{"id":17906,"date":"2023-07-25T21:04:22","date_gmt":"2023-07-26T04:04:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/?p=17906"},"modified":"2023-07-25T21:04:25","modified_gmt":"2023-07-26T04:04:25","slug":"what-is-a-reflexive-pronoun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/what-is-a-reflexive-pronoun\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Reflexive Pronoun? Definition, Usage, and Examples"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"words-head\" id=\"words-2041007492\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-5017566440575750\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-5017566440575750\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3340569236\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color\">What is a Reflexive Pronoun?<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A reflexive pronoun is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/category\/pronouns\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pronoun<\/a> that refers back to the subject of the sentence. Reflexive pronouns are used to emphasize the subject or to indicate that the subject is the recipient of the action.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The nine English reflexive pronouns are:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>myself<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>yourself<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>himself<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>herself<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>itself<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ourselves<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>yourselves<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>themselves<br><br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Reflexive pronouns can be used in both the singular and plural forms. For example, &#8220;I cut myself&#8221; and &#8220;We enjoyed ourselves.&#8221;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color\">Definition of Reflexive Pronoun<\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A reflexive pronoun is a type of pronoun used to indicate that the subject of a sentence is also the object, receiving the action. These pronouns are essential when the subject performs an action upon themselves. Reflexive pronouns are formed by adding &#8220;-self&#8221; (singular) or &#8220;-selves&#8221; (plural) to personal pronouns, such as &#8220;myself,&#8221; &#8220;yourself,&#8221; &#8220;himself,&#8221; &#8220;herself,&#8221; &#8220;itself,&#8221; &#8220;ourselves,&#8221; &#8220;yourselves,&#8221; and &#8220;themselves.&#8221;<br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color\">Usage of Reflexive Pronouns<\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Actions on Oneself:<\/mark><\/strong> Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and object of a sentence refer to the same person or thing, indicating an action performed on oneself.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example:<\/strong> She cut herself while preparing dinner.<br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"2\">\n<li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Emphasizing the Subject:<\/mark><\/strong> Reflexive pronouns can be used for emphasis to reinforce the subject&#8217;s role in an action or event.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example:<\/strong> I myself saw the breathtaking sunset.<br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"3\">\n<li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Reflexive Possessive:<\/mark><\/strong> Reflexive pronouns can also indicate possessive relationships when used in conjunction with possessive adjectives like &#8220;my,&#8221; &#8220;your,&#8221; &#8220;his,&#8221; &#8220;her,&#8221; &#8220;its,&#8221; &#8220;our,&#8221; &#8220;your,&#8221; and &#8220;their.&#8221;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example:<\/strong> John and Jane admired each other&#8217;s artwork.<br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"4\">\n<li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Intransitive Verbs:<\/mark><\/strong> Some verbs are intransitive, meaning they don&#8217;t require an object. In such cases, reflexive pronouns are used to add meaning to the action.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example:<\/strong> The cat groomed itself on the windowsill.<br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"5\">\n<li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Intensifiers:<\/mark><\/strong> Reflexive pronouns can function as intensifiers to add emphasis or emphasize a point in a sentence.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example:<\/strong> The team celebrated their victory by treating themselves to a lavish dinner.<br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color\">Examples of Reflexive Pronouns in Sentences<\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>I need to remind myself to buy groceries on the way home.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The children prepared themselves for the upcoming examination.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The ambitious entrepreneur built the entire website herself.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Please restrain yourselves from making any noise during the presentation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After a long day at work, he enjoys pampering himself with a hot bath.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The majestic peacock proudly displayed itself to attract a mate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We promised ourselves to work harder and achieve our goals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The teacher encouraged the students to challenge themselves with difficult assignments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>I cut myself while shaving.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>She dressed herself for the party.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The cat washed itself.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We enjoyed ourselves at the party.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They helped themselves to the food.<br><br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Examples-of-Reflexive-Pronouns-wordscoach.com_-1024x576.webp\" alt=\"Examples of Reflexive Pronouns - wordscoach.com\" class=\"wp-image-17911\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Examples-of-Reflexive-Pronouns-wordscoach.com_-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Examples-of-Reflexive-Pronouns-wordscoach.com_-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Examples-of-Reflexive-Pronouns-wordscoach.com_-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Examples-of-Reflexive-Pronouns-wordscoach.com_-1536x864.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Examples-of-Reflexive-Pronouns-wordscoach.com_-150x84.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Examples-of-Reflexive-Pronouns-wordscoach.com_-jpg.webp 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color\">Usage of Reflexive Pronouns<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Reflexive pronouns are used in a variety of ways:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>To emphasize the subject of the sentence. For example, &#8220;I did it myself.&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To indicate that the subject is the recipient of the action. For example, &#8220;She dressed herself.&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To show that the subject is acting for its own benefit. For example, &#8220;He bought himself a new car.&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To add emphasis to a verb. For example, &#8220;I hurt myself.&#8221;<br><br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color\">Tips for Using Reflexive Pronouns<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here are some tips for using reflexive pronouns correctly:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use the correct reflexive pronoun for the number and gender of the subject. For example, use &#8220;myself&#8221; for the singular first person, &#8220;yourself&#8221; for the singular second person, and &#8220;himself&#8221; for the singular third person masculine.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use reflexive pronouns only when the subject and object of the sentence are the same. For example, you would not say &#8220;I cut myself the bread.&#8221; In this sentence, the subject (&#8220;I&#8221;) is not the same as the object (&#8220;the bread&#8221;).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do not use reflexive pronouns when the subject and object of the sentence are different. For example, you would say &#8220;I cut myself&#8221; instead of &#8220;I cut me.&#8221; In this sentence, the subject (&#8220;I&#8221;) is the same as the object (&#8220;me&#8221;).<br><br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Reflexive pronouns are a useful part of the English language. By understanding how to use them correctly, you can improve your writing and make your sentences more concise and effective.<br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.users.wordsdaily\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Download Word Coach Application<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is a Reflexive Pronoun?<\/p>\n<p>A reflexive pronoun is a pronoun that refers back to the subject of the sentence. Reflexive pronouns are used to emphasize the subject or to indicate that the subject is the recipient of the action.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":17910,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17275,72],"tags":[374,73,17274,17273],"class_list":["post-17906","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-reflexive-pronoun","category-pronouns","tag-english-grammar","tag-pronouns","tag-reflexive-pronoun","tag-what-is-a-reflexive-pronoun"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17906","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17906"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17906\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17910"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17906"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17906"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17906"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}