Reflexive pronouns are an integral part of the English language. They are a type of pronoun that is used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same entity. Reflexive pronouns are essential for conveying actions that a subject performs on itself, thereby avoiding repetition and adding clarity to sentences. This article will delve into the usage of reflexive pronouns, elucidating their forms, functions, and common pitfalls.
What Are Reflexive Pronouns?
Reflexive pronouns are words that end in “-self” or “-selves” and are used to reflect the action back onto the subject. Here is a list of reflexive pronouns in English:
– Myself
– Yourself
– Himself
– Herself
– Itself
– Ourselves
– Yourselves
– Themselves
Each reflexive pronoun corresponds to a specific personal pronoun, ensuring that the action is reflected back to the correct subject.
Examples of Reflexive Pronouns in Sentences
To understand reflexive pronouns better, let’s look at some examples:
1. I prepared myself a cup of coffee.
2. She taught herself to play the piano.
3. The cat cleaned itself.
4. We found ourselves lost in the city.
5. They introduced themselves at the meeting.
In each example, the subject and the object are the same, and the reflexive pronoun reflects the action back onto the subject.
Functions of Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns serve several functions in English:
1. To Indicate That the Subject and Object Are the Same
This is the primary function of reflexive pronouns. When the subject performs an action on itself, a reflexive pronoun is used to avoid redundancy.
Example:
– He hurt himself while playing football.
2. To Add Emphasis
Reflexive pronouns can be used to emphasize the subject of the sentence, indicating that the subject performed the action alone or without assistance.
Examples:
– She baked the cake herself.
– I will do it myself.
3. To Indicate a Reciprocal Action
In some cases, reflexive pronouns are used to show that two or more subjects are performing an action on each other. This is common in sentences involving mutual actions.
Examples:
– They looked at themselves in the mirror.
– We hugged ourselves after the victory.
4. To Serve as the Object of a Preposition
Reflexive pronouns can also function as the object of a preposition when the subject and the object are the same.
Examples:
– She kept the secret to herself.
– He was talking to himself.
Common Mistakes with Reflexive Pronouns
Despite their apparent simplicity, reflexive pronouns are often misused. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
1. Using Reflexive Pronouns Incorrectly as Subjects
Reflexive pronouns should never be used as the subject of a sentence. They are meant to reflect the action back onto the subject, not to stand in for the subject.
Incorrect:
– Myself went to the store.
Correct:
– I went to the store.
2. Confusing Reflexive Pronouns with Intensive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns are sometimes confused with intensive pronouns, which are used for emphasis but do not serve as the object of a verb or preposition.
Example:
– I myself completed the project. (Intensive pronoun for emphasis)
In this case, “myself” is used to emphasize “I” but is not the object of any action.
3. Overusing Reflexive Pronouns
Some speakers tend to overuse reflexive pronouns, especially in formal or business contexts, thinking it sounds more sophisticated. This can lead to awkward or incorrect sentences.
Incorrect:
– Please send the report to John or myself.
Correct:
– Please send the report to John or me.
4. Incorrect Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
Reflexive pronouns must agree in number and gender with the noun or pronoun they reflect. Using the wrong form can lead to confusion.
Incorrect:
– Each student must submit themselves to the rules.
Correct:
– Each student must submit himself or herself to the rules.
Special Cases and Exceptions
While the rules for reflexive pronouns are generally straightforward, there are some special cases and exceptions worth noting.
1. In Commands and Instructions
When giving commands or instructions, reflexive pronouns are often used for emphasis or to make the instruction more polite.
Example:
– Help yourself to some food.
– Make yourself at home.
2. With Certain Verbs
Certain verbs in English are commonly used with reflexive pronouns, even though the action is inherently reflexive. Some of these verbs include “pride,” “avert,” “absent,” and “acquit.”
Examples:
– She prides herself on her accomplishments.
– He couldn’t avert himself from the scene.
3. Reflexive Pronouns in Different Dialects
In some dialects of English, reflexive pronouns are used differently. For example, in some varieties of British English, “myself” can be used as a subject in informal speech, although this is not considered standard.
Example:
– Myself and John went to the pub. (Informal British usage)
Exercises and Practice
To master the use of reflexive pronouns, it is essential to practice through exercises and real-life application. Here are some exercises to help you get started:
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Choose the correct reflexive pronoun to complete each sentence.
1. She looked at _____ in the mirror.
2. We taught _____ how to code.
3. He found _____ in a difficult situation.
4. The dog hurt _____ while playing.
5. I made _____ a sandwich.
Answers:
1. herself
2. ourselves
3. himself
4. itself
5. myself
Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes
Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences.
1. Myself went to the store.
2. Please send the email to John or myself.
3. Each student must submit themselves to the rules.
4. She prides himself on her achievements.
5. We looked at ourselves in the mirror.
Answers:
1. I went to the store.
2. Please send the email to John or me.
3. Each student must submit himself or herself to the rules.
4. She prides herself on her achievements.
5. Correct as is.
Exercise 3: Create Your Own Sentences
Write five sentences using reflexive pronouns. Make sure each sentence has a clear subject and object relationship.
Example:
– I taught myself to play the guitar.
Conclusion
Reflexive pronouns are a fundamental component of English grammar, essential for indicating that the subject and object of a sentence are the same. They help to avoid repetition, add emphasis, and clarify the meaning of sentences. By understanding their forms, functions, and common pitfalls, you can use reflexive pronouns correctly and effectively.
Practice is key to mastering reflexive pronouns. By completing exercises and paying attention to their use in everyday conversation, you will become more comfortable and confident in using them. Remember, reflexive pronouns are a tool to make your language more precise and expressive, so use them wisely and appropriately.
Happy learning!
