Reflexive and Intensive Pronouns

Which of the following words is a reflexive pronoun?

• me

• our

• they

• myself

Answer explanation

Reflexive and intensive pronouns are formed by adding '-self' or '-selves' to a personal pronoun. 'Myself' is the only option that fits this rule.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.1B

CCSS.L.3.1D

Complete the sentence: My brother taught ______ how to play the guitar.

• him

• hisself

• himself

• he

Answer explanation

The pronoun must agree with the antecedent 'brother' (he) and show the action reflects back on the subject. 'Himself' is the correct reflexive pronoun; 'hisself' is not a standard English word.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.1B

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.2.1C

CCSS.L.2.1D

True or False: The word 'theirselves' is a correct pronoun to use in formal writing.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The correct plural reflexive/intensive pronoun for the antecedent 'they' is 'themselves'. 'Theirselves' is a nonstandard form and should not be used.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.1B

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.2.1C

CCSS.L.2.1D

Complete the sentence: The cat groomed ______ until its fur was shiny.

• itself

• it

• herself

• himself

Answer explanation

The antecedent is 'The cat' (it), so the correct reflexive pronoun is 'itself'. The action of grooming is being done by the cat to the cat.

In which sentence is the pronoun 'herself' used as an intensive pronoun?

• Maria accidentally locked herself out of the house.

• The author herself signed my copy of the book.

• She bought a new backpack for herself.

• My mom reminded herself to pick up milk.

Answer explanation

It is an intensive pronoun because it adds emphasis to 'The author' and can be removed without changing the sentence's basic meaning. In the other sentences, the pronoun is reflexive and necessary.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.1B

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.2.1C

CCSS.L.2.1D

What is the main function of a reflexive pronoun in a sentence?

• To add extra emphasis to a noun or pronoun.

• To show that the subject is performing an action on itself.

• To replace the subject of the sentence entirely.

• To connect two different ideas in a sentence.

Answer explanation

A reflexive pronoun is used as an object that refers back to the subject, indicating the subject and object are the same. For example, 'I taught myself.'

True or False: An intensive pronoun is essential to the basic meaning of a sentence.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

An intensive pronoun adds emphasis but is not essential to the sentence's grammatical structure or basic meaning. If you remove it, the sentence still makes sense.

Complete the sentence: You and your friends should be proud of ______ for winning the competition.

• yourself

• yourselves

• themselves

• ourselves

Answer explanation

The antecedent is 'You and your friends,' which is a plural 'you'. The correct plural reflexive pronoun for 'you' is 'yourselves'.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.1B

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.2.1C

CCSS.L.2.1D

Identify the role of 'themselves' in this sentence: The players pushed themselves to practice even harder after the loss.

• Intensive, because it emphasizes 'players'.

• Reflexive, because the 'players' are the ones being 'pushed'.

• Intensive, because the sentence makes sense without it.

• Reflexive, because it is at the end of the sentence.

Answer explanation

The pronoun 'themselves' is reflexive because it is the direct object of the verb 'pushed' and refers back to the subject 'players'. The sentence would be incomplete without it.

Complete the sentence with the pronoun that best fits the grammar rule for imperatives: Please help ______ to the pizza on the counter.

• himself

• themselves

• yourself

• myself

Answer explanation

In an imperative (command), the subject is an understood 'you'. Therefore, the reflexive pronoun must be 'yourself' (or 'yourselves' if talking to a group).

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.6.1A

CCSS.L.6.1C

CCSS.L.6.1D