'Herself' is a reflexive pronoun that refers to 'she.' In this part, we will go through its uses and grammatical rules in English grammar.

How to Use "herself" in the English Grammar

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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