1. Reflexive Pronouns:
Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and object of a sentence are the same person or thing. They reflect back to the subject. Let's look at some examples:
- He's enjoying himself.
- I looked at myself in the mirror.
- She fell off her bike, but she didn't hurt herself.
- Please help yourself. (one person)
- Please help yourselves. (two or more people)
- We enjoyed ourselves on holiday.
- They enjoyed themselves.
2. Reflexive Pronouns vs. Personal Pronouns:
It's important to understand the difference between reflexive pronouns and personal pronouns:
-
Personal Pronouns: me, him, them, etc.
Example: He is looking at himself.
-
Reflexive Pronouns: myself, himself, themselves, etc.
Example: He is looking at himself.
3. Singular and Plural Usage:
Reflexive pronouns change according to the subject:
- myself → himself → herself → yourself → ourselves → themselves
4. By Myself/By Yourself, etc.:
These phrases indicate doing something alone:
- I went on holiday by myself.
5. Each Other vs. -selves:
-
Each Other: Used for reciprocal actions between two people.
Example: Kate and Helen know each other well.
-
-selves: Refers to the subjects themselves.
Example: James and Sue looked at themselves.
Try this exercise to test your grammar.
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A1-A2 Grammar : Reflexive Pronouns: Myself, Yourself, Themselves, etc.
Choose the correct word.