Reflexive pronouns are an essential component of the English language that often cause confusion among learners. Understanding their use, formation, and nuances is vital for mastering English, whether you are a native speaker or learning it as a second language. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to reflexive pronouns, their functions, and their correct usage.
What Are Reflexive Pronouns?
Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same person or thing. In simpler terms, the action of the verb is directed back at the subject. Reflexive pronouns in English include: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, and themselves.
Formation of Reflexive Pronouns
The structure of reflexive pronouns is straightforward. They are formed by taking a personal pronoun and adding the suffix “-self” for singular forms or “-selves” for plural forms. Here’s a quick breakdown:
– I -> myself
– You -> yourself (singular), yourselves (plural)
– He -> himself
– She -> herself
– It -> itself
– We -> ourselves
– They -> themselves
Basic Usage of Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns are used in several key contexts:
1. **When the subject and the object are the same:** This is the most common use of reflexive pronouns. For example:
– “I taught myself to play the guitar.”
– “She prepared herself for the exam.”
2. **For emphasis:** Reflexive pronouns can be used to emphasize the subject of the sentence. For example:
– “The CEO himself approved the project.”
– “You yourself said it was a good idea.”
3. **With certain verbs:** Some verbs are commonly used with reflexive pronouns. These include “enjoy,” “pride,” “avail,” “apply,” “adapt,” “commit,” and “adjust.” For example:
– “I really enjoyed myself at the party.”
– “She prides herself on her punctuality.”
Common Mistakes with Reflexive Pronouns
Despite their straightforward nature, reflexive pronouns often trip up learners. Here are some common pitfalls:
1. **Using reflexive pronouns unnecessarily:** Reflexive pronouns should only be used when the subject and object are the same. For example, it’s incorrect to say, “He gave the book to myself,” when it should be, “He gave the book to me.”
2. **Confusing reflexive and intensive pronouns:** Reflexive pronouns can also serve as intensive pronouns for emphasis, but they are not always interchangeable. For example, “I did it myself” (emphasis) is correct, but “I saw myself in the mirror” (reflexive) cannot be changed to “I saw me in the mirror.”
3. **Incorrect formation:** Sometimes learners create incorrect forms of reflexive pronouns, such as “hisself” or “theirselves.” The correct forms are “himself” and “themselves.”
Special Cases and Exceptions
There are some unique cases where reflexive pronouns are used differently or are replaced by other forms:
1. **Reciprocal actions:** When two subjects perform the same action on each other, reciprocal pronouns (“each other” and “one another”) are used instead of reflexive pronouns. For example:
– “They respect each other.”
– “The friends hugged one another.”
2. **Intransitive verbs:** Reflexive pronouns are not used with intransitive verbs, verbs that do not require an object. For example, “He slept” does not become “He slept himself.”
3. **Idiomatic expressions:** English contains idiomatic expressions that may seem to require a reflexive pronoun but do not. For example, “She made a name for herself” is correct, but “She made a name for her” is not.
Reflexive Pronouns in Different Tenses
Reflexive pronouns can be used in various tenses, just like any other pronoun. Here are some examples across different tenses:
– **Present Simple:** “I teach myself new skills every day.”
– **Past Simple:** “She taught herself to sew last year.”
– **Future Simple:** “They will prepare themselves for the competition.”
– **Present Continuous:** “He is teaching himself to play the piano.”
– **Past Continuous:** “We were preparing ourselves for the test.”
Reflexive Pronouns in Passive Voice
Reflexive pronouns are rarely used in passive voice constructions, but it is possible in some cases for emphasis or clarity. For example:
– “The project was completed by the team themselves.”
– “The meal was cooked by her herself.”
Exercises and Practice
To master reflexive pronouns, consistent practice is essential. Here are some exercises to help you understand and use reflexive pronouns correctly:
1. **Fill in the blanks:**
– “I saw ____ in the mirror this morning.”
– “They taught ____ French in just six months.”
– “You should be proud of ____ for completing the marathon.”
– “She did all the work ____.”
2. **Correct the sentences:**
– “He gave the gift to myself.”
– “They helped themselves to the food.”
– “We did it all by ourself.”
– “She saw herself in the picture.”
3. **Translation Practice:**
Translate the following sentences into English, ensuring the correct use of reflexive pronouns:
– “Elle s’est regardée dans le miroir.” (French)
– “Sie hat sich selbst das beigebracht.” (German)
– “Ella se preparó para el examen.” (Spanish)
– “Ele se orgulha de si mesmo.” (Portuguese)
Advanced Concepts: Reflexive Pronouns in Literature and Formal Writing
Reflexive pronouns are not only used in everyday conversation but also play a significant role in literature and formal writing. Authors often use reflexive pronouns to add depth to characters or to emphasize particular actions or emotions.
For example, in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” the phrase “To thine own self be true” uses a form of reflexive pronoun to emphasize the importance of self-awareness and integrity. Similarly, in modern literature, reflexive pronouns can be used to reveal a character’s inner thoughts and conflicts.
In formal writing, reflexive pronouns can be used to add emphasis or clarity. For example, in academic papers or professional reports, you might encounter sentences like:
– “The researchers themselves conducted the experiments.”
– “The author herself reviewed the manuscript multiple times.”
Reflexive Pronouns in Different Dialects and Registers
While the basic rules for reflexive pronouns are consistent across English dialects, there can be subtle differences in usage. For example, in some British English dialects, you might hear “yourself” used in ways that differ from standard American English. Understanding these nuances can help you navigate different forms of English more effectively.
In informal speech, reflexive pronouns are sometimes used for humor or emphasis in ways that break conventional grammar rules. For example, “I made it myself, with my own two hands!” This usage adds a conversational tone and can make the language more engaging.
Conclusion
Reflexive pronouns are a vital part of the English language, serving various functions from indicating that the subject and object are the same, to adding emphasis, and even playing a role in idiomatic expressions. Mastering their use requires understanding their formation, avoiding common mistakes, and practicing through exercises and real-world application.
By paying attention to the nuances of reflexive pronouns, you can improve both your written and spoken English, making your communication clearer and more effective. Whether you’re writing a novel, a research paper, or simply engaging in everyday conversation, a solid grasp of reflexive pronouns will undoubtedly enhance your language skills. Keep practicing, and soon, the correct use of reflexive pronouns will become second nature to you.
