Intensive pronouns add emphasis to a noun or pronoun already in the sentence. They are not essential to the sentence’s basic meaning but serve to highlight the subject or object of the verb.
Understanding intensive pronouns is crucial for precise and impactful writing and speech. This article provides a comprehensive guide to intensive pronouns, covering their definition, structure, usage rules, common mistakes, and practice exercises.
This guide will benefit students, writers, and anyone looking to refine their English grammar skills.
Mastering intensive pronouns allows for more nuanced and effective communication. By understanding how to use these pronouns correctly, you can add significant weight to your sentences and ensure your intended meaning is clear and impactful.
This article breaks down the complexities of intensive pronouns into easy-to-understand concepts, providing numerous examples and practical exercises to solidify your understanding.
Table of Contents
- Definition of Intensive Pronouns
- Structural Breakdown
- Types of Intensive Pronouns
- Examples of Intensive Pronouns
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of Intensive Pronouns
An intensive pronoun is a pronoun that emphasizes a noun or pronoun already in the sentence. It is called “intensive” because it intensifies or reinforces the noun or pronoun it refers to. Intensive pronouns are not grammatically necessary for the sentence to make sense; the sentence would still be complete without them. Their primary function is to add emphasis or highlight the importance of the subject or object.
Intensive pronouns always refer back to a noun or pronoun already mentioned in the sentence. They usually appear directly after the noun or pronoun they are emphasizing, but they can also be placed elsewhere in the sentence for stylistic effect.
It’s important to distinguish intensive pronouns from reflexive pronouns, which are essential to the meaning of the sentence and act as the object when the subject and object are the same.
For example, in the sentence “I myself baked the cake,” the word “myself” is an intensive pronoun. The sentence would still make sense if we removed “myself” (“I baked the cake”).
However, including “myself” emphasizes that *I* baked the cake, not someone else.
Classification and Function
Intensive pronouns belong to the class of pronouns that includes reflexive pronouns, but their function differs significantly. While both types share the same forms (myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves), their roles in the sentence are distinct.
Intensive pronouns add emphasis, whereas reflexive pronouns are essential to the sentence’s grammatical structure and meaning.
The function of an intensive pronoun is purely emphatic. It draws attention to the noun or pronoun it modifies, adding a layer of significance to the action or state being described.
This emphasis can be used to express surprise, determination, or a sense of personal involvement.
Contexts of Use
Intensive pronouns are commonly used in various contexts, including:
- Formal Writing: To add emphasis to key points or arguments.
- Informal Speech: To express personal involvement or surprise.
- Narrative Writing: To highlight a character’s actions or emotions.
- Persuasive Writing: To strengthen arguments and convince the reader.
The choice to use an intensive pronoun depends on the desired effect and the context of the communication. They are particularly useful when you want to make it clear who performed an action or to highlight the importance of a specific detail.
Structural Breakdown
The structure of sentences with intensive pronouns is relatively straightforward. The intensive pronoun typically follows the noun or pronoun it emphasizes.
However, it can sometimes be placed elsewhere in the sentence for stylistic variation.
The key structural element is the relationship between the intensive pronoun and the noun or pronoun it modifies. This relationship must be clear and unambiguous.
The intensive pronoun must agree in number and gender with the noun or pronoun it refers to.
Common Patterns
Here are some common sentence patterns involving intensive pronouns:
- Subject + Verb + Intensive Pronoun: I myself saw the accident.
- Subject + Intensive Pronoun + Verb: She herself completed the project.
- Noun + Intensive Pronoun + Verb: The president himself addressed the nation.
- Object + Verb + Object + Intensive Pronoun: He blamed himself for the mistake.
These patterns illustrate the flexibility of intensive pronouns in sentence construction. The placement of the intensive pronoun can affect the emphasis of the sentence.
Placing it directly after the subject often emphasizes the person or thing performing the action, while placing it elsewhere can emphasize the action itself.
Pronoun Agreement
Intensive pronouns must agree in number and gender with the noun or pronoun they refer to. This means that a singular noun or pronoun must be emphasized with a singular intensive pronoun, and a plural noun or pronoun must be emphasized with a plural intensive pronoun.
For example:
- Singular: I myself will handle the situation.
- Plural: We ourselves are responsible for our actions.
Failure to maintain pronoun agreement can lead to confusion and grammatical errors. Always double-check that the intensive pronoun matches the noun or pronoun it is emphasizing.
Types of Intensive Pronouns
Intensive pronouns have the same forms as reflexive pronouns. These forms are derived from the personal pronouns and end in “-self” (singular) or “-selves” (plural).
