What are reflexive pronouns?
Reflexive pronouns are words we use when the subject and the object of a verb are the same person or thing. They end in -self or -selves in English.
Structure
Subject + verb + reflexive pronoun
I taught myself.
Common set
I — myself • you — yourself • he — himself • we — ourselves • they — themselves
When to use them
- When the subject does an action to itself: She looked at herself in the mirror.
- For emphasis (intensive use): I made this cake myself.
- After certain verbs that require a reflexive object in English (e.g., "behave oneself").
Exercises
myself
yourself
himself
themselves
Sentence: He blamed ___ for the mistake.
Type the correct reflexive pronoun (e.g., ourselves)
a) We made dinner by ___.
b) She introduced ___ to the class.
c) I did it ___, no help.
A) Give it to John and myself.
B) Give it to John and me.
Which is correct?
Common mistakes
- Using reflexives as subjects: Myself did it — wrong. Use I.
- Using reflexives where object pronouns are correct: Give it to myself — wrong. Use me.
- Confusing emphasis with reflexive required: He fixed it himself. (okay for emphasis)