Reflexive pronouns are essential for clear and accurate communication in English. They add depth and nuance to our sentences, allowing us to express actions that reflect back upon the subject.
Understanding how to use reflexive pronouns correctly is crucial for both native English speakers and learners alike. This article provides a comprehensive guide to reflexive pronouns, covering their definition, structure, usage rules, common mistakes, and advanced topics.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and practice you need to master this important aspect of English grammar.
Table of Contents
- Definition of Reflexive Pronouns
- Structural Breakdown
- Types of Reflexive Pronouns
- Examples of Reflexive Pronouns
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of Reflexive Pronouns
A reflexive pronoun is a type of pronoun that refers back to the subject of the clause or sentence. It is used when the subject and the object of a verb are the same person or thing.
In simpler terms, it indicates that the action of the verb is reflected back onto the subject. Reflexive pronouns are essential for avoiding ambiguity and ensuring clarity in sentence construction.
Without them, sentences can become confusing or grammatically incorrect. They serve to emphasize that the subject is both performing and receiving the action.
Reflexive pronouns always end in “-self” (for singular pronouns) or “-selves” (for plural pronouns). They are derived from personal pronouns (e.g., I, you, he, she, it, we, they) and are used to show that the action of the verb is directed back to the subject. This is a key characteristic that distinguishes them from other types of pronouns, such as personal pronouns or possessive pronouns. The use of reflexive pronouns is crucial in many common English sentence structures, and mastering their use is essential for fluent and accurate communication.
Classification of Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns are classified as a subcategory of pronouns, specifically belonging to the group of pronouns that indicate a relationship back to the subject. They are closely related to intensive pronouns, which share the same form but have a different function.
While reflexive pronouns are essential to the meaning of a sentence, intensive pronouns are used for emphasis and can be removed without changing the core meaning.
Function of Reflexive Pronouns
The primary function of a reflexive pronoun is to indicate that the subject of a verb is also the direct or indirect object of that verb. This means that the person or thing performing the action is also receiving the action. Reflexive pronouns are crucial for conveying actions that are performed on oneself, such as “He hurt himself” or “She taught herself to play the piano.” Without the reflexive pronoun, the sentence would either be incomplete or have a different meaning.
Another function of reflexive pronouns is to emphasize the subject of a sentence. In this case, the reflexive pronoun is used to add emphasis and highlight the role of the subject in performing the action. For example, “I did it myself” emphasizes that the speaker completed the task without any help. This usage is closely related to intensive pronouns, but the key difference is that the reflexive pronoun is still essential to the grammatical structure of the sentence.
Contexts for Using Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns are used in a variety of contexts, including:
- When the subject and object of a verb are the same.
- After certain verbs that commonly take reflexive pronouns, such as enjoy, hurt, blame, help, and pride.
- To emphasize the subject of a sentence.
- In certain idiomatic expressions.
Understanding these contexts is crucial for using reflexive pronouns correctly. Recognizing when a reflexive pronoun is needed and when it is not can help avoid grammatical errors and ensure clear communication. For instance, consider the difference between “He blamed him” (where “him” refers to someone else) and “He blamed himself” (where “himself” refers back to the subject, “he”).
Structural Breakdown
Reflexive pronouns are formed by adding “-self” or “-selves” to certain personal pronouns. The singular reflexive pronouns end in “-self,” while the plural reflexive pronouns end in “-selves.” The specific form of the reflexive pronoun depends on the corresponding personal pronoun.
The structure of a sentence with a reflexive pronoun typically follows the pattern: Subject + Verb + Reflexive Pronoun. For example, in the sentence “She bought herself a new dress,” “She” is the subject, “bought” is the verb, and “herself” is the reflexive pronoun. The reflexive pronoun “herself” indicates that the dress was bought for the subject, “she.”
Common Patterns with Reflexive Pronouns
There are several common patterns in which reflexive pronouns are used:
- Verb + Reflexive Pronoun: Many verbs are commonly used with reflexive pronouns, such as enjoy oneself, hurt oneself, and blame oneself.
- Preposition + Reflexive Pronoun: Reflexive pronouns can also be used after prepositions, such as by myself, for himself, and to themselves.
