GV

Reflexive Pronouns

Using myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves

beginner

When to Use Reflexive Pronouns

  • •When subject and object are the same: I hurt myself. She taught herself.
  • •For emphasis: I did it myself. The president himself attended.
  • •After certain verbs: enjoy yourself, help yourself, behave yourself.
  • •With by for alone: He lives by himself. I finished it by myself.
  • •Not used after feel/relax/concentrate (no object needed): I feel good (not myself).

How to Form Reflexive Pronouns

Affirmative (+)

Subject + verb + reflexive pronoun (matching subject)

Negative (-)

Subject + don't/doesn't + verb + reflexive pronoun

Question (?)

Did + subject + verb + reflexive pronoun?

💡 Singular: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself. Plural: ourselves, yourselves, themselves.

Examples of Reflexive Pronouns

✓She cut herself while cooking.

✗She cut her while cooking.

Same person = reflexive.

✓Help yourself to some food.

✗Help you to some food.

Fixed expression with reflexive.

✓I did the work myself.

✗I did the work by me.

Emphasis uses reflexive; alone uses by + reflexive.

Common Mistakes with Reflexive Pronouns

💡 Practice Tips for Reflexive Pronouns

  • • Match reflexive to subject: I → myself, you → yourself, he → himself, etc.
  • • Use for same subject/object or emphasis.
  • • By + reflexive = alone: by myself, by yourself.
  • • Don't use after feel, relax, concentrate, meet.
Quick Quiz
  1. 1.He cut   shaving this morning.
  2. 2.The kids really enjoyed   at the party.
  3. 3.I prefer working by   — fewer distractions.
  4. 4.After the long walk, I   tired.
  5. Question 5: She taught blank (she) to play the guitar.
    5.She taught (she) to play the guitar.
  6. Question 6: Help blank to some cake — there's plenty! (you, plural)
    6.Help to some cake — there's plenty! (you, plural)
  7. Question 7: The president blank (he) attended the ceremony — that's how important it was.
    7.The president (he) attended the ceremony — that's how important it was.
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