contact me. |
| 5. He hurt himself. | Correct |
| 6. She herself completed the project. | Correct |
| 7. We enjoyed ourselves at the beach. | Correct |
| 8. You should believe in yourself. | Correct |
| 9. The computer restarted itself. | Correct |
| 10. He dedicated himself to his studies. | Correct |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, exploring more nuanced aspects of reflexive pronoun usage can further enhance your understanding. These topics delve into less common but equally important areas.
1. Reflexive Pronouns with Intransitive Verbs
While reflexive pronouns typically require a transitive verb (a verb that takes an object), there are instances where they appear with intransitive verbs (verbs that do not take an object). These are often idiomatic expressions or phrases where the reflexive pronoun adds a particular nuance to the meaning.
For example: “He found himself waking up early.” The verb “wake up” is intransitive, but “himself” adds emphasis and indicates a sense of surprise or realization.
2. Reflexive Pronouns in Formal Writing
In formal writing, it’s crucial to avoid unnecessary reflexive pronouns. Overusing them can make your writing sound awkward or unnatural.
Stick to the basic rules and only use reflexive pronouns when they are grammatically necessary or add significant emphasis.
3. Reflexive Pronouns in Different Dialects
The usage of reflexive pronouns can vary slightly in different dialects of English. For example, some dialects may use reflexive pronouns more frequently as intensifiers than others.
Being aware of these variations can help you understand and interpret different styles of communication.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about reflexive pronouns, along with detailed answers to clarify any remaining doubts.
- What is the difference between a reflexive pronoun and an intensive pronoun?
A reflexive pronoun is essential to the meaning of a sentence because the subject and the object are the same. An intensive pronoun, on the other hand, simply adds emphasis and is not essential to the sentence’s meaning. For example: “He hurt himself” (reflexive) vs. “He himself wrote the book” (intensive).
- Can a reflexive pronoun be the subject of a sentence?
No, a reflexive pronoun cannot be the subject of a sentence. Use a personal pronoun instead. For example, instead of saying “Myself went to the store,” you should say “I went to the store.”
- When should I use a reflexive pronoun?
Use a reflexive pronoun when the subject and the object of a verb are the same person or thing. Also, use it as an intensive pronoun to add emphasis to the subject.
- What are the reflexive pronouns?
The reflexive pronouns are: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, and themselves.
- How do I choose the correct reflexive pronoun?
Choose the reflexive pronoun that agrees in number and person with the subject of the sentence. For example, if the subject is “I,” use “myself.” If the subject is “they,” use “themselves.”
- Is it correct to say “Please contact myself if you have any questions”?
No, it is not correct. It is more appropriate to say “Please contact me if you have any questions.” Using “myself” in this context is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect.
- What are some common verbs that often take reflexive pronouns?
Some common verbs include: blame, hurt, pride, enjoy, avail, apply, express, find, lose, busy, content, prepare, teach, convince, remind, dedicate, prove, consider, establish. These verbs often require a reflexive pronoun when the subject and object are the same.
- Can you give me an example of a sentence where the reflexive pronoun is essential?
Certainly! Consider the sentence: “She blamed herself for the accident.” Here, “herself” is essential because the verb “blamed” requires an object, and the subject “She” is also the object of the verb. Without “herself,” the sentence would be incomplete or would have a different meaning.
Conclusion
Mastering reflexive pronouns is crucial for effective and accurate communication in English. By understanding their definition, structure, types, usage rules, and common mistakes, you can confidently use them in your writing and speech.
Remember to pay attention to subject-verb agreement, avoid using reflexive pronouns as subjects, and distinguish between reflexive and intensive usage.
Continue practicing with reflexive pronouns through exercises, reading, and real-life conversations. The more you use them, the more natural and automatic their usage will become.
With consistent effort, you will enhance your overall English proficiency and communicate with greater clarity and precision. Keep practicing and refining your skills, and you’ll find that reflexive pronouns become a natural part of your English repertoire.