Reflexive pronouns in English play an important role in English grammar. They are used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same. Essentially, reflexive pronouns reflect back to the subject of the sentence. Understanding reflexive pronouns can improve your writing and speaking skills, allowing you to express actions that are performed by the subject on itself.
In this article, we will delve into what reflexive pronouns are, how they are used in sentences, common mistakes to avoid, and how to distinguish them from other similar pronouns.
What Are Reflexive Pronouns in English?
A reflexive pronoun is a type of pronoun that refers back to the subject of the sentence. When an action is done by the subject to itself, reflexive pronouns are used. Reflexive pronouns end in -self (singular) or -selves (plural), depending on the subject of the sentence.
Examples of reflexive pronouns:
- Singular: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself
- Plural: ourselves, yourselves, themselves
- Impersonal: oneself (used in more formal contexts)
Key Features of Reflexive Pronouns:
- Reflexive pronouns refer back to the subject.
- They are used when the subject and object are the same.
- Reflexive pronouns end in -self or -selves, depending on whether they are singular or plural.
How Are Reflexive Pronouns Used in Sentences?
Reflexive pronouns are used in a way similar to object pronouns, but with a key difference: they refer back to the subject. They serve as the object of a verb when the subject is performing an action on itself.
Reflexive Pronouns in Different Sentence Positions
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Direct Object: The reflexive pronoun is the direct recipient of the action.
- Example: “She hurt herself while cooking.”
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Indirect Object: The reflexive pronoun receives the direct object.
- Example: “He gave himself a break after the long meeting.”
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Prepositional Phrase: The reflexive pronoun can also follow a preposition to add emphasis.
- Example: “I did it by myself.”
- Example: “She spent the day by herself.”
Example Sentences Using Reflexive Pronouns:
- “They found themselves in a difficult situation.”
- “I promised myself that I would succeed.”
- “The cat cleaned itself after dinner.”
- “We should take care of ourselves.”
In these examples, the reflexive pronouns (themselves, myself, itself, ourselves) directly reflect the subject of the sentence and are affected by the verb’s action.
Common Mistakes with Reflexive Pronouns
While Reflexive Pronouns in English are straightforward in use, there are common mistakes that many people make when using them. It’s important to be aware of these errors to ensure clarity and correctness in writing.
1. Using Reflexive Pronouns in Place of Subject or Object Pronouns
One of the most common mistakes is the improper use of reflexive pronouns when a subject or object pronoun should be used. Reflexive pronouns like “myself,” “yourself,” or “himself” should never replace subject or object pronouns in sentences where they do not reflect back to the subject.
Example of Mistakes:
- Incorrect: “Steven and myself will go to the store.”
- Correct: “Steven and I will go to the store.”
- Incorrect: “Please contact myself if you need assistance.”
- Correct: “Please contact me if you need assistance.”
These errors occur when people attempt to sound more formal, but it results in incorrect sentence structures.
2. Using “Hisself,” “Theirselves,” and “Theirself”
Another frequent mistake involves incorrectly using forms like “hisself,” “theirselves,” and “theirself.” These are not grammatically correct.
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Incorrect: “He did it hisself.”
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Correct: “He did it himself.”
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Incorrect: “They did it theirselves.”
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Correct: “They did it themselves.”
In English, the reflexive pronouns himself, themselves, and themself (the singular form of they) should be used instead.
3. Using Reflexive Pronouns with Non-reflexive Verbs
Reflexive pronouns are only used when the subject and object are the same. If the action is directed to a different person or thing, you should not use a reflexive pronoun.
Example:
- Incorrect: “She gave herself a gift.”
- Correct: “She gave herself a pat on the back.”
- The sentence about giving a gift involves another object, so it does not require a reflexive pronoun.
Reflexive Pronouns in Formal and Informal Usage
Reflexive pronouns can also be used for emphasis, which is common in more informal contexts. For example, intensive pronouns emphasize the subject, but they are different from reflexive pronouns.
Reflexive Pronouns vs. Intensive Pronouns
Both reflexive pronouns and intensive pronouns end in -self or -selves, but they have different grammatical functions.
- Reflexive Pronouns: Used when the subject and object of a sentence are the same.
- “She introduced herself at the meeting.”
- Intensive Pronouns: Used for emphasis or to stress that the action is done by the subject alone.
