Reflexive Pronouns: Understanding Their Role in Grammar

What are Reflexive Pronouns?

Reflexive pronouns are words that end in ‘-self’ or ‘-selves’ and refer back to the subject of the sentence. They are used when the subject and object of a verb are the same person or thing.

Key Concepts

The main reflexive pronouns in English include:

• myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself
• ourselves, yourselves, themselves

They are crucial for indicating that the action of the verb is performed by the subject upon the subject itself.

Deep Dive: Usage and Structure

Reflexive pronouns function as either the direct object, indirect object, or object of a preposition. They must agree in number and person with the subject.

Example: She blamed herself for the mistake.

Example: We bought ourselves a treat.

Applications in Sentences

Reflexive pronouns are used for emphasis or to clarify that the action is self-directed. They are not used when the subject and object are different.

Correct: He taught himself to play the guitar.

Incorrect: He taught himself the guitar.

Challenges and Misconceptions

A common error is using reflexive pronouns redundantly or when they are not needed. For instance, saying ‘He signed his name’ is correct, but ‘He signed himself’ is usually incorrect unless specific context implies self-signing.

Avoid: John and I will go ourselves.

Correct: John and I will go.

FAQs

Q: When do I use ‘-self’ versus ‘-selves’?
Use ‘-self’ for singular subjects (myself, himself) and ‘-selves’ for plural subjects (ourselves, themselves).

Q: Can reflexive pronouns be used for emphasis?
Yes, they can emphasize the subject. Example: The queen herself attended the ceremony.