The intensive pronouns are:
- myself
- yourself
- himself
- herself
- itself
- ourselves
- yourselves
- themselves
The choice of which intensive pronoun to use depends on the noun or pronoun it is emphasizing. For example, “myself” is used to emphasize “I,” “yourself” is used to emphasize “you” (singular), and “themselves” is used to emphasize “they.”
Singular Intensive Pronouns
Singular intensive pronouns refer to a single person or thing. They are:
- myself: Refers to “I”
- yourself: Refers to “you” (singular)
- himself: Refers to “he”
- herself: Refers to “she”
- itself: Refers to “it”
These pronouns are used to emphasize a singular subject or object. For instance, in the sentence “She herself wrote the letter,” the pronoun “herself” emphasizes that *she*, and no one else, wrote the letter.
Similarly, in the sentence “I myself will take care of it,” the pronoun “myself” emphasizes that *I* will handle the situation.
Plural Intensive Pronouns
Plural intensive pronouns refer to more than one person or thing. They are:
- ourselves: Refers to “we”
- yourselves: Refers to “you” (plural)
- themselves: Refers to “they”
These pronouns are used to emphasize a plural subject or object. For example, in the sentence “We ourselves built this house,” the pronoun “ourselves” emphasizes that *we*, and no one else, built the house.
In the sentence “They themselves admitted their mistake,” the pronoun “themselves” emphasizes that *they* admitted the mistake.
Examples of Intensive Pronouns
The following tables provide extensive examples of intensive pronouns used in various contexts. These examples demonstrate how intensive pronouns can add emphasis and clarity to sentences.
Subject Emphasis
This table illustrates how intensive pronouns are used to emphasize the subject of a sentence.
| Sentence | Intensive Pronoun | Emphasis |
|---|---|---|
| I myself baked the cake. | myself | Highlights that *I* baked the cake. |
| You yourself must take responsibility. | yourself | Highlights that *you* must take responsibility. |
| He himself admitted his mistake. | himself | Highlights that *he* admitted his mistake. |
| She herself organized the event. | herself | Highlights that *she* organized the event. |
| The computer itself restarted. | itself | Highlights that the *computer* restarted on its own. |
| We ourselves witnessed the event. | ourselves | Highlights that *we* witnessed the event. |
| You yourselves are responsible for the outcome. | yourselves | Highlights that *you* are responsible. |
| They themselves completed the project. | themselves | Highlights that *they* completed the project. |
| I myself will handle the negotiations. | myself | Emphasizes that *I* will handle the negotiations personally. |
| You yourself need to make the decision. | yourself | Stresses that *you* are the one who needs to decide. |
| He himself designed the entire building. | himself | Emphasizes that *he* designed the building without help. |
| She herself proofread the final document. | herself | Highlights that *she* personally proofread the document. |
| The car itself started making strange noises. | itself | Emphasizes that the *car* started making noises on its own. |
| We ourselves decided to change our plans. | ourselves | Highlights that *we* made the decision independently. |
| You yourselves should consider the consequences. | yourselves | Stresses that *you* should think about the consequences. |
| They themselves agreed to the terms. | themselves | Highlights that *they* agreed without coercion. |
| I myself saw him leaving the scene. | myself | Emphasizes that *I* personally saw him leaving. |
| You yourself must face the consequences of your actions. | yourself | Highlights that *you* are responsible for your actions. |
| He himself built the entire treehouse. | himself | Highlights that *he* built the treehouse without any help. |
| She herself wrote the symphony. | herself | Emphasizes that *she*, not someone else, wrote the symphony. |
| The door itself opened without any force. | itself | Highlights that the *door* opened spontaneously. |
| We ourselves organized the charity event. | ourselves | Highlights that *we* took the initiative to organize the event. |
| You yourselves are the only ones who can fix this problem. | yourselves | Highlights that *you* are uniquely positioned to solve the problem. |
| They themselves volunteered to clean up the park. | themselves | Highlights that *they* volunteered without being asked. |
| I myself witnessed the miracle. | myself | Emphasizes that *I* was a direct witness to the event. |
| You yourself are responsible for the project’s success. | yourself | Highlights that *you* bear the sole responsibility for the outcome. |
| He himself oversaw the entire construction process. | himself | Emphasizes that *he* personally managed the construction. |
Object Emphasis
This table demonstrates how intensive pronouns are used to emphasize the object of a sentence.
