Understanding Reflexive Pronouns: Definition, Usage, and Examples

Reflexive pronouns are an essential part of the English language that often causes confusion to learners. However, mastering the use of these pronouns can significantly improve your communication skills and help you avoid common grammatical mistakes. In this article, we will explore what reflexive pronouns are, their different types, and how to use them correctly in English sentences. We will also provide helpful examples and tips to help you improve your writing and speaking skills.

What are Reflexive Pronouns?

Reflexive pronouns are pronouns that reflect back to the subject of the sentence. They are used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same person or thing. Reflexive pronouns are formed by adding -self or -selves to certain pronouns, such as myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, and themselves.

Types of Reflexive Pronouns:

There are two types of reflexive pronouns: emphatic and non-emphatic.

1. Emphatic Reflexive Pronouns:

Emphatic reflexive pronouns are used to emphasize the subject of the sentence. They are formed by adding -self or -selves to the personal pronoun, even when the sentence does not require a reflexive pronoun.

Examples of emphatic reflexive pronouns include:

• I myself completed the project.
• You yourself can solve the problem.
• He himself cooked dinner.
• She herself designed the website.
• It itself caused the problem.
• We ourselves organized the event.
• You yourselves are responsible for the mess.
• They themselves admitted their mistake.

2. Non-Emphatic Reflexive Pronouns:

Non-emphatic reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and the object of the sentence are the same. They are formed by adding -self or -selves to the personal pronoun. Examples of non-emphatic reflexive pronouns include:

• I hurt myself while playing football.
• You should be proud of yourself.
• He shaved himself this morning.
• She taught herself how to play the guitar.
• It threw itself off the table.
• We enjoyed ourselves at the party.
• You hurt yourselves by ignoring my advice.
• They congratulated themselves on their success.

Using Reflexive Pronouns Correctly:

To use reflexive pronouns correctly, you need to understand when and how to use them. Here are some tips to help you use reflexive pronouns correctly:

• Use reflexive pronouns when the subject and object of a sentence are the same person or thing.
• Use emphatic reflexive pronouns to emphasize the subject of the sentence.
• Do not use reflexive pronouns when they are not needed.
• Do not confuse reflexive pronouns with other pronouns, such as personal pronouns, possessive pronouns, and relative pronouns.
• Use reflexive pronouns after certain verbs, such as enjoy, help, hurt, introduce, and teach.
• Use reflexive pronouns after certain prepositions, such as by, with, and among.

FAQs:

• Q. What is the difference between a reflexive pronoun and an intensive pronoun?
• A. Reflexive pronouns reflect back to the subject of a sentence, while intensive pronouns emphasize the subject of a sentence. For example, “I myself completed the project” is an example of an emphatic reflexive pronoun, while “I did it myself” is an example of an intensive pronoun.
• Q. Can reflexive pronouns be used with all verbs?
• A. No, reflexive pronouns should only be used with certain verbs, such as enjoy, help, hurt, introduce, and teach. For example, “I enjoyed myself at the party” is correct, but “I smiled myself at the party” is incorrect.
• Q. Is it grammatically correct to use a reflexive pronoun as the subject of a sentence?
• A. No, reflexive pronouns should not be used as the subject of a sentence. For example, “Myself and John went to the store” is incorrect. Instead, you should use “John and I went to the store.”

Conclusion:

Reflexive pronouns are an essential part of the English language that can significantly improve your communication skills when used correctly. Remember to use reflexive pronouns only when the subject and object of a sentence are the same person or thing, and to use emphatic reflexive pronouns to emphasize the subject of a sentence. By following these simple tips and practicing with examples, you can master the use of reflexive pronouns and enhance your writing and speaking skills.