Reflexive and Intensive Pronouns

Front

What is a reflexive pronoun?

Back

A reflexive pronoun is a pronoun that refers back to the subject of the sentence. Examples include myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, and themselves.

Front

What is an intensive pronoun?

Back

An intensive pronoun emphasizes a noun or another pronoun. It is formed the same way as a reflexive pronoun but is used for emphasis. Examples include myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, and themselves.

Front

When do we use 'myself'?

Back

We use 'myself' when the subject is 'I' and we want to refer back to the same person. Example: I made the cake myself.

Front

When do we use 'yourself'?

Back

We use 'yourself' when the subject is 'you' and we want to refer back to the same person. Example: You should take care of yourself.

Front

When do we use 'himself'?

Back

We use 'himself' when the subject is 'he' and we want to refer back to the same person. Example: He taught himself to play the guitar.

Front

When do we use 'herself'?

Back

We use 'herself' when the subject is 'she' and we want to refer back to the same person. Example: She completed the project herself.

Front

When do we use 'itself'?

Back

We use 'itself' when the subject is 'it' and we want to refer back to the same thing. Example: The cat cleaned itself.

Front

When do we use 'ourselves'?

Back

We use 'ourselves' when the subject is 'we' and we want to refer back to the same group. Example: We enjoyed the party ourselves.

Front

When do we use 'yourselves'?

Back

We use 'yourselves' when the subject is 'you' (plural) and we want to refer back to the same group. Example: You should all enjoy yourselves.

Front

When do we use 'themselves'?

Back

We use 'themselves' when the subject is 'they' and we want to refer back to the same group. Example: They prepared the meal themselves.