- “I myself completed the project.”
In intensive usage, the pronoun adds emphasis and is not necessary for the sentence’s meaning, while reflexive pronouns are essential to the sentence’s structure.
Reflexive Pronouns in Specific Contexts
Reflexive Pronouns in English can serve different functions depending on the context in which they are used. Understanding these specific uses will allow you to apply them more effectively in your writing and speaking.
Reflexive Pronouns with Prepositions
When reflexive pronouns are used with prepositions, they help form prepositional phrases. This typically happens when someone is acting alone or without assistance, indicating that the action is being done independently.
Examples of Reflexive Pronouns with Prepositions:
- “She finished the project by herself.”
- “He is working by himself in the lab.”
- “I’ll manage on my own.”
These phrases emphasize the idea of doing something without help or acting independently.
Reflexive Pronouns in Negative Sentences
In negative sentences, Reflexive Pronouns in English are used to emphasize the absence of an action done to oneself. They help clarify that the subject is not performing the action upon themselves.
Examples:
- “He didn’t harm himself during the exercise.”
- “They didn’t blame themselves for the mistake.”
- “I didn’t think myself capable of doing it.”
In each of these examples, the reflexive pronoun reinforces the lack of an action directed at the subject.
Reflexive Pronouns with “By”
When the phrase “by” is used with Reflexive Pronouns in English, it often refers to doing something alone or independently. This construction can also be used to express a sense of solitude or isolation in the action.
Example Sentences:
- “She completed the task by herself.”
- “I traveled by myself last summer.”
- “He lived by himself for years.”
These examples highlight independence, where the subject is acting without any external help.
How to Avoid Common Reflexive Pronoun Errors
Now that we’ve covered the main rules and examples, let’s dive into how you can avoid common errors that occur with reflexive pronouns. Understanding these mistakes will help you improve both your writing and speaking.
1. Avoid Using Reflexive Pronouns in Place of Subject Pronouns
One of the most common mistakes is using reflexive pronouns incorrectly as subject pronouns. Reflexive pronouns like myself, yourself, and themselves should never be used as a substitute for subject pronouns like I, you, and they.
Incorrect Usage:
- “Myself and John will be attending the meeting.”
- “Please contact myself if you need help.”
Correct Usage:
- “John and I will be attending the meeting.”
- “Please contact me if you need help.”
2. Avoid Misusing Reflexive Pronouns in Simple Sentences
In simple sentences, reflexive pronouns should only be used when the subject is performing an action on itself. Don’t use reflexive pronouns unnecessarily or out of place to sound more formal.
Incorrect Usage:
- “I myself think it’s a great idea.”
- “She herself completed the project.”
Correct Usage:
- “I think it’s a great idea.”
- “She completed the project.”
3. Be Careful with “Themself” and “Themselves”
The singular reflexive pronoun “themself” has gained more usage, particularly in reference to non-binary individuals, but it’s important to note that it’s still not universally accepted in formal grammar. The plural form themselves is still the safer option.
Correct Usage:
- “They did it themselves.”
- “Everyone should know how to protect themselves.”
Controversial Usage:
- “Everyone should know how to protect themself.”
As the singular “they” becomes more widely accepted in modern usage, the debate about “themself” vs. “themselves” continues to evolve. It’s advisable to use “themselves” unless you’re sure the singular “themself” fits the context.
Reflexive Pronouns in Special Contexts
While Reflexive Pronouns in English are mainly used to indicate actions the subject performs on itself, they can also be used in more specific situations. Below are some unique contexts in which reflexive pronouns can be effectively employed.
Reflexive Pronouns in Emphatic Sentences
Reflexive Pronouns in English can be used for emphasis. In these cases, they do not serve the same grammatical function as they would in reflexive sentences (i.e., where the subject is acting on itself). Instead, they emphasize the subject’s involvement in the action.
This is similar to how intensive pronouns are used, where reflexive pronouns appear after a noun or pronoun to put emphasis on the subject.
Examples of Emphatic Use:
- “The team themselves made the decision.”
- “I myself will handle the situation.”
- “She herself wrote the entire report.”
In these examples, the reflexive pronouns stress that the subject (the team, I, or she) is personally responsible for the action.
