Reflexive pronouns are an essential part of the English language, and understanding how to use them correctly can significantly enhance your communication skills. These pronouns are used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same person or thing. Essentially, they “reflect” back to the subject. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into what reflexive pronouns are, how to use them, and common mistakes to avoid.
What are Reflexive Pronouns?
Reflexive pronouns are words that end in “-self” or “-selves” and are used when the subject and the object of a sentence refer to the same entity. The reflexive pronouns in English are:
– Myself
– Yourself
– Himself
– Herself
– Itself
– Ourselves
– Yourselves
– Themselves
For example, consider the sentence: “I cut myself while cooking.” Here, “myself” refers back to the subject “I,” indicating that the person performing the action is also the recipient of that action.
Subject-Object Agreement
It’s crucial that reflexive pronouns agree with the subject of the sentence in both number and gender. Here is a quick guide:
– I -> Myself
– You (singular) -> Yourself
– He -> Himself
– She -> Herself
– It -> Itself
– We -> Ourselves
– You (plural) -> Yourselves
– They -> Themselves
For example:
– “She taught herself to play the piano.”
– “They prepared themselves for the exam.”
Uses of Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns serve various functions in English. Below are some of the primary uses.
1. Emphasizing the Subject
Reflexive pronouns are often used to emphasize the subject of the sentence. This is known as the emphatic use of reflexive pronouns.
For example:
– “I built this house myself.”
– “The CEO herself attended the meeting.”
In these sentences, the reflexive pronouns “myself” and “herself” emphasize that the actions were performed by the subjects alone, without any help.
2. Indicating Direct Actions
Reflexive pronouns can also indicate that the subject of the sentence is performing an action on itself.
For example:
– “He injured himself during the game.”
– “They blamed themselves for the failure.”
In these cases, “himself” and “themselves” show that the actions of injuring and blaming are directed back at the subjects.
3. Reflexive Verbs
In English, some verbs commonly pair with reflexive pronouns to form reflexive verbs. These verbs often indicate actions that people do to themselves.
For example:
– “She taught herself French.”
– “He introduced himself to the new neighbors.”
Note that not all languages use reflexive pronouns in the same way, so it’s essential to learn which verbs typically require them in English.
4. Prepositional Phrases
Reflexive pronouns are also used after prepositions when the preposition’s object is the same as the subject of the verb.
For example:
– “She is proud of herself.”
– “They took a photo of themselves.”
However, note that reflexive pronouns are not used after prepositions of place. For example, you wouldn’t say, “He put the book beside himself.” Instead, you would say, “He put the book beside him.”
Common Mistakes with Reflexive Pronouns
While reflexive pronouns are relatively straightforward, they can be misused in several ways. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Incorrect Subject-Object Agreement
One common mistake is using the wrong reflexive pronoun that doesn’t agree with the subject in number or gender.
Incorrect: “The cat cleaned themselves.”
Correct: “The cat cleaned itself.”
Ensure that the reflexive pronoun matches the subject in both number and gender.
2. Unnecessary Use
Sometimes, reflexive pronouns are used when they are not needed. This often happens in sentences where the verb does not require a reflexive pronoun.
Incorrect: “He met himself at the park.”
Correct: “He met him at the park.”
In the incorrect sentence, “himself” is unnecessary and confusing.
3. Confusing Reflexive and Intensive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns can also be used for emphasis, which sometimes leads to confusion between their reflexive and intensive uses.
Reflexive: “She taught herself to play the guitar.” (She did it alone.)
Intensive: “She herself taught him to play the guitar.” (Emphasizing that she did it.)
In the reflexive use, the action is performed on the subject. In the intensive use, the reflexive pronoun is used for emphasis and can be removed without altering the sentence’s fundamental meaning.
4. Reflexive Pronouns in Imperative Sentences
Imperative sentences give commands or make requests, and they sometimes misuse reflexive pronouns.
Incorrect: “Behave yourself!” (When talking to a group)
Correct: “Behave yourselves!” (When talking to a group)
Ensure that the reflexive pronoun agrees with the subject of the command.
Practical Tips for Mastery
Understanding and correctly using reflexive pronouns can take some practice. Here are some tips to help you master them:
1. Identify the Subject and Object
Before using a reflexive pronoun, identify the subject and the object in the sentence. If they refer to the same entity, a reflexive pronoun is likely required.
For example:
– “She saw herself in the mirror.” (Subject and object are the same)
– “She saw her friend in the mirror.” (Subject and object are different)
2. Practice with Common Reflexive Verbs
Familiarize yourself with common reflexive verbs and practice making sentences with them. Some common reflexive verbs include:
– Enjoy oneself
– Hurt oneself
– Introduce oneself
– Teach oneself
– Prepare oneself
For example:
– “I need to prepare myself for the presentation.”
– “They enjoyed themselves at the party.”
3. Use Reflexive Pronouns for Emphasis
Try using reflexive pronouns to add emphasis in your sentences. This can help reinforce your understanding of their function.
For example:
– “I myself don’t agree with that idea.”
– “The manager herself approved the project.”
4. Read and Listen to Native English
Exposure to native English through reading and listening can help you see how reflexive pronouns are used in context. Pay attention to how they are used in books, articles, movies, and conversations.
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding, here are some practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the correct reflexive pronoun.
1. I made this cake all by _______.
2. He hurt _______ while playing soccer.
3. They taught _______ to speak Spanish.
4. She prides _______ on her accomplishments.
5. You should prepare _______ for the exam.
Answers:
1. Myself
2. Himself
3. Themselves
4. Herself
5. Yourself
Conclusion
Reflexive pronouns are a vital component of English grammar that can add depth and clarity to your sentences. By understanding their functions, common mistakes, and how to use them correctly, you can enhance your communication skills significantly. Remember to practice regularly and immerse yourself in native English to see these pronouns in action. Happy learning!
