1.TOPIC: Reflexive Pronouns
2.GRAMMAR OVERVIEW:
Reflexive pronouns are pronouns that are preceded by the noun, adjective, adverb or
pronoun to which it refers within the same clause.
Singular: myself - yourself - himself - herself - itself
Plural: ourselves - yourselves - themselves
When we use a reflexive pronoun
We use a reflexive pronoun:
• as a direct object when the object is the same as the subject of the verb:
I am teaching myself to play the piano.
Be careful with that knife. You might cut yourself.
We can use a reflexive pronoun as direct object with most transitive verbs, but these are
the most common:
amuse blame cut dry enjoy help
hurt introduce kill prepare satisfy teach
Some verbs change their meaning slightly when they have a reflexive pronoun as direct
object:
• Would you like to help yourself to another drink?
= Would you like to take another drink.
• I wish the children would behave themselves.
= I wish the children would behave well.
• He found himself lying by the side of the road.
= He was surprised when he realised that he was at the side of the road.
• I saw myself as a famous actor.
= I imagined that I was a famous actor.
• She applied herself to the job of mending the lights.
= She worked very hard to mend the lights.
• He busied himself in the kitchen.
= He worked busily in the kitchen.
• I had to content myself with a few Euros.
= I had to be satisfied with a few Euros.
We do not use a reflexive pronoun after verbs which describe things people usually do
for themselves, such as wash, shave, dress:
He washed [himself] in cold water.
He always shaved [himself] before going out in the evening.
Michael dressed [himself] and got ready for the party.
We only use reflexives with these verbs for emphasis:
He dressed himself in spite of his injuries.
She’s old enough to wash herself.
• as indirect object when the indirect object is the same as the subject of the verb:
