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Herself is a word most commonly used as a reflexive pronoun. In this lesson, we will discuss when and how to use it.
Functions of 'Herself'
1. 'Herself' as a Reflexive Pronoun
Herself as a reflexive pronoun is used when the object refers to 'she.' Herself can be the direct object, the indirect object, or the object of a preposition. Herself is also a subject complement. Here are its uses and some examples:
1.1 'Herself' as a Direct Object
Use
Herself as a reflexive pronoun is used to receive the action of the verb. For example:
She loved herself.
Shyla beat herself up.
Position in a Sentence
Herself as a direct object is placed after the verb. For example:
Maria is teaching herself self-defense.
'Herself' is placed directly after the verb.
1.2 'Herself' as an Indirect Object
Use
Herself as an indirect object is used to show who receives the direct object. For example:
Marie is baking herself a birthday cake.
'A cake' is the direct object and 'herself' is the indirect object and shows 'Marie' is the recipient of 'a cake.'
Position in a Sentence
The indirect object is usually used before a direct object. For example:
Marie is baking herself a birthday cake.
'Herself' is the indirect object.
1.3 'Herself' as the Object of a Preposition
Use
Herself as the object of the preposition is an object introduced by a preposition. For example:
She is getting ready for her sister's wedding so she doesn't really have time for herself.
She is making a cake for herself.
'Herself' is the object of the preposition 'for.'
Position in a Sentence
Herself as an object of the preposition comes after the preposition. For example:
She is getting ready for her sister's wedding so she doesn't really have time for herself.
She is making a cake for herself.
1.4 'Herself' as a Subject Complement
Use
Herself can be a subject complement after the linking verbs. The subject complement is used to complete the subject. For example:
Is Nina okay? She doesn't seem like herself.
How could you not notice the change in her mood? She hasn't been feeling herself lately.
Position in a Sentence
Herself as a subject complement is used after the linking verbs. For example:
Is Nina okay? She doesn't seem like herself.
'Feel' is a linking verb.
2. 'Herself' as an Emphatic Pronoun
Use
Herself 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 still complete. For example:
Wait! You are saying she learned to drive herself?
Marie herself knows what to do.
Position in a Sentence
Herself as an emphatic pronoun comes either at the end of the sentence or after the subject. For example:
Wait! You are saying she learned to drive herself?
'Herself' is at the end of the sentence.
She herself went there.
'Herself' is after the subject 'she.'
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