- Emphasis: Reflexive pronouns can be used to emphasize the subject of a sentence, often placed at the end of the sentence or immediately after the subject.
Rules for Forming Reflexive Pronouns
The rules for forming reflexive pronouns are straightforward:
- For singular personal pronouns (I, you, he, she, it), add “-self” to the possessive adjective form of the pronoun (my, your, his, her, its).
- For plural personal pronouns (we, you, they), add “-selves” to the possessive adjective form of the pronoun (our, your, their). Note that “yourself” becomes “yourselves” when referring to more than one person.
Understanding these rules is crucial for forming reflexive pronouns correctly. Incorrectly formed reflexive pronouns can lead to grammatical errors and confusion.
Types of Reflexive Pronouns
There are eight reflexive pronouns in English, each corresponding to a personal pronoun. They are:
- Myself
- Yourself
- Himself
- Herself
- Itself
- Ourselves
- Yourselves
- Themselves
Each of these pronouns has a specific use and is used to refer back to a particular subject. Understanding the different types of reflexive pronouns and their corresponding personal pronouns is essential for using them correctly.
Myself
“Myself” is the reflexive form of the personal pronoun “I.” It is used when the subject and object of the verb are both the speaker.
Example: I bought myself a new book.
Yourself
“Yourself” is the reflexive form of the singular personal pronoun “you.” It is used when the subject and object of the verb are both the person being addressed.
Example: You should be proud of yourself.
Himself
“Himself” is the reflexive form of the personal pronoun “he.” It is used when the subject and object of the verb are both a male person.
Example: He hurt himself while playing soccer.
Herself
“Herself” is the reflexive form of the personal pronoun “she.” It is used when the subject and object of the verb are both a female person.
Example: She cooked dinner for herself.
Itself
“Itself” is the reflexive form of the personal pronoun “it.” It is used when the subject and object of the verb are both a non-human entity or an animal.
Example: The cat cleaned itself.
Ourselves
“Ourselves” is the reflexive form of the personal pronoun “we.” It is used when the subject and object of the verb are both the speaker and at least one other person.
Example: We made the decorations ourselves.
Yourselves
“Yourselves” is the reflexive form of the plural personal pronoun “you.” It is used when the subject and object of the verb are both the people being addressed (more than one person).
Example: You all should be proud of yourselves.
Themselves
“Themselves” is the reflexive form of the personal pronoun “they.” It is used when the subject and object of the verb are both a group of people or things.
Example: They built the house themselves.
Examples of Reflexive Pronouns
The following tables provide numerous examples of reflexive pronouns in different contexts. These examples are organized by the type of reflexive pronoun and the specific usage.
The following table provides examples of the reflexive pronoun “myself” in different contexts. Each example illustrates how “myself” is used when the subject and object of the verb are both the speaker.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| I taught myself to play the guitar. | The speaker is both the one teaching and the one learning. |
| I bought myself a new car. | The speaker bought the car for the speaker. |
| I introduced myself to the new neighbors. | The speaker introduced the speaker to the neighbors. |
| I blamed myself for the mistake. | The speaker is blaming the speaker for the mistake. |
| I enjoyed myself at the party. | The speaker enjoyed the party. |
| I prepared myself for the interview. | The speaker prepared the speaker for the interview. |
| I asked myself a question. | The speaker asked a question to the speaker. |
| I consider myself lucky. | The speaker considers the speaker lucky. |
| I defended myself in court. | The speaker defended the speaker in court. |
| I expressed myself through painting. | The speaker expresses the speaker through painting. |
| I found myself in a difficult situation. | The speaker found the speaker in a difficult situation. |
| I gave myself a break. | The speaker gave a break to the speaker. |
| I made myself a cup of tea. | The speaker made a cup of tea for the speaker. |
| I promised myself I would exercise more. | The speaker promised the speaker to exercise more. |
| I reminded myself to buy milk. | The speaker reminded the speaker to buy milk. |
| I satisfied myself with a small snack. | The speaker satisfied the speaker with a small snack. |
| I surprised myself with my cooking skills. | The speaker surprised the speaker with the speaker’s cooking skills. |
| I treated myself to a spa day. | The speaker treated the speaker to a spa day. |
| I underestimated myself. | The speaker underestimated the speaker. |
| I told myself to stay calm. | The speaker told the speaker to stay calm. |
The following table provides examples of the reflexive pronoun “yourself” in different contexts. Each example illustrates how “yourself” is used when the subject and object of the verb are both the person being addressed.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| You should be proud of yourself. | The person being addressed should be proud of the person being addressed. |
| You can do it yourself. | The person being addressed can do it without help. |
| You need to believe in yourself. | The person being addressed needs to believe in the person being addressed. |
| You hurt yourself. | The person being addressed hurt the person being addressed. |
| You are deceiving yourself if you think that. | The person being addressed is deceiving the person being addressed. |
| You have to ask yourself what you really want. | The person being addressed has to ask the person being addressed what the person being addressed really wants. |
| You should blame yourself for this. | The person being addressed should blame the person being addressed for this. |
| You can help yourself to the buffet. | The person being addressed can take food from the buffet. |
| You must control yourself. | The person being addressed must control the person being addressed. |
| You are exhausting yourself by working too hard. | The person being addressed is exhausting the person being addressed by working too hard. |
| You can express yourself through art. | The person being addressed can express the person being addressed through art. |
| You can find yourself in nature. | The person being addressed can find the person being addressed in nature. |
| You must forgive yourself for your mistakes. | The person being addressed must forgive the person being addressed for the person being addressed’s mistakes. |
| You can introduce yourself to the group. | The person being addressed can introduce the person being addressed to the group. |
| You are limiting yourself with your fears. | The person being addressed is limiting the person being addressed with the person being addressed’s fears. |
| You are preparing yourself for success. | The person being addressed is preparing the person being addressed for success. |
| You are pushing yourself too hard. | The person being addressed is pushing the person being addressed too hard. |
| You are reminding yourself of your goals. | The person being addressed is reminding the person being addressed of the person being addressed’s goals. |
| You are satisfying yourself with mediocrity. | The person being addressed is satisfying the person being addressed with mediocrity. |
| You are teaching yourself new skills. | The person being addressed is teaching the person being addressed new skills. |
The following table provides examples of the reflexive pronoun “himself” in different contexts. Each example illustrates how “himself” is used when the subject and object of the verb are both a male person.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| He hurt himself while playing soccer. | The male person hurt the male person while playing soccer. |
| He blamed himself for the accident. | The male person blamed the male person for the accident. |
| He bought himself a new car. | The male person bought a new car for the male person. |
| He introduced himself to the guest. | The male person introduced the male person to the guest. |
| He enjoyed himself at the party. | The male person enjoyed the party. |
| He prepared himself for the race. | The male person prepared the male person for the race. |
| He asked himself if he was making the right decision. | The male person asked the male person if the male person was making the right decision. |
| He considers himself fortunate. | The male person considers the male person fortunate. |
| He defended himself against the allegations. | The male person defended the male person against the allegations. |
| He expressed himself through his artwork. | The male person expressed the male person through his artwork. |
| He found himself lost in the woods. | The male person found the male person lost in the woods. |
| He gave himself a pat on the back. | The male person gave the male person a pat on the back. |
| He made himself a sandwich. | The male person made a sandwich for the male person. |
| He promised himself he would quit smoking. | The male person promised the male person he would quit smoking. |
| He reminded himself to take out the trash. | The male person reminded the male person to take out the trash. |
| He satisfied himself with a small meal. | The male person satisfied the male person with a small meal. |
| He surprised himself with his own strength. | The male person surprised the male person with his own strength. |
| He treated himself to a new video game. | The male person treated the male person to a new video game. |
| He underestimated himself. | The male person underestimated the male person. |
| He told himself to stay calm. | The male person told the male person to stay calm. |
The following table contains examples of the reflexive pronouns “herself,” “itself,” “ourselves,” “yourselves,” and “themselves” used in sentences.
