Have you ever noticed how sometimes we talk about ourselves doing things to ourselves? That’s where reflexive pronouns come in! They might sound complicated, but they’re actually quite simple and add a lot of power and clarity to writing and speech. Let’s explore this useful part of grammar together.
What is a Reflexive Pronoun?
A reflexive pronoun is a word that refers back to the subject of the sentence. It’s used when the subject is both performing the action and receiving the action. In simpler terms, the action reflects back onto the subject. It’s essential that the reflexive pronoun refers to the same noun or pronoun as the subject.
Basic Reflexive Pronoun Forms
Here’s a quick list of the reflexive pronouns:
- myself
- yourself
- himself
- herself
- itself
- ourselves
- yourselves
- themselves
Simple Examples of Reflexive Pronouns
Let’s look at a few easy examples:
- I hurt myself. (I performed the action and I received the action of being hurt.)
- She cooked herself a delicious meal. (She performed the cooking, and she benefited from the meal.)
- The cat washed itself. (The cat performed and received the action of washing.)
Diving Deeper: Understanding Reflexive Pronoun Usage
It’s crucial to understand that not every use of “-self” words is a reflexive pronoun. Sometimes, they’re part of an intensive pronoun, which emphasizes the noun or pronoun but isn’t essential to the sentence’s meaning. We’ll cover that difference later. But for now, let’s focus on truly reflexive uses.
Reflexive Pronouns as Direct Objects
As shown in the initial examples, reflexive pronouns often act as direct objects, receiving the action of the verb.
- He blamed himself for the mistake.
- They built the treehouse themselves.
- The artist painted a portrait of herself.
Reflexive Pronouns as Indirect Objects
Less common, but still important, reflexive pronouns can also function as indirect objects.
- I bought myself a new coat. (The coat was bought for me.)
- She made herself a cup of tea. (The tea was made for her.)
Reflexive Pronouns with Prepositions
Reflexive pronouns can also appear after prepositions.
- He spoke to himself in the mirror.
- She relied on herself to solve the problem.
- The dog was happy to be alone and play by itself.
Intensive Pronouns vs. Reflexive Pronouns: What’s the Difference?
This is where things can get a little tricky. Intensive pronouns look identical to reflexive pronouns, but they function differently. An intensive pronoun emphasizes the noun or pronoun it refers to, but removing it doesn’t change the basic meaning of the sentence.
Here’s the test: If you can remove the pronoun and the sentence still makes sense grammatically and conveys the same core meaning, it’s an intensive pronoun. If removing the pronoun leaves the sentence incomplete or changes the meaning, it’s reflexive.
| Reflexive | Intensive |
| I hurt myself. (Removing “myself” changes the meaning. Who got hurt?) | I myself baked the cake. (Removing “myself” still means “I baked the cake.” It just adds emphasis.) |
| She blamed herself. (Removing “herself” leaves the question of who she blamed.) | The president himself attended the meeting. (Removing “himself” still means “The president attended the meeting.”) |
Advanced Examples and Nuances
Let’s look at some more complex sentence structures to see how reflexive pronouns operate.
- Having lost her way, she found herself completely alone. (Here, “herself” describes her state of being.)
- The company prides itself on its customer service. (“Itself” refers back to “the company” and shows a characteristic.)
- We allowed ourselves a moment to celebrate the victory. (Here, “ourselves” indicates that “we” are the recipients of the permission to celebrate.)
- By helping others, you help yourself. (This demonstrates a common idiom where the action benefits the subject.)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few errors people often make with reflexive pronouns:
- Using “myself” instead of “me” as a compound object. Incorrect: “The teacher gave the award to John and myself.” Correct: “The teacher gave the award to John and me.”
- Using a reflexive pronoun when it’s unnecessary. “I will do it myself” is acceptable for emphasis, but “I will myself do it” is incorrect.
- Incorrect pronoun agreement. Always ensure the reflexive pronoun matches the subject in person (first, second, third) and number (singular, plural).
Why are Reflexive Pronouns Important?
Reflexive pronouns add clarity and precision to writing and speech. They help to show that the subject is both the actor and the receiver of the action, creating a more complete and nuanced understanding of the sentence. Mastering their usage can significantly improve your ability to communicate effectively and express yourself with confidence.
By understanding the subtle differences between reflexive and intensive pronouns, and avoiding common mistakes, you can unlock the full potential of this valuable grammatical tool. So go forth, practice, and enjoy the power of reflecting on yourself through language!