Chapter 1-3-9: Reflexive Pronouns

Grammar > Parts of Speech > Pronoun > Reflexive Pronouns

You can use a reflexive pronoun to refer back to the subject of the clause or sentence. Use reflexive pronouns when the subject of the verb is the same as the object.

The reflexive pronouns are "myself," "yourself," "herself," "himself," "itself," "ourselves," "yourselves," and "themselves." Note each of these can also act as an intensive pronoun. The second person singular is yourself, and the second person plural is yourselves.

Each of the highlighted words in the following sentences is a reflexive pronoun:

Diabetics give themselves insulin shots several times a day.

The Dean often does the photocopying herself so that the secretaries can do more important work.

After the party, I asked myself why I had faxed invitations to everyone in my office building.

Richard usually remembered to send a copy of his e-mail to himself.

Although the landlord promised to paint the apartment, we ended up doing it ourselves.

A reflexive pronoun can be used to emphasize noun or a pronoun:

Jeff Bezos himself appeared as a guest lecturer.


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