| Reflexive Pronoun | Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Herself | She taught herself to play the piano. | The female person taught the female person to play the piano. |
| Itself | The dog scratched itself. | The dog scratched the dog. |
| Ourselves | We built the house ourselves. | We built the house without any help. |
| Yourselves | You should all be proud of yourselves. | All of you should be proud of all of you. |
| Themselves | They organized the event themselves. | They organized the event without any help. |
| Herself | She bought herself a new dress. | The female person bought a new dress for the female person. |
| Itself | The company rebranded itself. | The company rebranded the company. |
| Ourselves | We consider ourselves lucky. | We consider us lucky. |
| Yourselves | You are deceiving yourselves if you think that. | All of you are deceiving all of you if you think that. |
| Themselves | They are exhausting themselves by working too hard. | They are exhausting them by working too hard. |
| Herself | She expressed herself through her writing. | The female person expressed the female person through her writing. |
| Itself | The machine repaired itself. | The machine repaired the machine. |
| Ourselves | We found ourselves in a difficult situation. | We found us in a difficult situation. |
| Yourselves | You are limiting yourselves with your fears. | All of you are limiting all of you with your fears. |
| Themselves | They are satisfying themselves with mediocrity. | They are satisfying them with mediocrity. |
| Herself | She reminded herself to call her mother. | The female person reminded the female person to call her mother. |
| Itself | The city prides itself on its history. | The city prides the city on its history. |
| Ourselves | We promised ourselves we would travel more. | We promised us we would travel more. |
| Yourselves | You must forgive yourselves for your mistakes. | All of you must forgive all of you for all of you’s mistakes. |
| Themselves | They introduced themselves to the new neighbors. | They introduced them to the new neighbors. |
Usage Rules
There are several important rules to follow when using reflexive pronouns:
- The subject and object must be the same: The reflexive pronoun must refer back to the subject of the clause.
- Use after certain verbs: Some verbs commonly take reflexive pronouns, such as enjoy, hurt, blame, help, and pride.
- Use after prepositions: Reflexive pronouns can be used after prepositions when the object of the preposition is the same as the subject of the clause.
- Avoid unnecessary use: Do not use reflexive pronouns when a personal pronoun would be more appropriate.
Adhering to these rules will ensure that you use reflexive pronouns correctly and avoid common grammatical errors.
Exceptions and Special Cases
There are a few exceptions and special cases to be aware of when using reflexive pronouns:
- “By oneself”: This phrase means “alone” or “without help.” For example, “She completed the project by herself.”
- Intensive Pronouns: Reflexive pronouns can also be used as intensive pronouns to emphasize the subject of a sentence. In this case, the pronoun is not essential to the meaning of the sentence and can be removed without changing the core meaning. For example, “I myself saw the accident.”
Common Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes is using a reflexive pronoun when a personal pronoun is needed. For example, saying “John and myself went to the store” is incorrect; the correct sentence is “John and I went to the store.” Another common mistake is using the wrong form of the reflexive pronoun.
For example, saying “He hurt hisself” is incorrect; the correct sentence is “He hurt himself.”
The following table illustrates some common mistakes with reflexive pronouns and provides the correct alternatives.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| John and myself went to the store. | John and I went to the store. | A personal pronoun (“I”) is needed, not a reflexive pronoun. |
| He hurt hisself. | He hurt himself. | “Hisself” is not a correct form of the reflexive pronoun. |
| She gave the book to myself. | She gave the book to me. | A personal pronoun (“me”) is needed after the preposition “to.” |
| We saw us in the mirror. | We saw ourselves in the mirror. | The subject and object are the same, so a reflexive pronoun is needed. |
| They helped theirselves to the food. | They helped themselves to the food. | “Theirselves” is not a correct form of the reflexive pronoun. |
| Myself will do it. | I will do it. | A personal pronoun (“I”) is needed as the subject of the sentence. |
| The gift is for yourself and I. | The gift is for you and me. | Personal pronouns are needed after the preposition “for”. |
| He sent a picture to herself. | He sent a picture to her. | Since he sent the picture to someone other than himself, a personal pronoun is needed. |
Practice Exercises
Complete the following sentences with the correct reflexive pronoun.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I made this cake __________. | myself |
| 2. You need to believe in __________. | yourself |
| 3. He hurt __________ while playing football. | himself |
| 4. She bought __________ a new dress. | herself |
| 5. The cat cleaned __________. | itself |
| 6. We enjoyed __________ at the party. | ourselves |
| 7. You all should be proud of __________. | yourselves |
| 8. They built the house __________. | themselves |
| 9. I told __________ not to worry. | myself |
| 10. She reminded __________ to buy milk. | herself |
Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes
Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences.
