Reflexive pronouns are an essential part of English grammar, enabling us to understand how actions relate back to the subject performing them. A solid grasp of reflexive pronouns is crucial for clear and accurate communication, ensuring that your sentences are grammatically sound and convey your intended meaning.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to reflexive pronouns, covering their definition, structure, types, correct usage, common mistakes, and practice exercises. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will help you master the intricacies of reflexive pronouns and improve your overall English proficiency.
By understanding reflexive pronouns, you’ll be able to construct more precise and sophisticated sentences, enhancing both your written and spoken English. This knowledge is particularly beneficial for students, writers, and anyone looking to improve their command of the English language.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
- Definition of Reflexive Pronouns
- Structural Breakdown
- Types of Reflexive Pronouns
- Examples of Reflexive Pronouns
- Usage Rules of Reflexive Pronouns
- Common Mistakes with Reflexive Pronouns
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition of Reflexive Pronouns
A reflexive pronoun is a type of pronoun that refers back to the subject of a sentence or clause. In simpler terms, it indicates that the person or thing performing the action is also the recipient of that action.
Reflexive pronouns are essential for clarity and grammatical accuracy, preventing confusion about who or what is being acted upon.
Reflexive pronouns end in “-self” (singular) or “-selves” (plural). They are used when the subject and the object of a verb are the same.
For example, in the sentence “I hurt myself,” the subject “I” is also the object of the verb “hurt.” Without the reflexive pronoun “myself,” the sentence would be incomplete or require a different structure.
These pronouns are not merely decorative; they are grammatically necessary in certain sentence structures. They clarify that the action of the verb is directed back to the subject, preventing ambiguity and ensuring proper sentence construction.
Reflexive pronouns play a key role in maintaining the logical flow and coherence of sentences.
Classification of Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns are classified based on the corresponding personal pronouns. Each personal pronoun has a corresponding reflexive pronoun.
The following table illustrates the relationship:
| Personal Pronoun | Reflexive Pronoun |
|---|---|
| I | Myself |
| You (singular) | Yourself |
| He | Himself |
| She | Herself |
| It | Itself |
| We | Ourselves |
| You (plural) | Yourselves |
| They | Themselves |
Understanding this correspondence is crucial for using reflexive pronouns correctly. The reflexive pronoun must always match the subject in number and person.
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 the verb. This ensures that the sentence is grammatically complete and logically sound.
Consider the following examples:
- She blamed herself for the mistake.
- We treated ourselves to a nice dinner.
- He bought himself a new car.
In each of these sentences, the reflexive pronoun clarifies that the action is directed back to the subject. Without the reflexive pronoun, the sentences would either be grammatically incorrect or require a different structure to convey the same meaning.
Contexts for Using Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns are used in various contexts, including:
- When the subject and object of a verb are the same.
- After certain verbs to emphasize the subject.
- In some idiomatic expressions.
Understanding these contexts helps ensure that reflexive pronouns are used appropriately and effectively. The following sections will delve deeper into these specific usage rules.
Structural Breakdown
The structure of sentences with reflexive pronouns is generally straightforward. The reflexive pronoun typically follows the verb and functions as either the direct object, indirect object, or object of a preposition.
The basic sentence structure is as follows: Subject + Verb + Reflexive Pronoun
For example:
- I (subject) + saw (verb) + myself (reflexive pronoun) in the mirror.
- She (subject) + taught (verb) + herself (reflexive pronoun) to play the guitar.
In some cases, the reflexive pronoun may be part of a prepositional phrase. The structure then becomes: Subject + Verb + Preposition + Reflexive Pronoun
For example:
- He was talking to himself.
- They kept the secret to themselves.
The position of the reflexive pronoun in the sentence can sometimes affect the emphasis. Placing it at the end of the sentence can add more emphasis to the subject’s action.
Common Sentence Patterns
Here are some common sentence patterns involving reflexive pronouns:
- Subject + Verb + Reflexive Pronoun: This is the most common pattern.
- Example: She hurt herself.
- Subject + Verb + Preposition + Reflexive Pronoun: This pattern involves a prepositional phrase.
- Example: He was angry with himself.
- Imperative sentences: Reflexive pronouns can be used in imperative sentences to emphasize that someone should do something for themselves.
