Reflexive pronouns are an important part of English grammar. They are used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same. These pronouns reflect the action back on the subject. For example, in the sentence “She hurt herself,” the reflexive pronoun “herself” refers to the same person as the subject “She.”
Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns include words like myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, and themselves. They are essential for indicating that the action of the verb affects the subject of the sentence. Reflexive pronouns can also add emphasis to the subject or clarify that the action was performed by the subject alone. In this article, we’ll explore how they are used, with examples and practical tips to help you understand when and how to use them effectively.
Reflexive Pronoun Examples
To better understand reflexive pronouns, it’s helpful to see them in action. Below are some common ones along with examples:
- Myself
- I did it myself.
- Yourself
- Did you make this cake yourself?
- Himself
- He hurt himself while playing soccer.
- Herself
- She completed the project herself.
- Itself
- The cat cleaned itself after the meal.
- Ourselves
- We prepared the dinner ourselves.
- Yourselves
- You must wash the dishes yourselves.
- Themselves
- They did the work themselves.
As shown in these examples, reflexive pronouns are used when the subject of the sentence is also the object of the action. The pronouns reflect back to the subject. For example, in “I did it myself,” the subject “I” and the object “myself” are the same, making myself a reflexive pronoun. Reflexive pronouns are not just a grammatical rule but also an essential part of the English language that helps create more meaningful and accurate sentences.
Related: Possessive Pronouns: Examples For Better English
Reflexive Pronoun Sentences
Now that we have seen some examples, let’s explore reflexive pronoun sentences that demonstrate how they function in different contexts. These sentences will show how reflexive pronouns are used in both simple and more complex sentences.
- She looked at herself in the mirror.
- He gave himself a break after the long meeting.
- I can’t believe I finished the entire project myself.
- I looked at myself.
- We enjoyed the movie ourselves without interruptions.
- You should really try to look after yourself better.
- They helped themselves to some extra food.
- I’m proud of myself for completing the task.
- The children taught themselves how to ride bikes.
- You should believe in yourself more often.
Each of these reflexive pronoun sentences shows how the pronoun relates back to the subject. For example, in “She looked at herself in the mirror,” “herself” refers back to the subject “She.” Similarly, in “I can’t believe I finished the entire project myself,” the reflexive pronoun “myself” refers to the subject “I.” Reflexive pronouns serve to emphasize or clarify that the subject is performing the action on themselves. These sentences help us grasp the connection between the action and the subject more clearly, which makes communication more effective.
Related: Sentences with Myself: 30 Examples For Better English
Rules for Using Reflexive Pronouns
Here are some important rules to keep in mind when using reflexive pronouns:
- Use when the subject and object are the same:
The primary use of reflexive pronouns is when the subject and object are the same in a sentence. For example, “She made the decision herself” means that “she” is both the subject and the object of the action. This is the most straightforward usage of reflexive pronouns. - Use for emphasis:
They can also be used for emphasis to stress the subject’s role in the action. For instance, “I myself will take care of the problem” emphasizes that “I” am the one doing the task. This usage highlights the subject’s involvement and is often used in spoken and written English for added focus. - Do not use reflexive pronouns as the subject:
They cannot be the subject of a sentence. For example, you cannot say, “Myself went to the store.” The correct sentence would be “I went to the store.” It’s important to note that while reflexive pronouns are used for the object, the subject must be a regular pronoun like “I,” “he,” “she,” etc. - Use with certain verbs:
Some verbs are commonly used with them such as “pride,” “enjoy,” “blame,” “consider,” and “concentrate.” For example, “She prides herself on her achievements” or “He blamed himself for the mistake.” These verbs often require a reflexive pronoun to reflect the action back on the subject. - Reflexive pronouns vs. Intensive pronouns:
It’s important to note the difference between reflexive pronouns and intensive pronouns. While both look the same (e.g., myself, yourself), intensive pronouns are used for emphasis rather than reflecting the action back to the subject. For example, “I myself completed the work” uses “myself” as an intensive pronoun for emphasis, not as a reflexive one. Understanding this difference is key to mastering the use of reflexive pronouns in various situations.
Special Uses of Reflexive Pronouns
In addition to basic sentences, they are often used in special cases or phrases. Here are a few common situations where they are used:
- Reciprocal actions:
Reflexive pronouns can also be used to express reciprocal actions (when two or more people perform actions on each other). In this case, the reflexive pronouns are typically used in the plural form. For example, “They looked at themselves in the mirror together” means both of them looked at each other in the mirror. This form of usage is common in both casual and formal English. - For clarity or emphasis:
Sometimes, they are used for emphasis, especially to show that someone performed an action without help from others. For example, “I painted the room myself” shows that “I” did the work alone. This usage not only clarifies who did the action but also emphasizes the subject’s involvement. - To refer to a group of people:
Reflexive pronouns can also be used when a group of people performs an action on themselves. For example, “The students organized the event themselves.” This indicates that the students did the organizing without assistance. When we refer to a group of people using reflexive pronouns, it adds clarity to the action and highlights the collective effort.
Reflexive pronouns: a handy practice
In summary, reflexive pronouns are an essential part of English grammar. They are used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same or when we want to emphasize the subject’s role in the action. The most common ones include myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, and themselves.
By practicing reflexive pronoun sentences and understanding the rules for their use, you can improve both your written and spoken English. Whether you’re emphasizing an action or simply referring back to the subject, they are a helpful tool for clear and effective communication. Additionally, knowing the common mistakes to avoid and the different types of situations where reflexive pronouns can be used will help make your English more fluent and precise.