Reflexive Pronouns in Conditional Sentences
In certain cases, reflexive pronouns are used in conditional sentences to express an action that would or would not happen to oneself. These can be particularly useful in expressing actions or responsibilities the subject expects or doesn’t expect to take on themselves.
Examples:
- “If you don’t help yourself, no one will.”
- “If I had more time, I would do it myself.”
- “You should take care of yourself when you’re feeling sick.”
Here, the reflexive pronoun helps underline personal responsibility or the idea that the subject must take care of a situation on their own.
Reflexive Pronouns in Questions
While reflexive pronouns are commonly used in statements, they can also be used in questions, particularly when you want to ask about something being done to oneself or when the subject is involved in the action.
Examples:
- “Did you hurt yourself?”
- “Why did you do that yourself?”
- “How did they manage to do it themselves?”
These questions help clarify whether the action was performed by the subject alone or to the subject.
Using Reflexive Pronouns in English in the Impersonal “One”
In more formal contexts, reflexive pronouns are sometimes used with one to indicate general or impersonal actions. This usage is often seen in rules, instructions, or formal writing, particularly when talking about general behaviors or actions that everyone should consider doing for themselves.
Example:
- “One should always keep oneself organized.”
- “It is important for one to protect oneself from harm.”
This use of the reflexive pronoun oneself emphasizes that the action is directed at the person being addressed, but it remains general and impersonal.
Conclusion On Reflexive Pronouns in English
Reflexive pronouns In English are a powerful grammatical tool that helps convey actions the subject performs on itself. By using reflexive pronouns like myself, yourself, himself, herself, and others, you can ensure that your sentences are clear, precise, and effectively communicate self-directed actions. These pronouns are essential not only for reflexive sentences but also for emphasizing the subject or showing personal responsibility.
Remember to avoid common mistakes, such as misusing reflexive pronouns in place of subject or object pronouns, and be mindful of plural and singular forms, especially with “themselves” and “themself.” Reflexive pronouns can also be used in more complex sentence structures like emphatic expressions, conditional sentences, and questions, making them highly versatile.
By understanding and mastering reflexive pronouns, you can improve both your written and spoken communication, ensuring clarity and accuracy. Whether you’re expressing actions, emphasizing responsibility, or forming impersonal statements, reflexive pronouns are a fundamental part of effective language use.
With practice and attention to detail, you’ll find yourself using reflexive pronouns confidently and correctly, enhancing the overall quality of your English communication.
FAQs On Reflexive Pronouns in English
1. What is a reflexive pronoun with examples?
A reflexive pronoun is a pronoun that refers back to the subject of the sentence, indicating that the subject is performing an action on itself. Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and the object of the sentence are the same. They end in -self (singular) or -selves (plural).
2. Are there 10 reflexive pronouns?
Yes, there are 10 reflexive pronouns in English, which are used depending on the subject of the sentence. These pronouns reflect back to the subject when the subject performs an action on itself.
The 10 Reflexive Pronouns:
- Myself
- Yourself (singular)
- Himself
- Herself
- Itself
- Ourselves
- Yourselves (plural)
- Themselves
- Oneself
- Themself (used with singular they)
3. What are the 10 examples of reflexive pronouns?
Here are 10 examples of reflexive pronouns used in sentences:
- “I fixed it myself.”
- “She can handle it herself.”
- “He looked at himself in the mirror.”
- “The dog washed itself.”
- “We enjoyed ourselves at the party.”
- “You should believe in yourself.”
- “They can complete the task themselves.”
- “You all should congratulate yourselves.”
- “One should always take care of oneself.”
- “Each person should learn to take care of themself.”
4. When should reflexive pronouns be used?
Reflexive pronouns should be used when the subject and the object of the sentence are the same, i.e., when the subject is performing an action on itself. They can also be used for emphasis, often in sentences where the subject needs to be highlighted for doing something alone or independently.
Examples:
- Reflexive Action: “She hurt herself while playing.”
- Emphasis: “I myself will handle this task.”
5. Can reflexive pronouns be used in formal writing?
Yes, reflexive pronouns can be used in both formal and informal writing. In formal writing, reflexive pronouns help avoid ambiguity, especially when the subject and object are the same. However, be cautious of overuse or incorrect usage, as it can make the sentence sound awkward or overly formal.
Example in formal writing:
- “The committee members made their decisions themselves.”
