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Reflexive pronouns are words that we use when the person or thing doing the action is also the one receiving the action. Reflexive pronouns help us talk about actions that we do to ourselves, like cutting our hair or buying ourselves a gift. They are easy to use and make our language clearer and more interesting!
How to Identify Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns always end in “-self” (singular) or “-selves” (plural). They refer back to the subject of the sentence.
- Myself:
I cut myself while chopping vegetables.
- Yourself:
Did you enjoy yourself at the party?
- Himself:
He fixed the car himself.
- Herself:
She looked at herself in the mirror.
- Themselves:
They prepared the meal themselves.
How to Use Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns are used in the following situations:
When the subject and object are the same:
- He introduced himself to the guests.
For emphasis (with “by” + reflexive pronoun):
- She finished the project by herself.
To show that someone did something alone:
- I cleaned the house by myself.
Reflexive Pronouns vs. Other Pronouns
Unlike object pronouns (like “me,” “him,” or “her”), reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and object are the same person.
- Object pronoun: She saw him.
In this example, “him” is the object pronoun referring to a different person. The action of seeing is directed toward someone else, not herself. The subject “she” and the object “him” are different individuals.
- Reflexive pronoun: She saw herself in the mirror.
Here, “herself” is the reflexive pronoun that refers back to the subject “she.” The action of seeing is directed back to herself, indicating that she is looking at her own reflection in the mirror. This sentence shows that the subject and the object of the action are the same person.
- Object pronoun: They invited us to the party.
(Here, “us” refers to a different group of people.
- Reflexive pronoun: They enjoyed themselves at the party.
(They had fun without needing anyone else to help.)
- Object pronoun: He completed the project for them.
Here, “them” refers to a different group of people. The action of completing the project is done for others, not by himself.
Reflexive pronoun highlights his independence in completing the task.
Example Sentences
- He taught himself to play the piano.
- We enjoyed ourselves at the party.
- The cat cleaned itself.
- They built the treehouse by themselves.
- I made breakfast by myself this morning.
- She reminded herself to double-check her work.
- He found himself lost in a new city.
- We treated ourselves to a nice dinner after a long week.
- They challenged themselves to run a marathon.
- You can trust yourself to make the right decision.
Rules for Using Reflexive Pronouns
Use reflexive pronouns when the subject and object are the same.
- She prepared herself for the exam.
- They enjoyed themselves at the picnic.
Use reflexive pronouns after prepositions for emphasis.
- He did it by himself.
- She solved the problem by herself.
Use reflexive pronouns to show that someone did something alone.
- I built the treehouse myself.
- We painted the entire house ourselves.
Avoid using reflexive pronouns for regular actions.
- Incorrect: I brushed myself.
- Correct: I brushed my teeth.
Use reflexive pronouns for emphasis to reinforce the subject’s actions.
- She herself baked the cake.
- He himself led the team to victory.
Do not use reflexive pronouns when not needed.
- Incorrect: He gave the book to myself.
- Correct: He gave the book to me.
Common Mistakes
Using a reflexive pronoun when it’s not needed:
- Incorrect : He gave the book to myself.
- Correct : He gave the book to me.
Using a regular pronoun instead of reflexive when needed:
- Incorrect: I hurt me.
- Correct : I hurt myself.
Overusing “by” + reflexive pronoun when it’s unnecessary:
- Incorrect : I cooked dinner by myself for no reason.
- Correct : I cooked dinner.
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