What is an Intensive Pronoun? Definition, Usage, and Examples

What is an Intensive Pronoun?

An intensive pronoun is a pronoun that is used to emphasize the noun or pronoun it refers to. It is formed by adding the suffix “self” or “selves” to a personal pronoun. The most common intensive pronouns are:

• myself
• yourself
• himself
• herself
• itself
• ourselves
• yourselves
• themselves
  
  

Definition of Intensive Pronoun

An intensive pronoun is a pronoun that emphasizes or intensifies a noun or another pronoun in the same sentence. These pronouns are used to add emphasis to a particular person, thing, or idea, giving more importance to the subject being referred to.

Usage of Intensive Pronoun

Intensive pronouns are used in two primary ways:

1. Emphasizing the Subject: Intensive pronouns are used to emphasize the subject of a sentence, highlighting its significance or importance. The intensive pronoun appears right after the noun or pronoun it intensifies.

Example: Jenny herself baked the delicious cake for the party.

In this sentence, “herself” is the intensive pronoun that emphasizes the subject “Jenny,” indicating that she, and no one else, baked the cake.

2. Reinforcing Pronouns: Intensive pronouns can also be used to reinforce reflexive pronouns. Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and object of a sentence are the same, while intensive pronouns merely add emphasis to the subject.

Example: The chef himself prepared the exotic dish.

Here, “himself” reinforces the pronoun “the chef,” but it does not imply that the chef performed the action on himself; rather, it adds emphasis to the fact that the chef prepared the dish.

Tips for Using Intensive Pronouns

1. Placement: Intensive pronouns should be placed right after the noun or pronoun they emphasize. Placing them elsewhere in the sentence can lead to confusion or ambiguity.
2. Differentiation from Reflexive Pronouns: While both intensive and reflexive pronouns end in “-self” or “-selves,” it’s essential to differentiate their purposes. Reflexive pronouns reflect the action back to the subject, while intensive pronouns merely emphasize the subject without reflecting the action back.
3. Context Matters: The use of intensive pronouns should be contextually appropriate. Overusing them may make the language sound overly dramatic or verbose.
   
   

Examples of Intensive Pronouns

Here are some more examples of intensive pronouns in use:

• I did it all by myself.
• She herself was the one who called.
• The dog itself was not injured.
• We ourselves are responsible for our own actions.
• You yourselves should know better.
• John fixed the broken bicycle himself.
• The team members designed the website themselves.
• Sheila wrote the entire book herself.
• I myself completed the challenging task.
• We will face the consequences ourselves.
• She herself completed the challenging obstacle course.
• The children made the sandcastle themselves.
• The professor himself explained the complex theory.
• We ourselves planned this surprise party.
• John fixed the leaking pipe himself.
• Sarah herself wrote the heartfelt letter.
• They themselves built the treehouse.
• The team won the championship themselves.
• I myself cannot believe what happened.
• The actors themselves performed the stunts.
• Jane herself made the beautiful painting.
• We ourselves witnessed the breathtaking sunset.
• The travelers carried their bags themselves.
• The mechanic himself repaired my car.
• The students completed the project themselves.
• Tom himself solved the difficult puzzle.
• The team members themselves voted for the new captain.
• She herself prepared the exquisite meal.
• I myself don’t understand the complex math problem.
• The dog groomed itself after playing in the mud.
• The employees organized the event themselves.
• The manager himself announced the new policy.
• We ourselves can achieve greatness.
• The baby fed itself with the spoon.
• The athletes themselves trained hard for the competition.
• The teacher himself corrected the students’ errors.
• The volunteers built the houses themselves.
• The singer herself composed the beautiful song.
• I myself will handle the situation.
• The team managed to win the match themselves.
• The children prepared the sandwiches themselves.
• He himself finished the entire pizza.
• The students organized the fundraiser themselves.
• We ourselves witnessed the historical event.
• The actor himself performed the dangerous stunt.
• The artists themselves exhibited their artwork.
• The host himself introduced the guest speaker.
• They themselves solved the challenging riddles.
• She herself designed the stunning dress.
• I myself am responsible for this mess.
• The dancers themselves choreographed the routine.
• The chef himself cooked the delicious meal.
• We ourselves can’t believe the incredible news.
• The players trained themselves for the marathon.
• He himself painted the mural on the wall.
• The staff cleaned the office themselves.
• The family packed their bags themselves.
• She herself completed the marathon race.
• The team members themselves organized the event.
• We ourselves will handle the project with care.
  
  

Intensive pronouns are a useful tool for adding emphasis to your writing. However, it’s important to use them sparingly and correctly. By following the tips in this blog, you can use intensive pronouns to improve your writing and make your sentences more effective.

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