- Example: Help yourself to the food.
Recognizing these patterns can help you construct grammatically correct sentences using reflexive pronouns.
Key Grammatical Rules
Several grammatical rules govern the use of reflexive pronouns:
- Agreement: The reflexive pronoun must agree in number and gender with the subject.
- Correct: I hurt myself.
- Incorrect: I hurt herself.
- Necessity: Reflexive pronouns are necessary when the subject and object are the same.
- Correct: He blamed himself.
- Incorrect: He blamed. (Incomplete)
- Avoidance of Redundancy: Do not use reflexive pronouns unnecessarily.
- Incorrect: John and myself went to the store.
- Correct: John and I went to the store.
Adhering to these rules ensures that your use of reflexive pronouns is grammatically accurate and clear.
Types of Reflexive Pronouns
There are no distinct “types” of reflexive pronouns in the sense of different grammatical categories. However, it’s useful to understand how each reflexive pronoun corresponds to its personal pronoun and how they are used in different sentence structures.
Singular Reflexive Pronouns
Singular reflexive pronouns refer to a single person or thing. These include:
- Myself
- Yourself
- Himself
- Herself
- Itself
Each of these is used when the subject of the verb is singular. For instance, “I cut myself while cooking” or “She prides herself on her accomplishments.”
Plural Reflexive Pronouns
Plural reflexive pronouns refer to more than one person or thing. These include:
- Ourselves
- Yourselves
- Themselves
These are used when the subject of the verb is plural. For example, “We convinced ourselves that we were right” or “They organized the party themselves.”
Intensive Pronouns (Emphasis)
While technically the same form as reflexive pronouns, these are used for emphasis and are not essential to the sentence’s meaning. They can be removed without affecting the sentence’s grammatical correctness.
They are also called emphatic pronouns.
For example:
- I myself saw the incident. (Emphasis on “I”)
- The president himself attended the meeting. (Emphasis on “president”)
In these cases, “myself” and “himself” are used to emphasize the subject, rather than to indicate that the subject is also the object of the verb.
Examples of Reflexive Pronouns
This section provides extensive examples of reflexive pronouns in various contexts. These examples are categorized to illustrate the different ways reflexive pronouns can be used in sentences.
Reflexive Pronouns as Direct Objects
In these examples, the reflexive pronoun functions as the direct object of the verb, indicating that the action of the verb is directed back to the subject.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| I taught myself to play the piano. | “Myself” is the direct object of “taught.” |
| You should treat yourself to something nice. | “Yourself” is the direct object of “treat.” |
| He blamed himself for the accident. | “Himself” is the direct object of “blamed.” |
| She allowed herself a moment of peace. | “Herself” is the direct object of “allowed.” |
| The cat cleaned itself meticulously. | “Itself” is the direct object of “cleaned.” |
| We consider ourselves lucky to be alive. | “Ourselves” is the direct object of “consider.” |
| You must conduct yourselves with respect. | “Yourselves” is the direct object of “conduct.” |
| They organized the event themselves. | “Themselves” is the direct object of “organized.” |
| I found myself in a difficult situation. | “Myself” is the direct object of “found.” |
| You can express yourself through art. | “Yourself” is the direct object of “express.” |
| He prepared himself for the challenge ahead. | “Himself” is the direct object of “prepared.” |
| She convinced herself that everything would be alright. | “Herself” is the direct object of “convinced.” |
| The computer repaired itself after the update. | “Itself” is the direct object of “repaired.” |
| We deceived ourselves into thinking it was easy. | “Ourselves” is the direct object of “deceived.” |
| You should ask yourselves if you are ready. | “Yourselves” is the direct object of “ask.” |
| They exhausted themselves with the long hike. | “Themselves” is the direct object of “exhausted.” |
| I amused myself by reading a book. | “Myself” is the direct object of “amused.” |
| You can prove yourself by completing the task. | “Yourself” is the direct object of “prove.” |
| He introduced himself to the new neighbors. | “Himself” is the direct object of “introduced.” |
| She surprised herself with her own strength. | “Herself” is the direct object of “surprised.” |
These examples demonstrate how reflexive pronouns are used as direct objects to show that the action is directed back to the subject.
