Myself

'Myself' is a pronoun widely used in speaking. In this lesson, we will learn all about this pronoun.

Myself is a word most commonly known as a reflexive pronoun, but it has another function. In this lesson, we will discuss when and how to use it.

Functions of 'Myself'

1. 'Myself' as a Reflexive Pronoun

The speaker or the writer uses myself to refer to himself or herself as the object of the sentence. Myself as a reflexive pronoun can be the direct object, the indirect object, or the object of a preposition. Myself can also be a subject complement. Here are its uses and some examples:

1.1 'Myself' as a Direct Object

Use

Myself as a reflexive pronoun receives the action of the sentence. For example:

I am teaching myself English.

Myself receives the action of 'teaching.'

I love myself.

Position in a Sentence

Myself as a direct object comes right after the verb. For example:

I am teaching myself English.

Myself is placed directly after the verb.

1.2 'Myself' as an Indirect Object

Use

Myself as an indirect object is used to show what or who is the recipient of the direct object, so a direct object is needed in a sentence that has an indirect object. For example:

I am making myself a pizza.

'Pizza' is the direct object and 'myself' is the indirect object and shows 'I' is the recipient of 'a pizza.'

I give myself a book on my birthday.

Position in a Sentence

The indirect object usually comes before a direct object. For example:

I am making myself a pizza.

Myself comes before 'a pizza.'

1.3 'Myself' as the Object of a Preposition

Use

Myself as an object of the preposition means that myself is an object introduced by a preposition. For example:

I often talk to myself.

Myself is the object of 'to.'

No one was home, so I cleaned the house by myself.

Position in a Sentence

Myself as an object of the preposition comes after a preposition. For example:

I often talk to myself.

Myself comes after 'to.'

I had to write the essay all by myself.

However, myself is sometimes used as an alternative to 'me' in a formal and polite context. Remember that it is not standard. Have a look:

You should call either Peter or myself.

The sentence could be 'you should call either Peter or me.'

1.4 'Myself' as a Subject Complement

Use

Myself can be a subject of complement after the linking verbs. The subject complement adds the needed information to the subject. For example:

I booked a therapy session since I haven't been feeling myself lately.

Myself is the subject complement. The expression 'feel myself' means 'feel good.'

He insisted that I wasn't myself.

Position in a Sentence

Myself as a subject of complement is used after linking verbs. For example:

I booked a therapy session since I haven't been feeling myself lately.

'Feel' is a linking verb.

2. 'Myself' as an Emphatic Pronoun

Use

Myself can also be used as an emphatic pronoun. Emphatic pronouns emphasize the doer of the action and once erased from a sentence, the meaning is not affected. For example:

I heard him lie myself!

As the boss of this company, I delivered the letter myself.

I myself called her.

Position in a Sentence

Myself as an emphatic pronoun comes either at the end of the sentence, before or after the main verb. For example:

I heard him lie myself!

'Myself' at the end of the sentence

I myself called her.

'Myself' before the main verb

I cut myself.

'Myself' after the main verb

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