Reflexive pronouns are an essential part of the English language and are used to indicate that the subject and the object of a verb are the same person or thing. Understanding reflexive pronouns can significantly improve your ability to communicate effectively and clearly. In this article, we will delve into the various aspects of reflexive pronouns, including their definitions, uses, and common mistakes. We will also provide exercises and examples to help solidify your understanding.
What Are Reflexive Pronouns?
Reflexive pronouns are pronouns that end in “-self” or “-selves” and are used when the subject and the object of a verb refer to the same entity. The English reflexive pronouns are:
– Myself
– Yourself (singular)
– Himself
– Herself
– Itself
– Ourselves
– Yourselves (plural)
– Themselves
For example:
– I taught myself to play the guitar.
– She prepared herself for the exam.
In these sentences, the subject and the object are the same person, so we use reflexive pronouns.
Uses of Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns are used in several different contexts, including emphasis, reflexive actions, and certain prepositional phrases. Let’s explore each of these uses in detail.
Reflexive Actions
Reflexive pronouns are most commonly used to indicate that the subject of the sentence is performing an action on itself. This is known as a reflexive action. For example:
– He cut himself while shaving.
– We enjoyed ourselves at the party.
– The cat cleaned itself after eating.
In these sentences, the subject and the object are the same, and the action is being performed on the subject itself.
Emphasis
Reflexive pronouns can also be used for emphasis to highlight the importance of the subject in performing the action. This use is sometimes called the “intensive pronoun.” For example:
– The CEO herself approved the project.
– I myself will handle the situation.
In these sentences, the reflexive pronoun emphasizes that the subject alone is responsible for the action, adding a layer of importance or focus.
Prepositional Phrases
Reflexive pronouns are used in some prepositional phrases to clarify that the subject and the object are the same. For example:
– They did it by themselves.
– She is proud of herself for winning the award.
In these sentences, the reflexive pronouns help to clarify that the subject is the one performing the action or feeling the emotion.
Common Mistakes with Reflexive Pronouns
Even native English speakers can make mistakes with reflexive pronouns. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
Using a Reflexive Pronoun Without a Clear Antecedent
A reflexive pronoun must always refer back to a noun or pronoun earlier in the sentence. Without a clear antecedent, the sentence can become confusing. For example:
Incorrect: John and myself went to the store.
Correct: John and I went to the store.
In the incorrect sentence, “myself” does not have a clear antecedent. The correct sentence uses the pronoun “I” instead.
Using Reflexive Pronouns for Emphasis Incorrectly
While reflexive pronouns can be used for emphasis, they should not replace the subject or object pronoun. For example:
Incorrect: Myself and Jane will handle the project.
Correct: Jane and I will handle the project.
In the incorrect sentence, “myself” is incorrectly used as a subject pronoun. The correct sentence uses “I” instead.
Confusing Reflexive Pronouns with Reciprocal Pronouns
Reciprocal pronouns, such as “each other” and “one another,” are used when two or more people perform an action on each other. Reflexive pronouns should not be used in these cases. For example:
Incorrect: They love themselves.
Correct: They love each other.
In the incorrect sentence, “themselves” incorrectly suggests that each person loves themselves individually. The correct sentence uses “each other” to indicate mutual affection.
Exercises and Examples
To help you practice using reflexive pronouns correctly, here are some exercises and examples.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate reflexive pronoun.
1. She taught _______ to play the piano.
2. They prepared _______ for the journey.
3. I made _______ a sandwich.
4. The dog hurt _______ on the fence.
5. We congratulated _______ for the successful event.
Answers to Exercise 1
1. Herself
2. Themselves
3. Myself
4. Itself
5. Ourselves
Exercise 2: Correct the Sentences
Correct the following sentences by replacing the incorrect pronoun with the appropriate reflexive pronoun.
1. He looked at him in the mirror.
2. They did the work by theirselves.
3. She bought a gift for her.
4. I will handle the situation by I.
5. The cat licked it after the meal.
Answers to Exercise 2
1. He looked at himself in the mirror.
2. They did the work by themselves.
3. She bought a gift for herself.
4. I will handle the situation by myself.
5. The cat licked itself after the meal.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
Understanding the basic uses of reflexive pronouns is crucial, but there are also more advanced nuances that can help you master their usage.
Reflexive Pronouns in Formal and Informal Contexts
In formal writing, reflexive pronouns are often used for emphasis or to add clarity. In informal speech, however, people sometimes use reflexive pronouns incorrectly. For example:
Formal: The president himself will attend the meeting.
Informal: Me and myself went to the store.
While the informal usage is common in everyday speech, it’s important to use reflexive pronouns correctly in formal writing to maintain clarity and professionalism.
Reflexive Pronouns with Gerunds and Infinitives
Reflexive pronouns can also be used with gerunds and infinitives to indicate that the subject of the gerund or infinitive is the same as the subject of the main verb. For example:
– She is considering teaching herself French.
– He plans to dedicate himself to his studies.
In these sentences, the reflexive pronouns clarify that the subject of the gerund or infinitive is the same as the subject of the main verb.
Idiomatic Expressions with Reflexive Pronouns
There are several idiomatic expressions in English that use reflexive pronouns. Understanding these expressions can help you sound more natural and fluent. For example:
– Make yourself at home: Feel comfortable and relaxed.
– Keep yourself to yourself: Avoid interacting with others.
– Help yourself: Take what you need without asking.
Using these idiomatic expressions correctly can enhance your conversational skills and make your speech more engaging.
Conclusion
Reflexive pronouns are a vital part of the English language, and mastering their usage can greatly improve your communication skills. By understanding the various uses of reflexive pronouns, avoiding common mistakes, and practicing with exercises, you can become more confident in using them correctly. Whether you are writing formal documents or engaging in casual conversations, the proper use of reflexive pronouns will help you express yourself clearly and effectively. Keep practicing, and soon you will find that using reflexive pronouns becomes second nature.