Reflexive Pronouns as Objects of Prepositions
In these examples, the reflexive pronoun functions as the object of a preposition, indicating the relationship between the preposition and the subject.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| I was talking to myself. | “Myself” is the object of the preposition “to.” |
| You should be proud of yourself. | “Yourself” is the object of the preposition “of.” |
| He kept the secret to himself. | “Himself” is the object of the preposition “to.” |
| She bought the gift for herself. | “Herself” is the object of the preposition “for.” |
| The dog was playing by itself. | “Itself” is the object of the preposition “by.” |
| We did the project by ourselves. | “Ourselves” is the object of the preposition “by.” |
| You should rely on yourselves for support. | “Yourselves” is the object of the preposition “on.” |
| They were laughing at themselves. | “Themselves” is the object of the preposition “at.” |
| I have confidence in myself. | “Myself” is the object of the preposition “in.” |
| You need to believe in yourself. | “Yourself” is the object of the preposition “in.” |
| He blamed the situation on himself. | “Himself” is the object of the preposition “on.” |
| She kept the information to herself. | “Herself” is the object of the preposition “to.” |
| The machine operates by itself. | “Itself” is the object of the preposition “by.” |
| We agreed among ourselves to keep it secret. | “Ourselves” is the object of the preposition “among.” |
| You should be honest with yourselves. | “Yourselves” is the object of the preposition “with.” |
| They divided the tasks among themselves. | “Themselves” is the object of the preposition “among.” |
| I was thinking about myself. | “Myself” is the object of the preposition “about.” |
| You need to be true to yourself. | “Yourself” is the object of the preposition “to.” |
| He was beside himself with anger. | “Himself” is the object of the preposition “beside.” |
| She did the project by herself. | “Herself” is the object of the preposition “by.” |
These examples demonstrate how reflexive pronouns are used as objects of prepositions, providing additional context and clarity to the sentence.
Reflexive Pronouns for Emphasis (Intensive Pronouns)
In these examples, the reflexive pronoun is used for emphasis, highlighting the subject of the sentence. The sentence remains grammatically correct even if the reflexive pronoun is removed.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| I myself saw the accident. | “Myself” emphasizes that “I” saw the accident. |
| You yourself are responsible for your actions. | “Yourself” emphasizes that “you” are responsible. |
| He himself built the entire house. | “Himself” emphasizes that “he” built the house. |
| She herself wrote the book. | “Herself” emphasizes that “she” wrote the book. |
| The program itself caused the problem. | “Itself” emphasizes that the “program” caused the problem. |
| We ourselves witnessed the event. | “Ourselves” emphasizes that “we” witnessed the event. |
| You yourselves must decide what to do. | “Yourselves” emphasizes that “you” must decide. |
| They themselves admitted their mistake. | “Themselves” emphasizes that “they” admitted the mistake. |
| I myself will take care of it. | “Myself” emphasizes that “I” will take care of it. |
| You yourself need to make the changes. | “Yourself” emphasizes that “you” need to make the changes. |
| He himself admitted to the crime. | “Himself” emphasizes that “he” admitted to the crime. |
| She herself organized the entire event. | “Herself” emphasizes that “she” organized the entire event. |
| The door itself closed automatically. | “Itself” emphasizes that the “door” closed automatically. |
| We ourselves experienced the difficulties. | “Ourselves” emphasizes that “we” experienced the difficulties. |
| You yourselves are in charge of the project. | “Yourselves” emphasizes that “you” are in charge. |
| They themselves completed the task. | “Themselves” emphasizes that “they” completed the task. |
| I myself am surprised by the results. | “Myself” emphasizes that “I” am surprised. |
| You yourself have to take responsibility. | “Yourself” emphasizes that “you” have to take responsibility. |
| He himself is the author of the book. | “Himself” emphasizes that “he” is the author. |
| She herself confirmed the information. | “Herself” emphasizes that “she” confirmed the information. |
These examples illustrate how reflexive pronouns can be used to add emphasis to the subject of a sentence, making the statement more impactful.
Usage Rules of Reflexive Pronouns
Understanding the usage rules of reflexive pronouns is crucial for avoiding grammatical errors and ensuring clear communication. This section covers the key rules governing their use, including agreement, necessity, and exceptions.
