Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. What Are Reflexive Pronouns?
  3. List of Reflexive Pronouns
  4. Using Reflexive Pronouns Correctly
  5. Reflexive vs. Emphatic Pronouns
  6. Common Mistakes with Reflexive Pronouns
  7. Reflexive Pronouns Exercises
  8. Answers
  9. Conclusion

Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on reflexive pronouns in English! Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same person or thing. They are essential for expressing actions that someone does to themselves and for adding emphasis. Mastering reflexive pronouns will enhance your ability to communicate effectively in English.

This guide is designed specifically for ESL students. We’ll explain what reflexive pronouns are, provide a list of them, discuss how to use them correctly, and highlight the difference between reflexive and emphatic pronouns. We’ll also point out common mistakes and offer exercises to help you practice. By the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident using reflexive pronouns in your everyday English conversations and writing.

What Are Reflexive Pronouns?

Reflexive pronouns are pronouns that end with “-self” (singular) or “-selves” (plural) and refer back to the subject of the sentence. They are used when the subject and the object are the same entity, indicating that the action of the verb reflects back on the subject.

  • She taught herself to play the piano.
  • They prepared themselves for the exam.
  • I cut myself while cooking.

List of Reflexive Pronouns

Here is a list of reflexive pronouns in English:

  • Myself — refers back to “I”
  • Yourself — refers back to “you” (singular informal)
  • Himself — refers back to “he”
  • Herself — refers back to “she”
  • Itself — refers back to “it”
  • Ourselves — refers back to “we”
  • Yourselves — refers back to “you” (plural or formal)
  • Themselves — refers back to “they”

Using Reflexive Pronouns Correctly

Reflexive pronouns are used in several situations:

1. When the Subject and Object Are the Same

  • He introduced himself to the new team.
  • We enjoyed ourselves at the party.

2. After Certain Verbs with Prepositions

Some verbs require reflexive pronouns when they are followed by certain prepositions like “to,” “for,” “with,” etc.

  • She is talking to herself.
  • They took the entire burden upon themselves.

3. For Emphasis

Reflexive pronouns can be used to emphasize the subject.

  • I myself don’t agree with the decision.
  • The CEO herself presented the award.

Reflexive vs. Emphatic Pronouns

Reflexive pronouns can function as emphatic pronouns when they are used to emphasize a noun or pronoun. The form is the same, but the usage is different.

Reflexive Pronoun Usage

The action of the verb refers back to the subject.

  • He hurt himself while playing football.
  • They blame themselves for the mistake.

Emphatic Pronoun Usage

The pronoun emphasizes the subject but is not necessary for the sentence to make sense.

  • She herself designed the dress.
  • We ourselves will handle the situation.

Common Mistakes with Reflexive Pronouns

1. Using Reflexive Pronouns Instead of Subject or Object Pronouns

❌ John and myself went to the store.

✅ John and I went to the store.

Tip: Use subject pronouns (“I,” “he,” “she”) as subjects, not reflexive pronouns.

2. Incorrect Forms of Reflexive Pronouns

❌ They should do it theirselves.

✅ They should do it themselves.

Tip: Ensure you use the correct reflexive pronoun form.

3. Overusing Reflexive Pronouns for Emphasis

❌ The manager himself he will attend the meeting.

✅ The manager himself will attend the meeting.

Tip: Do not repeat the subject when using an emphatic pronoun.

4. Using “Hisself” and “Theirselves”

❌ He prepared hisself for the exam.

✅ He prepared himself for the exam.

Tip: “Hisself” and “theirselves” are nonstandard; use “himself” and “themselves.”

5. Misplacing Reflexive Pronouns in a Sentence

❌ She taught French to herself.

✅ She taught herself French.

Tip: Place the reflexive pronoun immediately after the verb when it’s the object.

Reflexive Pronouns Exercises

Now it’s time to practice! Complete the following exercises to test your understanding of reflexive pronouns.

Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Reflexive Pronoun

Select the correct reflexive pronoun to complete each sentence.

  1. I made this cake all by _______. (myself/himself)
  2. The cat cleaned _______ after eating. (itself/themselves)
  3. They enjoyed _______ at the amusement park. (ourselves/themselves)
  4. Did you hurt _______ when you fell? (yourself/yourselves)
  5. She taught _______ how to sew. (herself/itself)

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks with the Correct Reflexive Pronoun

Complete the sentences with the appropriate reflexive pronoun.

  1. We can handle this problem _______.
  2. The robot can operate _______.
  3. You should trust _______ more.
  4. The children dressed _______ this morning.
  5. He blames _______ for the mistake.

Exercise 3: Correct the Mistakes

Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences.

  1. She prepared the meal by her.
  2. They completed the project by theirselves.
  3. I bought myself a gift for myself.
  4. He looked at hisself in the mirror.
  5. We enjoyed at the concert ourselves.

Exercise 4: Reflexive or Emphatic Pronoun?

Decide whether the reflexive pronoun in each sentence is used reflexively or for emphasis. Write “Reflexive” or “Emphatic”.

  1. I built the house myself.
  2. The dog chased itself in circles.
  3. You yourselves are responsible for the outcome.
  4. She cut herself while cooking.
  5. They themselves admitted the error.

Exercise 5: Write Sentences

Use the given reflexive pronouns to write sentences.

  1. Myself
  2. Themselves
  3. Himself
  4. Ourselves
  5. Yourself

Answers

Exercise 1

  1. I made this cake all by myself.
  2. The cat cleaned itself after eating.
  3. They enjoyed themselves at the amusement park.
  4. Did you hurt yourself when you fell?
  5. She taught herself how to sew.

Exercise 2

  1. We can handle this problem ourselves.
  2. The robot can operate itself.
  3. You should trust yourself more.
  4. The children dressed themselves this morning.
  5. He blames himself for the mistake.

Exercise 3

  1. She prepared the meal by herself.
  2. They completed the project by themselves.
  3. I bought a gift for myself.
  4. He looked at himself in the mirror.
  5. We enjoyed ourselves at the concert.

Exercise 4

  1. I built the house myself. — Emphatic
  2. The dog chased itself in circles. — Reflexive
  3. You yourselves are responsible for the outcome. — Emphatic
  4. She cut herself while cooking. — Reflexive
  5. They themselves admitted the error. — Emphatic

Exercise 5

Your sentences may vary. Here are some examples:

  1. I taught myself to play the guitar.
  2. They prepared themselves for the journey.
  3. He convinced himself to take the risk.
  4. We enjoyed ourselves at the festival.
  5. Please help yourself to some cake.

Conclusion

Understanding and using reflexive pronouns correctly is essential for expressing actions that reflect back on the subject and for adding emphasis in English. By familiarizing yourself with reflexive pronouns and practicing their usage, you’ll enhance your communication skills significantly.

If you have any questions, thoughts, or would like to share your own sentences using reflexive pronouns, please leave a comment below. Happy learning!

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