Mastering a new language involves understanding the nuances and intricacies of grammar. One aspect of grammar that often confuses learners is the use of reflexive pronouns. Reflexive pronouns are integral to English and many other languages, playing a crucial role in how we express actions that are performed by the subject upon itself. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of reflexive pronouns, their usage, and examples to help English learners grasp this concept effectively.
What Are Reflexive Pronouns?
Reflexive pronouns are pronouns that refer back to the subject of the sentence. They are used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same person or thing. In English, reflexive pronouns are formed by adding “-self” or “-selves” to certain pronouns. The reflexive pronouns in English are:
– Myself
– Yourself
– Himself
– Herself
– Itself
– Ourselves
– Yourselves
– Themselves
These pronouns are used to emphasize that the subject of the sentence is performing an action on itself. For example:
– I cut myself while cooking.
– She taught herself to play the piano.
Usage of Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns serve several purposes in English, each with its specific context and rules. Understanding these usages is essential for mastering their application.
1. Reflexive Pronouns as Direct Objects
One of the most common uses of reflexive pronouns is as direct objects when the subject and the object are the same. This usage is evident in actions that an individual performs on themselves. For example:
– He hurt himself during the game.
– I reminded myself to buy groceries.
In these sentences, “himself” and “myself” refer back to the subjects “he” and “I,” respectively, indicating that the action is performed on the subject.
2. Reflexive Pronouns as Indirect Objects
Reflexive pronouns can also function as indirect objects. This occurs when the action is performed for the benefit of the subject. For example:
– She bought herself a new dress.
– We made ourselves some coffee.
In these sentences, “herself” and “ourselves” indicate that the subjects “she” and “we” are performing the action for their own benefit.
3. Reflexive Pronouns for Emphasis
Sometimes, reflexive pronouns are used for emphasis to highlight that the subject performed the action without any assistance. This use is often seen in sentences where the subject wants to stress their involvement. For example:
– I built this bookshelf myself.
– The CEO herself attended the meeting.
In these sentences, “myself” and “herself” emphasize that the subject personally performed the action.
4. Reflexive Pronouns in Phrasal Verbs
Reflexive pronouns can also appear in phrasal verbs, especially those that imply a self-directed action. Some common examples include:
– Look after yourself.
– Take care of yourselves.
In these sentences, “yourself” and “yourselves” are part of the phrasal verbs “look after” and “take care of,” indicating that the action is directed towards the subject.
Common Mistakes with Reflexive Pronouns
Despite their straightforward nature, reflexive pronouns are often misused. Below are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them.
1. Using Reflexive Pronouns Incorrectly as Subject Pronouns
One common mistake is using reflexive pronouns as subject pronouns. Reflexive pronouns should not be used as the subject of a sentence. For example, saying “Myself went to the store” is incorrect. The correct sentence would be “I went to the store.”
2. Confusing Reflexive Pronouns with Intensive Pronouns
While reflexive pronouns and intensive pronouns look alike, their functions differ. Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and object are the same, whereas intensive pronouns are used for emphasis. For example:
– Correct: I did it myself (intensive).
– Incorrect: I did it to myself (reflexive, but the sentence structure is wrong).
3. Incorrect Agreement with the Subject
Reflexive pronouns must agree in number and gender with the subject they refer to. This means using “himself” for a male subject, “herself” for a female subject, and “themselves” for plural subjects. For example:
– Incorrect: She taught himself to dance.
– Correct: She taught herself to dance.
Reflexive Pronouns in Different Contexts
Reflexive pronouns can appear in various contexts beyond simple sentences. Understanding their application in different scenarios can further enhance your grasp of their usage.
1. Reflexive Pronouns in Questions
Reflexive pronouns can be used in questions to inquire about actions performed by the subject on themselves. For example:
– Did you enjoy yourself at the party?
– Why are you blaming yourself for the mistake?
In these questions, “yourself” is used to refer back to the subject “you.”
2. Reflexive Pronouns in Imperatives
In imperative sentences, reflexive pronouns can be used to give instructions or commands where the subject is understood to be “you.” For example:
– Help yourself to some snacks.
– Please make yourselves comfortable.
In these sentences, “yourself” and “yourselves” are used to address the listener directly.
3. Reflexive Pronouns in Passive Voice
Reflexive pronouns can also appear in passive voice constructions to indicate that the subject is performing an action on itself. For example:
– The cat groomed itself.
– The children entertained themselves while the adults talked.
In these sentences, “itself” and “themselves” show that the subjects “the cat” and “the children” are performing actions on themselves.
Exercises to Practice Reflexive Pronouns
To solidify your understanding of reflexive pronouns, it’s crucial to practice using them in various sentences and contexts. Below are some exercises to help you master their usage.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following sentences with the correct reflexive pronoun:
1. She looked at _______ in the mirror.
2. We taught _______ how to cook.
3. He always blames _______ for everything.
4. They enjoyed _______ at the concert.
5. I hurt _______ while playing soccer.
Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes
Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences:
1. Myself went to the store yesterday.
2. She made herselfes a cup of tea.
3. They should be proud of hisself.
4. He did the homework by hisself.
5. We found ourself lost in the city.
Exercise 3: Create Your Own Sentences
Write sentences using the following reflexive pronouns:
1. Myself
2. Yourself
3. Himself
4. Herself
5. Ourselves
Answers to Exercises
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
1. She looked at herself in the mirror.
2. We taught ourselves how to cook.
3. He always blames himself for everything.
4. They enjoyed themselves at the concert.
5. I hurt myself while playing soccer.
Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes
1. I went to the store yesterday.
2. She made herself a cup of tea.
3. They should be proud of themselves.
4. He did the homework by himself.
5. We found ourselves lost in the city.
Exercise 3: Create Your Own Sentences
Answers will vary, but here are some examples:
1. I treated myself to a spa day.
2. You should take care of yourself.
3. He saw himself in the reflection.
4. She encouraged herself to keep going.
5. We prepared ourselves for the exam.
Conclusion
Reflexive pronouns are a fundamental part of English grammar that allow us to express actions performed by the subject upon itself. Understanding their usage, common mistakes, and various contexts can significantly enhance your fluency and accuracy in English. By practicing with exercises and incorporating reflexive pronouns into your daily language use, you’ll gain confidence and mastery over this essential aspect of grammar. Remember, the more you practice, the more intuitive using reflexive pronouns will become. Happy learning!
