In this module, you will learn what reflexive pronouns are, how to use them correctly, and practice with examples. By the end of this lesson, you’ll feel confident using reflexive pronouns in your everyday English conversations.
What Are Reflexive Pronouns?
Reflexive pronouns are words that end in -self (singular) or -selves (plural). They are used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same person or thing.
For example:
- I hurt myself.
- She taught herself how to play the guitar.
List of Reflexive Pronouns
Here is a table showing the reflexive pronouns and their corresponding personal pronouns:
| Personal Pronoun | Reflexive Pronoun |
|---|---|
| I | Myself |
| You | Yourself |
| He | Himself |
| She | Herself |
| It | Itself |
| We | Ourselves |
| You (plural) | Yourselves |
| They | Themselves |
How to Use Reflexive Pronouns
1. When the Subject and Object Are the Same
Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and the object of the sentence refer to the same person or thing.
Examples:
- Tom burned himself while cooking.
- The cat cleaned itself.
2. For Emphasis
Reflexive pronouns can also be used to emphasize that someone did something by themselves, without help.
Examples:
- She painted the house herself.
- I prepared the meal myself.
3. With Certain Expressions
Some expressions in English require reflexive pronouns. Here are a few common ones:
| Expression | Example |
|---|---|
| Enjoy yourself | Enjoy yourself at the party! |
| Help yourself | Help yourself to some cake. |
| Behave yourself | Behave yourself in class. |
| Look after yourself | Look after yourself during the winter. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Using Reflexive Pronouns Incorrectly
Avoid using reflexive pronouns when the subject and object are not the same.
Incorrect:
- Marta told to herself about the movie.
Correct:
- Marta told me about the movie.
2. Overusing Reflexive Pronouns
Do not use reflexive pronouns unnecessarily.
Incorrect:
- He gave the book to myself.
Correct:
- He gave the book to me.
Practice Games
Summary
In this lesson, you learned:
- Reflexive pronouns end in -self or -selves.
- They are used when the subject and object are the same.
- They can also add emphasis or be part of fixed expressions.
- Avoid overusing or misusing reflexive pronouns.
Keep practicing, and soon you’ll master reflexive pronouns!
Key Vocabulary
| Word | Pronunciation |
|---|---|
| Myself | Myself |
| Yourself | Yourself |
| Himself | Himself |
| Herself | Herself |
| Itself | Itself |
| Ourselves | Ourselves |
| Yourselves | Yourselves |
| Themselves | Themselves |