Reflexive pronouns
B1 IntermediateReflexive pronouns are used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same person or thing. They also serve to emphasize that an action was performed without help.
Overview
Reflexive pronouns indicate that the person performing the action is also the receiver of that action. They are necessary for transitive verbs where the subject acts upon itself. They can also function as emphatic pronouns to stress that someone did something alone or personally.
Form
Subject + Verb + Reflexive Pronoun
Reflexive pronouns change based on the person and number of the subject. Singular forms end in -self, while plural forms end in -selves.
- I → myself
- You (singular) → yourself
- He/She/It → himself/herself/itself
- We → ourselves
- You (plural) → yourselves
- They → themselves
Examples
Common mistakes
They washed them after the game.
They washed themselves after the game.
Use a reflexive pronoun when the subject and object are the same. Using 'them' implies they washed other people.
I feel myself happy today.
I feel happy today.
Verbs describing states or feelings like 'feel', 'relax', or 'concentrate' usually do not take reflexive pronouns.
Reflexive vs. Reciprocal
Use reflexive pronouns when the action stays with the individual. Use 'each other' when there is an exchange between two or more people.
| Reflexive (-selves) | Reciprocal (each other) |
|---|---|
| The players blamed themselves for the loss. | The players blamed each other for the loss. |
| Each person looks at their own reflection. | Two people look at one another. |
Practice
I don't need any help; I can finish the project by ______.
Show answer
myself
Answer:myself
Why:The subject is 'I', so the corresponding singular reflexive pronoun is 'myself'.
Did you and Sarah enjoy ______ at the party last night?
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yourselves
Answer:yourselves
Why:The subject is 'you and Sarah' (plural second person), requiring the plural form 'yourselves'.
The children are old enough to dress ______ now.
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themselves
Answer:themselves
Why:The subject 'the children' is third-person plural, so 'themselves' is the correct object.