Lesson – Introduction to Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns are a crucial component of English grammar, often used to indicate that the subject of the sentence is also the object of the action. They are formed by adding “-self” (singular) or “-selves” (plural) to certain personal pronouns. Reflexive pronouns include myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, and themselves. Understanding their correct usage is fundamental for ESL learners to express ideas clearly and accurately in English. This section aims to clarify common questions about reflexive pronouns and provide a quiz to test your understanding.
Reflexive pronouns are these words:
myself, yourself, herself, himself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, and themselves*
Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and the object in a sentence are the same person.
For example:
I hit myself with a hammer.
John hit himself with a hammer.
These sentences are not correct:
X I hit me with a hammer.
X John hit him with a hammer. (If John hit John.)
But remember, when the subject and object are different people, use the regular object pronouns (me, you, he, she, it, us, and them**.)
I hit her (Susan) with a hammer.
John hit him (Jack) with a hammer.
Reflexive Pronouns Practice Quiz
To help solidify your understanding of reflexive pronouns, try this 7-question quiz. Each question will require you to either identify the correct reflexive pronoun or use it in a sentence. Pay attention to the subject of each sentence to ensure agreement in number and gender. This exercise will test your comprehension and application of reflexive pronouns in various contexts. Good luck!
Check Your UnderstandingUse the the object to use a *reflexive pronoun or **object pronoun.
Examples:
A. Mary loves John. Mary loves him.
B. Tony and Faye saw Tony and Faye in the mirror. Tony and Faye saw themselves in the mirror.
1. Jim asked Carrie about the dance.
Jim asked ____________ about the dance.
2. The animal cleaned the animal with its tongue.
The animal cleaned ____________ with its tongue.
3. David and Alex asked Mr. Jones for advice.
David and Alex asked ____________ for advice.
4. You three kids will cut you three kids if you play with knives.
You three kids will cut ____________ if you play with knives.
5. Lisa and I gave Lisa and I a present from the mall.
Lisa and I gave ____________ a present from the mall.
6. Did Mrs. Nichols talk to you after class?
Did Mr. Nichols talk to ____________ after class?
7. Mr. Nichols talked to Mr. Nichols after class.
Mr. Nichols talked to ____________ after class.
Answer Key:
- her
- itself
- him
- yourselves
- ourselves
- you
- himself
Frequently Asked Questions about Reflexive Pronouns
A reflexive pronoun is a type of pronoun that is used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same person or thing. For example, in “She taught herself,” “herself” is a reflexive pronoun indicating that the subject (she) is performing the action on herself.
se a reflexive pronoun when the subject of the sentence is also the object. This is common in situations where someone is performing an action on themselves. For example, “I saw myself in the mirror” uses “myself” because the same person is both seeing and being seen.
Yes, reflexive pronouns can be used for emphasis. When you want to emphasize the subject of the sentence, you can use a reflexive pronoun. For example, “I myself am unsure of the answer,” the word “myself” is used for emphasis.
The reflexive pronoun must agree in number and gender with the subject. For singular, use “myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself,” and for plural, use “ourselves, yourselves, themselves.”
While reflexive and intensive pronouns look identical, their uses differ. Reflexive pronouns are necessary for the sentence to make sense, while intensive pronouns are used for emphasis and can be removed without altering the basic meaning of the sentence.