LoginReflexive Pronouns
This in-depth lesson on Reflexive Pronouns in English includes detailed examples and a quiz to test your knowledge.
Reflexive Pronouns
You can find a list of reflexive pronouns in the table below:
Singular | Plural | |
|---|---|---|
First | ||
Second | ||
Third |
Now take a look at some examples:
Whenever I fail, I tell myself that I need to get up and start over.
In this sentence, 'myself' refers to a previously mentioned pronoun, which is 'I' .
They were arguing amongst themselves.
Warning!
While in most cases the second-person singular and plural pronouns have the same form in English (you), this is not the case with reflexive pronouns. Specifically, 'yourself' is the second-person singular reflexive pronoun, while 'yourselves' is the second-person plural reflexive pronoun.
Impersonal Reflexive Pronoun
In addition to the reflexive pronouns mentioned earlier, there is one more reflexive pronoun: 'oneself.' Like 'one,' 'oneself' does not refer to a specific person, and can be used it in two ways:
Like other reflexive pronouns, to refer to a previously mentioned noun or pronoun:
One must be careful not to put oneself in danger.
'Oneself' refers to the previously mentioned 'one.' This sentence is the same as 'you must be careful not to put yourself in danger.'
As the object of the sentence when there is no clear subject:
It's important to give oneself some time after an emotional shock.
In this statement, it is not clear who the subject is, so we can use 'oneself' as an object.
Gender Neutral Reflexive Pronoun
In the past, the more traditional "he or she" was used as an indefinite singular pronouns to refer to someone whose gender was unknown. But the singular 'they' can also be used for this purpose. So, when we do not want to use the gender-specific 'he' or 'she', we can use 'they' and 'themselves' instead. We can also use him- or herself. They are all correct.
Everyone needs to take responsibility for themselves now and again.
Themselves, herself, himself are all alternatives. We can use themselves in order not to mention the gender.
Everyone needs to take responsibility for himself or herself now and again.
Everyone needs to take responsibility for him- or herself now and again.
Reflexive Pronouns: Uses
There are a number of cases that require use of reflexive pronouns. Here are some of the main uses of these pronouns:
1. When the Subject and the Object Are the Same
Reflexive pronouns cannot stand as the subject of the sentence. They are used when the object refers to the same person or thing as the subject. Using an object pronoun that refers to the same person as the subject pronoun is possible, but only when referring to the first-person singular subject. Take a look at this example:
I saw me in the mirror.
In this example, using an object pronoun can indicate that the subject and the object are the same person.
But in second, and specially third person, using this structure may lead to ambiguity. Look at this example:
He saw him in the mirror.
In this example, it is impossible to determine if the subject 'He' and the object 'him' are the same person (he may have seen another man in the mirror).
He saw himself in the mirror.
Here, by using a reflexive pronoun, it is shown that the subject and object of the sentence are definitely the same.
To avoid such ambiguities, reflexive pronouns are used as the object in such cases. Reflexive pronouns can function as both direct objects and indirect objects in a sentence. In such cases, typically a personal pronoun or name is used as the subject and a corresponding reflexive pronoun as the object.
I hurt myself with the knife when I was making dinner.
As you can see, the subject and the object both refer to the same person.
When a reflexive pronoun is used as an indirect object, it indicates why or for whom the action is performed. For example:
I bought myself a new car.
This is the same as 'I bought a new car for me.'
Sam makes a cup of coffee for himself every morning.
Or 'Sam makes himself a cup of coffee'.
Object Pronoun or Reflexive Pronoun?
After some prepositions such as 'for,' 'to,' etc. reflexive pronouns are used, but after prepositions of place object pronouns are used, not reflexives.
He had a suitcase beside him. (Not beside himself)
As you know, 'beside' is a preposition of place, so we must use an 'object pronoun.'
She had a few friends with her. (Not with herself)
In this example, 'with' is a preposition which cannot be followed by a 'reflexive pronoun.'
2. When Referring to Someone Politely
Reflexive pronouns can be used to refer to someone politely. In this case, 'yourself' and 'yourselves' are used frequently but other reflexive pronouns are rare.
I think an educated man like yourself would understand our policy quite well.
In this example, using 'yourself' instead of 'you' makes the sentence more polite.
We welcome gentlemen such as yourselves.
3. When Using a Reflexive Verb
Generally, if the object of a verb is a reflexive pronoun, that verb is called a reflexive verb. To be more specific, the subject and the direct object of reflexive verbs refer to the same person or thing. Look at the following example:
My daughter threw herself on the couch and started playing with her phone.
Here, 'threw' is a reflexive verb since the object and the subject refer to the same person.
Some verbs such as 'perjure' are always reflexive; meaning that they always need a reflexive pronoun as their object.
I couldn't believe it when Richard told me that he had perjured himself.
Examples of Reflexive Verbs
Using reflexive pronouns with certain verbs can change their meanings. Here are some examples of these verbs and their modified meanings. Remember that while using these verbs you can replace 'oneself' with any reflexive pronoun:
Reflexive Verb | Meaning |
|---|---|
Amuse oneself | Do something to pass the time |
Apply oneself | Work and try hard |
Content oneself with | Settle down for something less than one's desire |
Behave oneself | Act appropriately |
Find oneself | Learn about and understand oneself |
Help oneself (to) | Serve food/drink for oneself |
The meaning of these verbs is different when used without a reflexive object. Let us look at some examples of these verbs:
The ski lodge was closed, so we had to content ourselves with a warm cup of coffee at home.
In this example, if we omit the reflexive object, it does not mean to settle down anymore.
Please, help yourselves to snacks and drinks
Carol said she needs some time to find herself again.
'Find' does not mean 'to understand' without the reflexive object.
Emphatic Pronoun Vs. Reflexive Pronoun
Keep in mind that emphatic pronouns typically do not occupy the position of an object in a sentence. Instead, they are usually placed before the verb or at the end of the sentence for emphasis. Additionally, emphatic pronouns can be removed from the sentence without affecting its meaning or grammaticality, while reflexive pronouns are essential for the sentence structure. Compare the examples:
He himself bought a present.
In this example, 'himself' is placed before the verb and is an 'emphatic pronoun.'
He bought himself a present.
In this example, 'himself' is placed in the position of an indirect object and is a 'reflexive pronoun.'
Review
Reflexive pronouns are used to show the relationship between the subject and the object of the sentences. English reflexive pronouns include: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, and themselves. These pronouns are used in the following contexts:
functions | examples |
|---|---|
when subject and object are the same | They ordered themselves five cups of coffee. |
when we want to be polite | I need yourself to submit the report. |
when we use a reflexive verb | Enjoy yourself! Everybody is having fun. |
Quiz:
Which sentence correctly uses a reflexive pronoun?
She saw her in the mirror.
They helped them with snacks.
I told himself to be careful.
He bought himself a new book.
Sort the words to form a sentence with a reflexive pronoun.
Match each incomplete sentence with the correct ending based on the reflexive pronouns.
Fill each blanks by using the reflexive pronoun that matches the subject.
After finishing a challenging workout, I treated
to a well-deserved break.
After the rain, the kitten cleaned
by licking its fur.
After finishing project, you all should be proud of
for the fantastic teamwork.
When planning am adventure, one must trust
to overcome unexpected obstacles.
When faced with a difficult decision, you should rely on
.
Which sentence does not use a reflexive pronoun?
She found herself lost in thought.
They themselves decided to take a different route.
He hurt himself while playing football.
I bought myself a new book.
Comments
(5)
Recommended