| Sentence | Intensive Pronoun | Emphasis |
|---|---|---|
| He blamed himself for the accident. | himself | Highlights that he blamed *himself*. |
| She bought herself a new car. | herself | Highlights that she bought the car for *herself*. |
| I made myself a cup of coffee. | myself | Highlights that I made the coffee for *myself*. |
| They built the house themselves. | themselves | Highlights that they built the house by *themselves*. |
| We prepared the dinner ourselves. | ourselves | Highlights that we prepared the dinner by *ourselves*. |
| You are only hurting yourself with these choices. | yourself | Highlights that *you* are the one being hurt. |
| He dedicated himself to the project. | himself | Highlights that he dedicated *himself* to the project. |
| She allowed herself a small treat. | herself | Highlights that she allowed the treat to *herself*. |
| I convinced myself that everything would be alright. | myself | Highlights that I convinced *myself*. |
| They proved themselves capable of handling the task. | themselves | Highlights that they proved *themselves* capable. |
| We consider ourselves lucky to be here. | ourselves | Highlights that we consider *ourselves* lucky. |
| You can deceive yourself if you’re not careful. | yourself | Highlights that *you* can deceive yourself. |
| He found himself in a difficult situation. | himself | Highlights that he found *himself* in that situation. |
| She taught herself how to play the guitar. | herself | Highlights that she taught *herself*. |
| I promised myself I would finish the book. | myself | Highlights that I promised *myself*. |
| They protected themselves from the harsh weather. | themselves | Highlights that they protected *themselves*. |
| We organized the event all by ourselves. | ourselves | Highlights that we organized the event by *ourselves*. |
| You are only fooling yourself if you believe that. | yourself | Highlights that *you* are fooling yourself. |
| He pushed himself to the limit. | himself | Highlights that he pushed *himself*. |
| She treated herself to a spa day. | herself | Highlights that she treated *herself*. |
| I challenged myself to run a marathon. | myself | Highlights that I challenged *myself*. |
| They prepared themselves for the upcoming storm. | themselves | Highlights that they prepared *themselves*. |
| We consider ourselves fortunate to have such good friends. | ourselves | Highlights that we consider *ourselves* fortunate. |
| You can convince yourself of anything if you try hard enough. | yourself | Highlights that *you* can convince yourself. |
| He surprised himself with his own success. | himself | Highlights that he surprised *himself*. |
| She dedicated herself to helping others. | herself | Highlights that she dedicated *herself*. |
Stylistic Variation
This table shows how intensive pronouns can be placed in different positions within a sentence for stylistic effect.
| Sentence | Intensive Pronoun | Emphasis |
|---|---|---|
| The president himself made the announcement. | himself | Highlights that the *president* made the announcement. |
| The announcement itself was quite surprising. | itself | Highlights that the *announcement* was surprising. |
| We ourselves decided to take the risk. | ourselves | Highlights that *we* decided to take the risk. |
| Decidedly, we ourselves will handle this. | ourselves | Emphasizes *our* commitment to handling the situation. |
| I, myself, am not convinced. | myself | Emphasizes *my* personal lack of conviction. |
| Not convinced, I myself remain skeptical. | myself | Stresses *my* continued skepticism. |
| You, yourself, are the only one who can change things. | yourself | Highlights that *you* are uniquely capable of making a difference. |
| The house itself is very old. | itself | Highlights the age of the *house*. |
| The old house itself is very beautiful. | itself | Highlights the beauty of the *house*. |
| They, themselves, admitted the mistake. | themselves | Highlights that *they* admitted the mistake. |
| Mistakes they themselves made. | themselves | Emphasizes that they were responsible for the *mistakes*. |
| She, herself, is a talented artist. | herself | Highlights that *she* is a talented artist. |
| A talented artist, she herself created the masterpiece. | herself | Emphasizes that *she* created the masterpiece. |
| He, himself, built the entire structure. | himself | Highlights that *he* built the structure. |
| The entire structure he himself built. | himself | Emphasizes that he was responsible for the *structure*. |
| We, ourselves, will take care of everything. | ourselves | Highlights that *we* will take care of everything. |
| Everything, we ourselves will take care of. | ourselves | Emphasizes the extent of *our* responsibility. |
| You, yourselves, are responsible for the outcome. | yourselves | Highlights that *you* are accountable for the result. |
| The outcome, you yourselves are responsible for. | yourselves | Emphasizes that you must bear responsibility for the *outcome*. |
| I, myself, am not sure what to do. | myself | Highlights *my* personal uncertainty. |
| Not sure, I myself am feeling lost. | myself | Emphasizes *my* feeling of being lost. |
| They, themselves, will decide what happens next. | themselves | Highlights that *they* will make the decision. |
| The decision, they themselves will make. | themselves | Emphasizes that they are in charge of making the *decision*. |
| The project itself was a great success. | itself | Highlights the success of the *project*. |
| The great success of the project itself amazed everyone. | itself | Highlights the amazement caused by the *project*. |
Usage Rules
Using intensive pronouns correctly requires understanding a few key rules. These rules ensure that the intensive pronoun agrees with the noun or pronoun it emphasizes and that it is used appropriately within the sentence.
