What are Reflexive Pronouns?
Reflexive pronouns are a specific type of pronoun used in a sentence when the subject and the object are the same entity; that is, the action of the verb refers back to the doer. These pronouns are essential for indicating that the subject is “performing an action” on itself.
In English, reflexive pronouns are formed by adding “-self” (in singular forms) or “-selves” (in plural forms) to certain personal pronouns.
Here are reflexive pronouns used in English grammar:
- Myself – Used when the subject is “I.” It indicates that the speaker is performing an action on themselves.
- Example: “I prepared myself for the interview.”
- Yourself – Used when the subject is “you” (singular). It is for when the listener or reader is the one performing an action on themselves.
- Example: “Did you hurt yourself?”
- Himself – Used when the subject is “he.” It shows that the male subject is performing an action on himself.
- Example: “He cut himself while cooking.”
- Herself – Used when the subject is “she.” Indicates that the female subject is performing an action on herself.
- Example: “She taught herself to play the piano.”
- Itself – Used when the subject is “it.” Applies to animals, objects, or concepts performing an action on themselves.
- Example: “The cat cleaned itself.”
- Ourselves – Used when the subject is “we.” It shows that the group including the speaker is performing an action on themselves.
- Example: “We enjoyed ourselves at the party.”
- Yourselves – Used when the subject is “you” (plural). It indicates that the group being spoken to is performing an action on themselves.
- Example: “You must protect yourselves.”
- Themselves – Used when the subject is “they.” It shows that the group or objects being talked about are performing an action on themselves.
- Example: “They introduced themselves.”
Reflexive vs Emphatic Pronouns | What is the Difference?
Reflexive and emphatic pronouns use the same forms such as myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, and themselves but serve different purposes in a sentence.
Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same person or thing. Emphatic pronouns, also known as intensive pronouns, are used to emphasize the subject of the sentence.