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Yourself is a commonly-used word with two functions. In this lesson, we will discuss the uses of yourself.
Functions of 'Yourself'
1. 'Yourself' as a Reflexive Pronoun
Yourself as a reflexive pronoun is used to show that the addressee is both the subject and the object of a sentence. Yourself can be the direct object, the indirect object, or the object of a preposition. Yourself can also be the subject complement. Here are its uses and some examples:
1.1. 'Yourself' as a Direct Object
Use
Yourself as a reflexive pronoun is used to receive the action of the verb. For example:
You should love yourself.
'Yourself' refers to 'you.'
Position in a Sentence
Yourself as a direct object is placed after the verb. For example:
You should love yourself.
Yourself is placed directly after the verb.
1.2. 'Yourself' as an Indirect Object
Use
Yourself as an indirect object is used to show who receives the direct object, so a direct object is needed in a sentence when an indirect object is presented. For example:
You can always make yourself a cake.
'A cake' is the direct object and 'yourself' is the indirect object and shows 'you' is the recipient of 'a cake.'
Position in a Sentence
The indirect object is usually used before a direct object. For example:
You can make yourself a cake.
'Yourself' comes before 'a pizza.'
1.3 'Yourself' as the Object of a Preposition
Use
Yourself as an object of the preposition is an object introduced by a preposition. For example:
You need to be true to yourself.
No one was home, so I cleaned the house by myself.
Position in a Sentence
Yourself as an object of the preposition comes after a preposition. For example:
You need to be true to yourself.
1.4. 'Yourself' as a Subject Complement
Use
Yourself can be a subject complement after the linking verbs. The subject complement is used to complete the subject. For example:
I understand that you don't feel yourself.
'Yourself' is the subject complement.
Position in a Sentence
Yourself as a subject complement is used after linking verbs. For example:
I understand that you don't feel yourself.
'Feel' is a linking verb.
2. 'Yourself' as an Emphatic Pronoun
Use
Yourself 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:
Did you build it yourself?
You delivered the letter yourself.
Position in a Sentence
Yourself as an emphatic pronoun comes either at the end of the sentence, or after the subject. In this case, the subject pronoun 'you' is needed. For example:
Did you build it yourself?
You yourself called her.
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