Oneself is rarely used because it is formal. In this lesson, we will discuss when and how to use it.

'Oneself' as a Reflexive Pronoun

Use

Oneself as a Reflexive Pronoun is used when the subject and the object both refer to any person in general. Oneself can be the direct object, the indirect object, or the object of a preposition. Oneself can also be a subject complement.
Here are its uses and some examples:

  • Oneself as a reflexive pronoun is used to receive the action of the verb. For example:

One needs to love oneself.

'Oneself' receives the action of 'to love.'

It is enough to rest oneself.

'Rest' needs an object that is 'oneself.'

  • Oneself as an indirect object is used to show who receives the direct object, so in this case, a direct object is needed. For example:

It is good to buy oneself a gift.

'A gift' is a direct object.

One should make oneself a cake.

'A cake' is the direct object and 'oneself' is the indirect object and shows 'one' is the recipient of 'a cake.'

  • Oneself as an object of the preposition is introduced by a preposition. For example:

It is strange to feel sorry for oneself.

One should do everything by oneself.

'By' is a preposition that introduces 'oneself' as an object.

  • Oneself can be a subject complement if it is used after the linking verbs. The subject complement is used to complete the subject. For example:

It is okay not to feel oneself.

'Feel' is a linking verb.

To become oneself is hard.

Position in a Sentence

Oneself as a direct object comes after the verb, as an indirect object comes before the direct object, as an object of preposition comes after the preposition, and as a subject complement is used after the linking verbs. For example:

One should respect oneself.

'Oneself' is the direct object.

It is good to buy oneself a gift.

'Oneself' as an indirect object comes before the direct object.

It is okay not to feel oneself.

'Oneself' is a subject complement after the linking verb 'feel.'

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