- John and myself went to the movies.
- He hurt hisself.
- She gave the book to myself.
- We saw us in the mirror.
- They helped theirselves to the food.
- I consider myself the best.
- The gift is for yourself and I.
- He sent a picture to herself.
- The dog licked it’s paw.
- We are going to the store by ourself.
Answers to Exercise 2:
- John and I went to the movies.
- He hurt himself.
- She gave the book to me.
- We saw ourselves in the mirror.
- They helped themselves to the food.
- I consider myself to be the best.
- The gift is for you and me.
- He sent a picture to her.
- The dog licked its paw.
- We are going to the store by ourselves.
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, it’s important to understand the nuances of reflexive pronoun usage in more complex sentence structures and idiomatic expressions. Additionally, being able to distinguish between reflexive and intensive pronouns in all contexts is essential.
Reflexive vs. Intensive Pronouns: While reflexive pronouns are essential to the meaning of a sentence, intensive pronouns are used for emphasis and can be removed without changing the core meaning. For example, in the sentence “I myself saw the accident,” “myself” is an intensive pronoun and can be removed without affecting the meaning of the sentence. However, in the sentence “I hurt myself,” “myself” is a reflexive pronoun and is essential to the meaning of the sentence.
Reflexive Pronouns in Subordinate Clauses: Reflexive pronouns can also be used in subordinate clauses, but the same rules apply. The reflexive pronoun must refer back to the subject of the clause. For example, “He said that he hurt himself.”
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about reflexive pronouns:
- What is the difference between a reflexive pronoun and a personal pronoun?
A reflexive pronoun refers back to the subject of the clause, while a personal pronoun refers to a specific person or thing. Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and object of a verb are the same, while personal pronouns are used when they are different. - When should I use a reflexive pronoun?
Use a reflexive pronoun when the subject and object of a verb are the same, after certain verbs that commonly take reflexive pronouns, after prepositions when the object of the preposition is the same as the subject of the clause, and to emphasize the subject of a sentence. - What are the common mistakes to avoid when using reflexive pronouns?
Avoid using a reflexive pronoun when a personal pronoun is needed, using the wrong form of the reflexive pronoun, and using a reflexive pronoun unnecessarily. - Can a reflexive pronoun be the subject of a sentence?
No, a reflexive pronoun cannot be the subject of a sentence. The subject must be a personal pronoun or a noun. - What is an intensive pronoun, and how is it different from a reflexive pronoun?
An intensive pronoun is used to emphasize the subject of a sentence, while a reflexive pronoun is essential to the meaning of the sentence. Intensive pronouns can be removed without changing the core meaning of the sentence, while reflexive pronouns cannot. - Can I use a reflexive pronoun after every preposition?
No, you should only use a reflexive pronoun after a preposition when the object of the preposition is the same as the subject of the clause. For example, “He bought the gift for himself,” but “He bought the gift for her.” - How do I know which reflexive pronoun to use?
The reflexive pronoun must agree with the subject of the clause. If the subject is “I,” use “myself.” If the subject is “you,” use “yourself” or “yourselves.” If the subject is “he,” use “himself,” and so on. - Is it correct to say “myself and John went to the store”?
No, it is incorrect. The correct sentence is “John and I went to the store.” You should use the personal pronoun “I” instead of the reflexive pronoun “myself” as the subject of the sentence.
Conclusion
Mastering reflexive pronouns is essential for clear and accurate communication in English. By understanding their definition, structure, usage rules, and common mistakes, you can greatly improve your grammar skills and avoid common errors.
Remember to always ensure that the reflexive pronoun refers back to the subject of the clause and to avoid unnecessary use of reflexive pronouns when a personal pronoun would be more appropriate. With practice and attention to detail, you can confidently use reflexive pronouns in your writing and speaking.
Continue to practice using reflexive pronouns in different contexts to solidify your understanding. Pay attention to how native English speakers use reflexive pronouns and try to incorporate them into your own communication.
With consistent effort, you will master this important aspect of English grammar and enhance your overall language proficiency. Remember that reflexive pronouns are powerful tools for conveying actions that reflect back upon the subject, adding depth and nuance to your sentences.