Use reflexive pronouns

Key Notes:

What Are Reflexive Pronouns?

  • Definition: Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same person or thing. They reflect the action back to the subject.
  • Common Reflexive Pronouns: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves.

When to Use Reflexive Pronouns

  1. When the Subject and Object Are the Same:
    • Example: She taught herself to play the guitar.
  2. For Emphasis:
    • Example: I did the work myself.
  3. In Compound Subjects:
    • Example: John and Mary helped themselves to the snacks.

Placement in Sentences

Typically After the Verb: Reflexive pronouns usually come after the verb or object in a sentence.

  • Example: He made the cake himself.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Reflexive Pronouns Incorrectly: Don’t use reflexive pronouns if the subject and object are different.

  • Incorrect: She gave the book to myself.
  • Correct: She gave the book to me.

Forming Reflexive Pronouns

  • Singular Forms:
    • I → myself
    • You → yourself
    • He → himself
    • She → herself
    • It → itself
  • Plural Forms:
    • We → ourselves
    • You (plural) → yourselves
    • They → themselves

Examples in Sentences

  • Correct Usage:
    • The cat cleaned itself.
    • We enjoyed ourselves at the party.
  • Incorrect Usage:
    • He gave the book to she. (Incorrect, should be “her”)
    • They are talking to themself. (Incorrect, should be “themselves”)

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