When learning English, understanding the different types of pronouns is essential. One category that often confuses learners is reflexive pronouns. Despite their seeming complexity, once you grasp their rules and uses, they become a valuable tool for expressing certain actions and relationships between subjects and objects in a sentence. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to reflexive pronouns, elaborating on their definition, usage, and common pitfalls.
What Are Reflexive Pronouns?
Reflexive pronouns are words used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same entity. In simpler terms, they are used when someone does something to themselves. Reflexive pronouns in English include: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, and themselves.
For example:
– I taught myself to play the piano.
– She looked at herself in the mirror.
– They prepared themselves for the exam.
Notice how the reflexive pronoun refers back to the subject of the sentence.
Forming Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns are formed by adding the suffix “-self” (singular) or “-selves” (plural) to certain personal pronouns. Here is a breakdown:
– I -> myself
– You (singular) -> yourself
– He -> himself
– She -> herself
– It -> itself
– We -> ourselves
– You (plural) -> yourselves
– They -> themselves
Uses of Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns serve several functions in English. Let’s explore the main uses:
1. To Indicate Actions Done by the Subject to Itself
As mentioned earlier, reflexive pronouns are used when the subject performs an action on itself. This is their primary function.
For example:
– The cat cleaned itself.
– You should treat yourself to something special.
– We enjoyed ourselves at the party.
2. To Emphasize the Subject
Reflexive pronouns can also be used for emphasis, often to stress that the subject did the action alone or without assistance.
For example:
– She completed the project herself.
– The chef prepared the entire meal himself.
– I’ll do it myself.
In these sentences, the reflexive pronoun emphasizes that no one else was involved in the action.
3. To Avoid Confusion or Ambiguity
Sometimes, reflexive pronouns help clarify who is performing the action in a sentence, especially in complex sentences or when multiple subjects are involved.
For example:
– John told Peter to take care of himself.
(Here, “himself” clarifies that Peter should take care of Peter, not John.)
4. In Prepositional Phrases
Reflexive pronouns are often used after certain prepositions, especially when the preposition refers back to the subject of the clause.
For example:
– She is very proud of herself.
– They talked among themselves.
– I did it by myself.
However, not all prepositional phrases use reflexive pronouns. The choice depends on whether the action reflects back to the subject.
Common Mistakes and Pitfalls
Understanding reflexive pronouns is one thing, but using them correctly is another. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
1. Using Reflexive Pronouns Incorrectly
A common mistake is using reflexive pronouns when they are not needed. This often occurs in sentences where the subject and object are not the same.
Incorrect: John and myself went to the store.
Correct: John and I went to the store.
In the incorrect sentence, “myself” is used unnecessarily. The correct pronoun is “I.”
2. Confusing Reflexive and Intensive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns can also serve as intensive pronouns, which are used for emphasis but do not change the meaning of the sentence. It’s crucial not to confuse the two uses.
For example:
– I myself will handle the situation. (Intensive)
– I handled the situation myself. (Reflexive)
In the first sentence, “myself” emphasizes “I,” while in the second, “myself” indicates that “I” handled the situation alone.
3. Incorrect Agreement
Reflexive pronouns must agree with their antecedents in both number and gender. Always ensure that the reflexive pronoun matches the subject.
Incorrect: Each of the boys should take care of themselves.
Correct: Each of the boys should take care of himself.
In the incorrect sentence, “themselves” does not agree with the singular subject “each.” The correct reflexive pronoun is “himself.”
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to master reflexive pronouns is through practice. Here are a few exercises to help you get started:
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate reflexive pronoun.
1. I taught _______ to play the guitar.
2. She bought _______ a new dress.
3. They found _______ in a difficult situation.
4. He hurt _______ while cooking.
5. We promised _______ we would do better next time.
Exercise 2: Correct the Sentences
Correct the following sentences where reflexive pronouns are used incorrectly.
1. Sarah and myself went to the concert.
2. The dog chased itself tail.
3. Each student should submit their homework themselves.
4. You should do your work by yourselves (singular).
5. The book itself is very interesting.
Exercise 3: Emphasis or Reflexive?
Determine whether the reflexive pronoun in each sentence is used for emphasis or as a reflexive pronoun.
1. I cooked the entire meal myself.
2. She looked at herself in the mirror.
3. We did all the work ourselves.
4. He himself admitted the mistake.
5. The kids dressed themselves.
Conclusion
Reflexive pronouns are a crucial component of English grammar, helping to clarify actions, emphasize subjects, and ensure sentences are clear and concise. By understanding their formation, uses, and common pitfalls, learners can greatly improve their command of English. Remember, practice is key. Use exercises, read extensively, and pay attention to how reflexive pronouns are used in everyday language. With time, using them will become second nature.
Happy learning!