Agreement with the Subject
The most fundamental rule is that a reflexive pronoun must agree in number and gender with the subject of the sentence. This means that a singular subject requires a singular reflexive pronoun, and a plural subject requires a plural reflexive pronoun.
Examples:
- Correct: I hurt myself.
- Incorrect: I hurt himself.
- Correct: They hurt themselves.
- Incorrect: They hurt himself.
Ensure that the reflexive pronoun matches the subject in all cases to maintain grammatical accuracy.
Necessity of Reflexive Pronouns
A reflexive pronoun is necessary when the subject and the object of a verb are the same. Without the reflexive pronoun, the sentence would be incomplete or grammatically incorrect.
Examples:
- Correct: He blamed himself for the mistake.
- Incorrect: He blamed for the mistake.
- Correct: We consider ourselves fortunate.
- Incorrect: We consider fortunate.
In these cases, the reflexive pronoun is essential for indicating that the action is directed back to the subject.
Exceptions and Special Cases
There are some exceptions and special cases to consider when using reflexive pronouns:
- Verbs of grooming: With verbs like wash, shave, and dress, the reflexive pronoun can sometimes be omitted if the meaning is clear.
- Example: I wash every morning. (Implies I wash myself)
- Example: He shaves every day. (Implies he shaves himself)
- Idiomatic Expressions: Some idiomatic expressions use reflexive pronouns in specific ways.
- Example: Help yourself. (Meaning: serve yourself)
- Emphasis: As discussed earlier, reflexive pronouns can be used for emphasis, even if they are not strictly necessary for grammatical correctness.
Be aware of these exceptions and special cases to use reflexive pronouns appropriately in various contexts.
Common Mistakes with Reflexive Pronouns
Even experienced English speakers sometimes make mistakes with reflexive pronouns. Understanding these common errors can help you avoid them in your own writing and speaking.
Unnecessary Reflexive Pronouns
One of the most common mistakes is using a reflexive pronoun when it is not needed. This often occurs when the subject and object are different.
Examples:
- Incorrect: John and myself went to the store.
- Correct: John and I went to the store.
- Incorrect: The manager spoke to myself.
- Correct: The manager spoke to me.
In these cases, the reflexive pronoun is redundant and should be replaced with a personal pronoun.
Incorrect Agreement
Another common mistake is using a reflexive pronoun that does not agree with the subject in number or gender.
Examples:
- Incorrect: I blamed himself for the mistake.
- Correct: I blamed myself for the mistake.
- Incorrect: They blamed himself for the mistake.
- Correct: They blamed themselves for the mistake.
Always ensure that the reflexive pronoun matches the subject in number and gender.
Confusion with Possessive Pronouns
Sometimes, learners confuse reflexive pronouns with possessive adjectives or pronouns.
Examples:
- Incorrect: She hurt her. (Ambiguous – Could be another person)
- Correct: She hurt herself. (Clear – She hurt herself)
- Incorrect: He did it for hisself.
- Correct: He did it for himself.
Make sure to use the correct form to avoid confusion about who or what is being acted upon.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of reflexive pronouns with these practice exercises. Each exercise includes multiple questions to help you reinforce your knowledge.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct reflexive pronoun.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| I bought __________ a new book. | myself |
| You need to believe in __________. | yourself |
| He hurt __________ while playing football. | himself |
| She taught __________ how to knit. | herself |
| The dog scratched __________. | itself |
| We enjoyed __________ at the party. | ourselves |
| You should all be proud of __________. | yourselves |
| They built the house __________. | themselves |
| I found __________ lost in the city. | myself |
| You can express __________ through art. | yourself |
Exercise 2: Correct the Sentences
Correct the sentences that use reflexive pronouns incorrectly.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| John and myself went to the park. | John and I went to the park. |
| I saw her and myself in the mirror. | I saw her and me in the mirror. |
| She blamed himself for the mistake. | She blamed herself for the mistake. |
| They enjoyed hisself at the concert. | They enjoyed themselves at the concert. |
| We consider ourself lucky. | We consider ourselves lucky. |
| He bought a gift for hisself. | He bought a gift for himself. |
| I hurt herself while cooking. | I hurt myself while cooking. |
| You need to believe in ourself. | You need to believe in yourself. |
| They organized the event by theirself. | They organized the event by themselves. |
| She was talking to I. | She was talking to myself. |
Exercise 3: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct reflexive pronoun for each sentence.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
I treated __________ to a nice dinner.