The primary rule is that the intensive pronoun must agree in number and gender with the noun or pronoun it refers to. This means that a singular noun requires a singular intensive pronoun, and a plural noun requires a plural intensive pronoun.
Additionally, the intensive pronoun should be used only when adding emphasis, not as a substitute for a necessary pronoun.
Detailed Agreement Rules
- Number Agreement: Singular nouns or pronouns must be emphasized with singular intensive pronouns (myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself), while plural nouns or pronouns must be emphasized with plural intensive pronouns (ourselves, yourselves, themselves).
- Gender Agreement: Use “himself” for male nouns or pronouns, “herself” for female nouns or pronouns, and “itself” for neuter nouns or pronouns.
- Pronoun Reference: The intensive pronoun must clearly refer back to a specific noun or pronoun in the sentence.
Adhering to these rules is crucial for maintaining grammatical correctness and clarity in your writing. Incorrect pronoun agreement can lead to confusion and weaken the impact of your message.
Exceptions and Special Cases
While the rules for using intensive pronouns are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions and special cases to consider:
- Formal vs. Informal Usage: In very informal speech, some people may use reflexive pronouns in place of intensive pronouns, even when it’s not grammatically correct. However, this should be avoided in formal writing.
- Compound Subjects: When dealing with compound subjects, ensure that the intensive pronoun agrees with the entire subject. For example, “John and I ourselves will handle the project.”
Being aware of these exceptions can help you navigate more complex sentence structures and ensure that you are using intensive pronouns correctly in all situations.
Common Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes is using reflexive pronouns instead of intensive pronouns, or vice versa. Reflexive pronouns are essential to the meaning of the sentence, while intensive pronouns are not.
Another common mistake is using the wrong form of the intensive pronoun, such as using “hisself” or “theirselves,” which are not standard English.
Incorrect vs. Correct Examples
This table provides examples of common mistakes in using intensive pronouns, along with the correct versions.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| I myself will do it myself. | I myself will do it. | Avoid redundant use of intensive and reflexive pronouns. |
| He hisself fixed the car. | He himself fixed the car. | “Hisself” is not a standard English word. |
| They theirselves painted the house. | They themselves painted the house. | “Theirselves” is not a standard English word. |
| We ourselves are going to the store ourselves. | We ourselves are going to the store. | Avoid redundant use of intensive and reflexive pronouns. |
| She herself saw herself in the mirror. | She saw herself in the mirror. | The reflexive pronoun is sufficient; the intensive pronoun is redundant. |
| I will do it myself and I will like it. | I myself will do it and I will like it. | Place the intensive pronoun closer to the pronoun it modifies. |
| You should consider yourself lucky, you yourself. | You yourself should consider yourself lucky. | Avoid unnecessary repetition of the pronoun. |
| He himself can’t believe his luck himself. | He himself can’t believe his luck. | Avoid redundant use of intensive and reflexive pronouns. |
| She herself prepared the meal and enjoyed herself. | She prepared the meal herself and enjoyed herself. | Placing “herself” at the end of the clause can improve flow. |
| They themselves are responsible, not us ourselves. | They themselves are responsible, not us. | Use the personal pronoun “us” after “not” for correct comparison. |
Practice Exercises
These practice exercises will help you solidify your understanding of intensive pronouns. Each exercise consists of multiple questions with answers provided at the end.
