Master Reflexive Pronouns Guide

Understanding reflexive pronouns is a fundamental step in mastering English grammar. These special pronouns are used when the subject and object of a sentence refer to the same person or thing, reflecting the action back onto the doer. This comprehensive English Grammar Guide will demystify reflexive pronouns, providing clear explanations and practical examples to help you use them confidently and correctly.

What Are Reflexive Pronouns?

Reflexive pronouns are a specific type of pronoun that always end in -self (singular) or -selves (plural). They indicate that the action of the verb is performed by the subject upon itself. Essentially, the subject is both the doer and the receiver of the action.

Here is a list of the English reflexive pronouns:

• Myself (I)
• Yourself (you – singular)
• Himself (he)
• Herself (she)
• Itself (it)
• Ourselves (we)
• Yourselves (you – plural)
• Themselves (they)

Each reflexive pronoun corresponds directly to a personal pronoun, making it easier to remember which one to use. For example, ‘I’ always pairs with ‘myself’, and ‘they’ always pairs with ‘themselves’.

Core Function of Reflexive Pronouns

The primary function of a reflexive pronoun is to show that the subject of the verb is also the object of the verb. Without a reflexive pronoun, the sentence would imply that the action is directed towards a different entity.

For instance, consider the difference between “She saw her” (she saw another person) and “She saw herself” (she saw her own reflection). The reflexive pronoun ‘herself’ clearly indicates that the subject ‘she’ is also the object of the verb ‘saw’.

How to Use Reflexive Pronouns Correctly

Using reflexive pronouns effectively requires understanding their specific applications within sentences. This section of our English Grammar Guide will detail the most common scenarios.

1. When the Subject and Object are the Same

This is the most common use of reflexive pronouns. When the person or thing performing the action is also the one receiving the action, a reflexive pronoun is necessary.

• He taught himself to play the guitar. (He is both the teacher and the student.)

• The cat groomed itself thoroughly. (The cat performed the grooming on the cat.)

• We prepared ourselves for the long journey. (We prepared us.)

2. For Emphasis (Intensive Pronouns)

Reflexive pronouns can also be used for emphasis, in which case they are often called intensive pronouns. When used this way, they are not essential to the sentence’s meaning but add stress to the subject.

• The CEO herself presented the award. (Emphasizes that no one else did it for her.)

• I built this house myself. (Emphasizes that I did it without help.)

• They finished the project themselves, despite the challenges. (Emphasizes their independent effort.)

When used for emphasis, the reflexive pronoun can often be removed without changing the core meaning of the sentence.

3. After Prepositions

Reflexive pronouns frequently appear after prepositions, especially ‘by’ and ‘for’, to further clarify who performs an action or who benefits from it.

• She likes to travel by herself. (Indicates she travels alone.)

• He bought a present for himself. (He bought it for his own benefit.)

• The children learned to dress by themselves. (They learned to dress without assistance.)

Reflexive Pronouns vs. Reciprocal Pronouns

It’s important not to confuse reflexive pronouns with reciprocal pronouns, such as ‘each other’ and ‘one another’. While reflexive pronouns refer to an action done by the subject to itself, reciprocal pronouns describe actions or feelings that are exchanged between two or more subjects.

• Reflexive: They looked at themselves in the mirror. (Each person looked at their own reflection.)

• Reciprocal: They looked at each other. (Person A looked at Person B, and Person B looked at Person A.)

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Reflexive Pronouns

Even advanced English speakers sometimes make errors with reflexive pronouns. This English Grammar Guide highlights key pitfalls.

1. Using a Reflexive Pronoun as a Subject or Object (When Not Reflexive)

Reflexive pronouns should never replace a regular subject or object pronoun if the subject and object are different.

• Incorrect: John and myself went to the store.

• Correct: John and I went to the store.

• Incorrect: They gave the tickets to Sarah and myself.

• Correct: They gave the tickets to Sarah and me.

Remember, a reflexive pronoun must always have a clear antecedent (the noun or pronoun it refers back to) within the same sentence.

2. Using Non-Standard Reflexive Forms

Avoid inventing reflexive pronouns like ‘hisself’ or ‘theirselves’. These are grammatically incorrect and are not recognized in standard English.

• Incorrect: He blamed hisself for the mistake.

• Correct: He blamed himself for the mistake.

• Incorrect: They helped theirselves to the snacks.

• Correct: They helped themselves to the snacks.

3. Overuse with Certain Verbs

Some verbs do not typically take a reflexive pronoun because the action is inherently reflexive or the context makes it clear. Verbs like ‘wash’, ‘shave’, ‘dress’, ‘feel’, ‘relax’, ‘concentrate’, and ‘hurry’ often fall into this category.

• Awkward/Incorrect: She washed herself. (Unless emphasizing the act of washing over just ‘she washed’.)

• Better: She washed.

• Awkward/Incorrect: He felt himself happy.

• Better: He felt happy.

While grammatically possible in specific contexts for emphasis, using reflexive pronouns with these verbs can often sound unnatural or redundant.

Practice Makes Perfect

Mastering reflexive pronouns, like any aspect of English grammar, comes with practice. Pay attention to how native speakers use them in conversation and writing. Try to incorporate them into your own sentences, focusing on the rules outlined in this guide.

Conclusion

Reflexive pronouns are indispensable tools in English grammar, allowing us to express actions that reflect back upon the subject. By understanding their forms, primary uses, and common pitfalls, you can significantly enhance your precision and clarity in communication. Continue to review this English Grammar Guide on reflexive pronouns and actively apply what you’ve learned. Consistent effort will solidify your grasp of these essential pronouns, making your English more natural and correct.