|
A) myself |
You should be proud of __________.
|
B) yourself |
He introduced __________ to the new colleagues.
|
B) himself |
She allowed __________ a moment of peace.
|
C) herself |
The cat cleaned __________.
|
A) itself |
We consider __________ fortunate to be here.
|
B) ourselves |
You must conduct __________ with respect.
|
B) yourselves |
They organized the event __________.
|
C) themselves |
I found __________ in a strange situation.
|
A) myself |
You can express __________ through dance.
|
B) yourself |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, it’s helpful to explore more complex aspects of reflexive pronoun usage. This includes understanding their role in nuanced sentence structures and idiomatic expressions.
Reflexive Pronouns in Complex Sentences
In complex sentences, reflexive pronouns can appear in subordinate clauses, adding layers of meaning and grammatical accuracy.
Example:
- She knew that she could only rely on herself to get the job done.
In this sentence, “herself” refers back to “she” in the main clause, clarifying who she needs to rely on.
Reflexive Pronouns in Idiomatic Expressions
Some idiomatic expressions use reflexive pronouns in unique ways that may not be immediately obvious.
Examples:
- Make yourself at home. (Meaning: Feel comfortable)
- Help yourself. (Meaning: Serve yourself)
Understanding these idiomatic expressions requires memorization and exposure to various contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about reflexive pronouns, along with detailed answers to help clarify any remaining confusion.
- What is the difference between a reflexive pronoun and an intensive pronoun?
Reflexive pronouns are necessary for the grammatical correctness of a sentence, indicating that the subject and object are the same. Intensive pronouns, on the other hand, are used for emphasis and can be removed without affecting the sentence’s grammar. For example, “I hurt myself” (reflexive) vs. “I myself saw it” (intensive).
- Can I use a reflexive pronoun as the subject of a sentence?
No, reflexive pronouns cannot be used as the subject of a sentence. They must refer back to an existing subject. Instead, use a personal pronoun (I, you, he, she, it, we, they) as the subject.
- Is it correct to say “myself and John”?
No, it is generally incorrect to use “myself and John” as the subject of a sentence. Instead, use “John and I.” Reflexive pronouns should not be used in place of personal pronouns in the subject position.
- When can I omit a reflexive pronoun?
In some cases, with verbs of grooming (wash, shave, dress), the reflexive pronoun can be omitted if the meaning is clear from the context. However, it’s generally safer to include the reflexive pronoun to avoid ambiguity.
- How do I know if I’m using a reflexive pronoun correctly?
Ask yourself if the pronoun refers back to the subject of the sentence and if the sentence would be incomplete or unclear without it. If the answer is yes, then you are likely using the reflexive pronoun correctly.
- What happens if I use the wrong reflexive pronoun?
Using the wrong reflexive pronoun can change the meaning of the sentence or make it grammatically incorrect. For example, saying “I blamed himself” instead of “I blamed myself” completely alters the meaning and creates a grammatical error.
- Are reflexive pronouns used in all types of writing?
Yes, reflexive pronouns are used in all types of writing, from formal academic papers to informal emails. They are a fundamental part of English grammar and are essential for clear and accurate communication.
- Can reflexive pronouns be used in questions?
Yes, reflexive pronouns can be used in questions, especially when the subject and object are the same. For example, “Did you hurt yourself?”
Conclusion
Reflexive pronouns are an integral part of English grammar, essential for ensuring clarity and accuracy in your writing and speaking. This comprehensive guide has covered the definition, structure, types, usage rules, common mistakes, and practice exercises related to reflexive pronouns.
By mastering these concepts, you can enhance your overall English proficiency and communicate more effectively.
Remember to always ensure agreement between the subject and the reflexive pronoun, avoid unnecessary use of reflexive pronouns, and be aware of exceptions and special cases. Consistent practice and attention to detail will help you confidently and accurately use reflexive pronouns in any context.
Keep practicing and refining your understanding, and you’ll find that reflexive pronouns become a natural and seamless part of your English communication.