Reflexive Pronouns
Use myself, yourself, themselves when the subject and object are the same.
What Is It?
Reflexive pronouns end in -self or -selves: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves.
Why Do English Speakers Use It?
They show that the subject does something to itself, or add emphasis: “I made it myself.”
When to Use It
- Subject and object are the same: She hurt herself.
- Emphasis: The CEO herself answered the call.
- By + reflexive = alone: He lives by himself.
- Polite instructions: Help yourself to some tea.
When NOT to Use It
Don’t use them as a subject or instead of “me” to sound formal: “Please contact me”, not “Please contact myself”.
Sentence Structure
| Subject | Reflexive | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I / you | myself / yourself | I taught myself to code. |
| he / she / it | himself / herself / itself | The door locks itself. |
| we / you / they | ourselves / yourselves / themselves | Enjoy yourselves! |
Grammar Rules
- Plural forms end in -selves.
- “Hisself” and “theirselves” are not standard English.
- Many verbs don’t need a reflexive in English: relax, wash, shave, feel. (“I feel myself happy” is wrong.)
- Each other is different: They love each other (A loves B, B loves A).
Real-Life Examples
- Joe cut himself while cooking.
- Did you paint this yourself?
- We enjoyed ourselves at the wedding.
- The kids made breakfast by themselves.
Common Learner Mistakes
- Please send it to myself.Please send it to me.
- They did it theirselves.They did it themselves.
- I need to relax myself.I need to relax.
Quick Memory Tip
If you can remove the -self word and the sentence still needs an object pointing back to the subject, keep it. If “me” works, use “me”.
Real Conversation
Monica: This cake is delicious! Did you buy it?
Joe: No, I made it myself!
Monica: Wow. Can I help myself to another piece?
Interactive Practice
Pick an answer to check your understanding.
The children dressed ___ for school.
Final Mini Quiz
One last check before you mark the lesson complete.
Which sentence is correct?
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