Reflexive Pronouns

Introduction

In this chapter, we will learn about reflexive pronouns. Reflexive pronouns are used to refer back to the subject of the sentence. Understanding reflexive pronouns helps us emphasize that the subject and the object of the action are the same.

What Are Reflexive Pronouns?

Reflexive pronouns refer back to the subject of the sentence and end in “-self” or “-selves.” They are used when the subject and the object of the sentence are the same.

Examples:

• She made the cake herself. (emphasizes that she made the cake alone)
• They prepared themselves for the exam. (emphasizes their own effort)

Key Points About Reflexive Pronouns

1. Refer Back to the Subject: Reflexive pronouns point back to the subject of the sentence.
2. Emphasize Actions: They emphasize that the subject and object are the same.
3. End in “-self” or “-selves”: Singular reflexive pronouns end in “-self” and plural reflexive pronouns end in “-selves.”

Common Reflexive Pronouns

There are eight reflexive pronouns:

Singular Reflexive Pronouns

Plural Reflexive Pronouns

Using Reflexive Pronouns in Sentences

Singular Reflexive Pronouns

• Myself: I taught myself to play the guitar.
• Yourself: You should take care of yourself.
• Himself: He looked at himself in the mirror.
• Herself: She taught herself French.
• Itself: The cat cleaned itself.

Plural Reflexive Pronouns

• Ourselves: We organized the event ourselves.
• Yourselves: You all should be proud of yourselves.
• Themselves: They enjoyed themselves at the party.

Real-Life Examples of Reflexive Pronouns

1. I made this cake myself. (Singular Reflexive Pronoun)
2. You should treat yourself to a nice dinner. (Singular Reflexive Pronoun)
3. He blamed himself for the mistake. (Singular Reflexive Pronoun)
4. She designed the dress herself. (Singular Reflexive Pronoun)
5. The dog entertained itself with the toy. (Singular Reflexive Pronoun)
6. We prepared the meal ourselves. (Plural Reflexive Pronoun)
7. You all completed the project yourselves. (Plural Reflexive Pronoun)
8. They introduced themselves at the meeting. (Plural Reflexive Pronoun)
9. I fixed the car myself. (Singular Reflexive Pronoun)
10. You must believe in yourself. (Singular Reflexive Pronoun)
11. He admired himself in the mirror. (Singular Reflexive Pronoun)
12. She completed the assignment herself. (Singular Reflexive Pronoun)
13. The robot can operate itself. (Singular Reflexive Pronoun)
14. We painted the house ourselves. (Plural Reflexive Pronoun)
15. You all should be honest with yourselves. (Plural Reflexive Pronoun)
16. They managed the business themselves. (Plural Reflexive Pronoun)
17. I will take care of it myself. (Singular Reflexive Pronoun)
18. You can do it yourself. (Singular Reflexive Pronoun)
19. He punished himself for the error. (Singular Reflexive Pronoun)
20. She expressed herself clearly. (Singular Reflexive Pronoun)
21. The bird preened itself. (Singular Reflexive Pronoun)
22. We will handle the situation ourselves. (Plural Reflexive Pronoun)
23. You all enjoyed yourselves at the concert. (Plural Reflexive Pronoun)
24. They taught themselves new skills. (Plural Reflexive Pronoun)
25. I defended myself in the argument. (Singular Reflexive Pronoun)
26. You need to motivate yourself. (Singular Reflexive Pronoun)
27. He prepared himself for the challenge. (Singular Reflexive Pronoun)
28. She discovered herself during the trip. (Singular Reflexive Pronoun)

Conclusion

Reflexive pronouns are used to refer back to the subject of the sentence and emphasize that the subject and the object are the same. They help make sentences clearer and highlight self-directed actions.