Exercise 1: Identifying Intensive Pronouns
Identify the intensive pronoun in each sentence. If the sentence does not contain an intensive pronoun, write “None.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I myself saw the accident. | myself |
| 2. She completed the project herself. | herself |
| 3. The dog wagged its tail. | None |
| 4. We ourselves are responsible for our actions. | ourselves |
| 5. He blamed himself for the mistake. | himself |
| 6. They themselves admitted their fault. | themselves |
| 7. You yourself need to make the decision. | yourself |
| 8. The car started by itself. | itself |
| 9. I made a sandwich. | None |
| 10. She bought herself a new dress. | herself |
Exercise 2: Filling in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct intensive pronoun.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I ______ will take care of the problem. | myself |
| 2. You ______ need to study harder. | yourself |
| 3. He ______ built the entire house. | himself |
| 4. She ______ wrote the novel. | herself |
| 5. The cat ______ opened the door. | itself |
| 6. We ______ organized the event. | ourselves |
| 7. You ______ are responsible for the outcome. | yourselves |
| 8. They ______ completed the project on time. | themselves |
| 9. I ______ baked the cookies. | myself |
| 10. She ______ designed the website. | herself |
Exercise 3: Correcting Mistakes
Correct the sentences that contain mistakes in the use of intensive pronouns.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. He hisself did the work. | He himself did the work. |
| 2. They theirselves made the decision. | They themselves made the decision. |
| 3. I will do it myself and I will enjoy myself. | I myself will do it and I will enjoy it. |
| 4. She herself saw herself in the mirror. | She saw herself in the mirror. |
| 5. We ourselves are going to the park ourselves. | We ourselves are going to the park. |
| 6. You yourself should be proud of you. | You yourself should be proud. |
| 7. I myself and John will handle the situation. | John and I ourselves will handle the situation. |
| 8. He told the story to himself and I. | He told the story himself. |
| 9. The dog ate the food by itself and enjoyed himself. | The dog ate the food by itself. |
| 10. My friend and myself went to the movies. | My friend and I went to the movies. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of intensive pronoun usage can further enhance their writing and speaking skills. This includes exploring the stylistic effects of different placements and the subtle differences between intensive and reflexive pronouns in complex sentences.
Additionally, advanced learners can benefit from studying the historical evolution of intensive pronouns and their usage in different dialects of English. This deeper understanding can provide valuable insights into the richness and complexity of the English language.
Stylistic Effects of Placement
The placement of an intensive pronoun can significantly affect the emphasis and tone of a sentence. Placing the intensive pronoun immediately after the noun or pronoun it modifies creates a direct and forceful emphasis.
Alternatively, placing it elsewhere in the sentence can create a more subtle or nuanced effect.
For example, consider the following sentences:
- Direct Emphasis: I myself completed the project. (Emphasizes that *I* completed the project.)
- Subtle Emphasis: The project, I myself completed. (Still emphasizes *I*, but with a slightly different focus.)
Experimenting with different placements can help you achieve the desired stylistic effect and add depth to your writing.
Intensive vs. Reflexive Pronouns in Complex Sentences
Distinguishing between intensive and reflexive pronouns can be challenging in complex sentences. Remember that reflexive pronouns are essential to the meaning of the sentence, while intensive pronouns are not.
If removing the pronoun changes the basic meaning of the sentence, it is likely a reflexive pronoun.
For example:
- Reflexive: He hurt himself. (The sentence is incomplete without “himself.”)
- Intensive: He himself hurt his reputation. (The sentence still makes sense without “himself.”)
Carefully analyze the function of the pronoun within the sentence to determine whether it is intensive or reflexive.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about intensive pronouns:
- What is the difference between an intensive pronoun and a reflexive pronoun?
An intensive pronoun emphasizes a noun or pronoun and is not essential to the sentence’s meaning. A reflexive pronoun is necessary to the sentence’s meaning and refers back to the subject of the verb.
- Can I use an intensive pronoun at the beginning of a sentence?
While it’s grammatically correct to place an intensive pronoun at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis (e.g., “Myself, I wouldn’t do that”), it is generally less common and can sound awkward. It’s usually better to place it directly after the noun or pronoun it emphasizes.
- Is it ever correct to use “hisself” or “theirselves”?
No, “hisself” and “theirselves” are not standard English words. The correct forms are “himself” and “themselves,” respectively.
- Can an intensive pronoun be used to emphasize a proper noun?
Yes, intensive pronouns can be used to emphasize proper nouns. For example, “President Obama himself signed the bill.”
- What happens if I use the wrong intensive pronoun?
Using the wrong intensive pronoun can lead to grammatical errors and confusion. Ensure that the intensive pronoun agrees in number and gender with the noun or pronoun it emphasizes.
- Are intensive pronouns necessary for good writing?
No, intensive pronouns are not necessary, but they can be useful for adding emphasis and clarity to your writing. Use them judiciously to enhance your message.
- How can I improve my understanding of intensive pronouns?
Practice identifying and using intensive pronouns in various contexts. Pay attention to how they are used in well-written texts and seek feedback on your own
texts.
Conclusion
Intensive pronouns are powerful tools for adding emphasis and clarity to your writing and speech. By understanding their structure, usage rules, and common mistakes, you can effectively use them to enhance your message and ensure your intended meaning is clear.
Whether you are a student, writer, or anyone looking to improve their English grammar skills, mastering intensive pronouns will undoubtedly benefit your communication abilities.
Continue to practice identifying and using intensive pronouns in various contexts. Pay attention to how they are used in well-written texts and seek feedback on your own writing.
With consistent effort, you can master the art of using intensive pronouns and elevate your communication skills to a new level.