Reflexive Pronouns
Introduction
Certain pronouns are known as reflexive pronouns.
1. Common Uses
We use reflexive pronouns when the subject and object in a sentence are the same, as in the following examples.
The baby saw himself/herself in the mirror and laughed.
Can I borrow your spare key, so I can let myself into the apartment.
If you don't know him, you should introduce yourself.
Reflexive pronouns are also used to stress or emphasize a noun, in which case they are most often placed immediately after the noun, as in the following example sentences.
Money itself can't buy happiness.
The company president himself made the announcement.
I myself am not interested.
The use of "by + reflexive pronoun" signifies that the performer of the action had no help, as in this example sentence.
She made the dress by herself (or simply herself).
However, "be + reflexive pronoun" means to act or behave in an unusual manner. See the following example sentence.
I'm sorry for getting angry. I guess I'm not myself today. (The meaning here is that the speaker is not behaving as he or she usually does.)
2. Uses with Verb + Preposition Combinations
Reflexive pronouns are used after many verb + preposition combinations, such as those that follow:
| Verb + Preposition | Example |
|---|---|
| believe in | If you believe in yourself, you will succeed. |
| take care of | Take care of yourselves while I'm away. |
| look after | Look after yourselves while I'm away. |
| care about | If you don't care about yourself, nobody else will. |
3. Seldom or Never Used
Many English words, however, such as those which follow, are seldom or never used with reflexive pronouns.
| Concentrate | Hurry | Remember |
| Decide | Lie down | Sit down |
| Feel | Meet | Wake up |
| Get tired | Relax |
4. Uses for Emphasis
Certain other English words are only used with reflexive pronouns for emphasis. Some of them are listed below.
| Dress | Hide | Shave |
| Undress | Move | Wash |
When you are sure that you understand the lesson, you can continue with the exercise.