Reflexive pronouns are a fundamental part of English grammar. These unique pronouns are used to indicate that the subject of the sentence is also the object. In other words, the action of the verb is being performed on the same entity that is performing the action. Reflexive pronouns are essential for achieving clarity and precision in communication, and they are indispensable in both written and spoken English. This article will delve into the usage, formation, and nuances of reflexive pronouns to help you master this grammatical element.
What Are Reflexive Pronouns?
Reflexive pronouns are pronouns that end in “-self” or “-selves” and are used when the subject and the object of the sentence are the same. The reflexive pronouns in English are:
– Myself
– Yourself
– Himself
– Herself
– Itself
– Ourselves
– Yourselves
– Themselves
Each of these pronouns corresponds to a specific subject pronoun. For example, “myself” corresponds to “I,” “yourself” corresponds to “you,” and so on.
How to Use Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns are used in several specific situations in English. Below are the most common contexts in which they are employed:
1. When the Subject and Object Are the Same
The most straightforward use of reflexive pronouns is when the subject and object of the sentence are the same entity. For instance:
– I taught myself to play the guitar.
– She prepared herself for the exam.
– They introduced themselves at the meeting.
In these sentences, the reflexive pronouns “myself,” “herself,” and “themselves” clarify that the subject is performing the action on itself.
2. For Emphasis
Reflexive pronouns can also be used for emphasis to indicate that someone did something personally and not through others. For example:
– I baked this cake myself.
– The CEO herself attended the meeting.
– You will have to finish the project yourself.
In these examples, the reflexive pronouns emphasize that the action was carried out by the subject without any outside help.
3. As an Intensifier
In some contexts, reflexive pronouns can act as intensifiers, which is slightly different from emphasis. Here, the focus is on the action rather than who performed it:
– The children cleaned the house themselves.
– He fixed the car himself.
These sentences highlight the effort and initiative taken by the subjects.
4. Prepositional Phrases
Reflexive pronouns are also used after prepositions when the subject of the preposition is the same as the subject of the verb:
– She is proud of herself.
– He looked at himself in the mirror.
– They are talking among themselves.
In each case, the reflexive pronoun follows the preposition to indicate that the subject and the object of the prepositional phrase are identical.
Common Mistakes with Reflexive Pronouns
Despite their straightforward nature, reflexive pronouns are often used incorrectly. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
1. Using Reflexive Pronouns Without a Clear Antecedent
A reflexive pronoun must always refer back to a noun or pronoun previously mentioned in the sentence. For example:
Incorrect: Myself went to the store.
Correct: I went to the store by myself.
In the incorrect sentence, “myself” does not have a clear antecedent. The correct version uses “I” as the subject, with “myself” as part of a prepositional phrase.
2. Overuse of Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns should not be used when a simple object pronoun is sufficient. For example:
Incorrect: He gave the book to myself.
Correct: He gave the book to me.
The reflexive pronoun “myself” is unnecessary in this context.
3. Incorrect Form of Reflexive Pronouns
It’s essential to use the correct form of the reflexive pronoun that matches the subject of the sentence. For example:
Incorrect: She made dinner for hisself.
Correct: She made dinner for herself.
The incorrect sentence uses “hisself,” which is not a valid reflexive pronoun. The correct form is “herself.”
Reflexive Pronouns in Idiomatic Expressions
Reflexive pronouns are also prevalent in many idiomatic expressions in English. Understanding these expressions can provide deeper insights into how reflexive pronouns function in everyday language.
1. By Oneself
This expression means “alone” or “without help”:
– He completed the project by himself.
– She prefers to live by herself.
2. Keep to Oneself
This phrase means to be introverted or not to share personal information:
– He tends to keep to himself.
– She kept her thoughts to herself.
3. Enjoy Oneself
This means to have a good time:
– They really enjoyed themselves at the party.
– I hope you enjoy yourself on your trip.
Reflexive Pronouns in Different Tenses
Reflexive pronouns can be used in various tenses to describe actions occurring at different times. Here are examples in different tenses:
Present Simple
– I often find myself lost in thought.
– She always prepares herself for presentations.
Past Simple
– He taught himself French last year.
– They introduced themselves at the conference.
Future Simple
– I will challenge myself to run a marathon.
– She will reward herself with a vacation.
Present Continuous
– I am teaching myself to code.
– They are preparing themselves for the exam.
Past Continuous
– He was looking at himself in the mirror.
– We were enjoying ourselves at the beach.
Future Continuous
– I will be reminding myself to stay focused.
– She will be preparing herself for the big day.
Exercises for Mastering Reflexive Pronouns
Practice is crucial for mastering reflexive pronouns. Here are some exercises to help you become more proficient:
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct reflexive pronoun:
1. I looked at ________ in the mirror.
2. She taught ________ to play the piano.
3. They enjoyed ________ at the amusement park.
4. He found ________ in a difficult situation.
5. We will prepare ________ for the journey.
Answers:
1. myself
2. herself
3. themselves
4. himself
5. ourselves
Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes
Correct the mistakes in the following sentences:
1. She gave the gift to myself.
2. He completed the project by hisself.
3. We enjoyed myself at the concert.
4. You should prepare yourselves for the test.
5. They looked at myself in the photo.
Answers:
1. She gave the gift to me.
2. He completed the project by himself.
3. We enjoyed ourselves at the concert.
4. You should prepare yourself for the test.
5. They looked at themselves in the photo.
Exercise 3: Create Sentences
Create sentences using the following reflexive pronouns:
1. myself
2. yourself
3. himself
4. herself
5. ourselves
Sample Answers:
1. I taught myself how to cook.
2. You should believe in yourself.
3. He prided himself on his achievements.
4. She congratulated herself on the promotion.
5. We will reward ourselves with a vacation.
Conclusion
Reflexive pronouns are a vital aspect of English grammar, providing clarity and specificity in communication. They are used when the subject and object of a sentence are the same, for emphasis, as intensifiers, and in prepositional phrases. By understanding their correct usage, avoiding common mistakes, and practicing regularly, you can master reflexive pronouns and enhance your English language skills. Whether you are writing an essay, having a conversation, or giving a presentation, the proper use of reflexive pronouns will help you convey your message accurately and effectively.
