Reflexive and reciprocal pronouns

They are in love. = They love ________.

• someone else

• themselves

• a third party

• each other

Answer explanation

The phrase 'They are in love' indicates a mutual affection between two people. Therefore, the correct completion is 'They love each other,' which reflects this reciprocal relationship.

She often talks to ________ when she needs advice.

• herself

• each other

• myself

• him

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'herself' because it indicates that she seeks advice from her own thoughts or feelings. The other options do not fit the context of self-reflection or personal advice.

He and his wife are very arrogant. They love ________.

• themselves

• herself

• one another

• him

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'themselves' because it refers to both he and his wife, indicating their mutual arrogance. 'Herself' and 'him' are incorrect as they refer to one person, while 'one another' is less appropriate in this context.

John baked ________ a cake.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'himself' because it indicates that John baked the cake for himself, emphasizing that he did it personally. The sentence structure requires a reflexive pronoun to complete the meaning.

We don't need any help. We'll do it ________.

• together

• one another

• with assistance

• ourselves

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'ourselves' because it emphasizes self-sufficiency. The phrase indicates that the speaker and their group are capable of completing the task without external help.

They always support ________ in difficult times.

• each other

• themselves

• their friends

• the family

Answer explanation

The phrase 'They always support each other' emphasizes mutual assistance, which is essential in difficult times. The other options imply support for oneself or specific groups, but 'each other' captures the essence of collective support.

The TV is broken. It always switches __________ off.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'itself' because it indicates that the TV turns off automatically without external intervention. The phrase 'switches itself off' is a common expression for devices that power down on their own.

Friends help ________ when needed.

• themselves

• one another

• strangers

• their parents

Answer explanation

The phrase 'help one another' emphasizes mutual support among friends, making it the most appropriate choice. The other options do not convey the same sense of reciprocal assistance.

I have learned to take care for ___________.

• others

• myself

• pets

• plants

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'myself' because the phrase 'take care for' typically refers to self-care. While caring for others, pets, or plants is important, the context here emphasizes personal responsibility.

When the Smiths arrived, they had the whole swimming pool for __________.

• ourselves

• yourselves

• themselves

• each other

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'themselves' because it refers back to the Smiths, indicating they had the pool for their own use. 'Ourselves' would imply inclusion of the speaker, while 'yourselves' and 'each other' do not fit the context.