What Are Reflexive Pronouns Definition Rules and Usage Examples
Reflexive pronouns are words that refer back to the subject in a sentence. They are essential for writing accurate sentences in school, doing well in English exams, and when communicating in everyday life. Learning them helps you avoid common grammar mistakes and improves your confidence in both spoken and written English.
List of Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns in English end with “-self” or “-selves.” Use them when the subject and object of a verb are the same.
- Myself
- Yourself
- Himself
- Herself
- Itself
- Ourselves
- Yourselves
- Themselves
- Oneself
Example: She taught herself to play guitar.
Rules for Using Reflexive Pronouns
- Use a reflexive pronoun when the subject and object are the same.
- Avoid using reflexive pronouns as a subject.
- After most prepositions, use reflexive pronouns if referring to the subject.
- Do not use “myself,” “yourself,” etc., as a substitute for standard object pronouns.
Correct: I made it myself.
Incorrect: Sarah or myself will call you.
Reflexive vs Intensive (Emphatic) Pronouns
| Reflexive Pronoun | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Himself (reflexive) | Points the action back to the subject | He built the house himself. |
| Himself (intensive) | Adds emphasis to the subject | The doctor himself called today. |
Without the intensive pronoun, the main meaning remains. For reflexive, removing it changes the meaning.
Example Sentences With Reflexive Pronouns
- I finished the homework by myself.
- He hurt himself while running.
- She looked at herself in the mirror.
- We enjoyed ourselves at the party.
- You should believe in yourself.
- The cat cleaned itself quickly.
- They introduced themselves to the group.
- Please help yourselves to snacks.
- One should take care of oneself.
- The children dressed themselves this morning.
Common Mistakes With Reflexive Pronouns
- Do not use “myself” as a subject or with another noun as in “Maria and myself went.”
- Never use a reflexive pronoun when a normal object pronoun fits, such as “She gave the book to myself.”
- A reflexive pronoun should only refer to the subject in the same clause.
- Double reflexive forms like “theirselves” are incorrect.
Short Summary
Reflexive pronouns are words ending in “-self” or “-selves” that refer to the subject of the sentence. They show that an action returns to the doer. By learning their correct forms and usage rules, students avoid common grammar errors. Mastery helps in exams and everyday communication. At Vedantu, these English grammar concepts are explained with easy examples for every learner.
FAQs on Reflexive Pronouns in English Grammar
1. What are reflexive pronouns in English?
A reflexive pronoun is a pronoun that refers back to the subject of the same sentence and ends in -self or -selves. Reflexive pronouns show that the subject and the object are the same person or thing.
- Examples: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves
- Example sentence: She hurt herself.
- Here, “herself” refers back to the subject “she.”
2. How do you use reflexive pronouns in a sentence?
You use a reflexive pronoun when the subject and the object of the verb are the same. It usually follows the verb or preposition in the sentence.
- Structure: Subject + verb + reflexive pronoun
- Example: He taught himself to play the guitar.
- After prepositions: She was talking to herself.
3. What is the difference between reflexive and intensive pronouns?
The difference is that reflexive pronouns act as objects, while intensive pronouns emphasize a noun and can be removed without changing the sentence meaning. Both use the same forms (myself, yourself, etc.).
- Reflexive: She blamed herself. (necessary object)
- Intensive: She herself solved the problem. (adds emphasis)
- If you remove “herself” in the second sentence, the sentence still makes sense.
4. When should you not use reflexive pronouns?
You should not use a reflexive pronoun when the subject and object are different or when a simple object pronoun is needed. Many learners incorrectly use reflexive forms for emphasis or politeness.
- Incorrect: John and myself went to the store.
- Correct: John and I went to the store.
- Use reflexive pronouns only when the subject acts on itself.
5. Can you give examples of reflexive pronouns in sentences?
Yes, reflexive pronouns are used when the subject performs an action on itself. Here are clear examples:
- I prepared myself for the exam.
- They enjoyed themselves at the party.
- The cat cleaned itself.
6. What are the rules for forming reflexive pronouns?
Reflexive pronouns are formed by adding -self (singular) or -selves (plural) to certain personal pronouns. The form depends on number and person.
- Singular: my + self = myself
- Plural: them + selves = themselves
- Note irregular forms: himself, themselves (not “theirselves”)
7. Why are reflexive pronouns important in English grammar?
Reflexive pronouns are important because they clarify that the subject receives its own action and prevent confusion in meaning. They ensure grammatical accuracy in both spoken and written English.
- They show self-action: She introduced herself.
- They avoid ambiguity: He blamed himself (not someone else).
- They are essential for correct verb-object relationships.
8. What is the difference between “each other” and reflexive pronouns?
The difference is that reflexive pronouns refer back to the same subject, while each other shows a mutual action between two or more people. They are not interchangeable.
- Reflexive: They blamed themselves. (self-action)
- Reciprocal: They blamed each other. (mutual action)
- Use “each other” when two or more subjects act on one another.
9. Can reflexive pronouns be used for emphasis?
Yes, reflexive pronouns can be used as intensive pronouns to add emphasis to a noun or subject. In this case, they highlight who performed the action.
- Example: The CEO herself approved the decision.
- Example: I did it myself.
- Removing the pronoun does not change the basic meaning, only the emphasis.
10. What are common mistakes with reflexive pronouns?
Common mistakes with reflexive pronouns include using them instead of subject or object pronouns and creating incorrect forms. These errors often occur in formal speech.
- Incorrect: Please contact John or myself.
- Correct: Please contact John or me.
- Incorrect form: theirselves (Correct: themselves)
