Reflexive Pronoun Usage: Spot The Correct Sentence

Understanding reflexive pronouns can sometimes feel like navigating a grammatical maze. These tricky little words – myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, and themselves – have specific rules about when and how they should be used. This article will help you master the art of using reflexive pronouns correctly. We'll break down the rules, provide clear examples, and analyze common mistakes to ensure you're a reflexive pronoun pro in no time! So, let's dive in and explore the nuances of these essential grammatical tools.

What Are Reflexive Pronouns?

Before we jump into analyzing sentences, let's define what reflexive pronouns actually are. Reflexive pronouns are a type of pronoun that refers back to the subject of the clause or sentence. Essentially, the subject is both performing the action and receiving the action. This is a key concept to grasp for correct usage. Think of it like looking in a mirror – the reflection is the same person, just like the subject and the object are the same entity when using a reflexive pronoun. For instance, in the sentence "I hurt myself," the subject "I" is also the one who is hurt. The pronoun myself reflects back to the subject. This self-referential nature is what sets reflexive pronouns apart from other types of pronouns. Recognizing this fundamental characteristic will make it much easier to identify and use them correctly in your own writing and speech. Another important point to remember is that reflexive pronouns are essential to the meaning of the sentence; if you remove them, the sentence will either not make sense or have a completely different meaning. This is a crucial distinction from intensive pronouns, which we'll touch on later.

Common Mistakes with Reflexive Pronouns

One of the most frequent errors people make with reflexive pronouns is using them unnecessarily or in place of other pronouns. This often happens when people are trying to sound formal or sophisticated, but it can actually make their writing sound awkward and incorrect. For example, saying "John and myself went to the store" is incorrect. The correct sentence is "John and I went to the store." In this case, "I" is the appropriate subject pronoun, not myself. Another common mistake is using theirself or themself. These are not standard English words. The correct reflexive pronoun for the plural they is themselves. Similarly, using ourself when ourselves is required is a frequent error. Remember, ourselves is the plural reflexive pronoun corresponding to we. A simple way to avoid these mistakes is to always double-check whether the pronoun is actually reflecting back to the subject of the clause. If it's not, then a reflexive pronoun is not needed. Paying close attention to the number (singular or plural) of the subject and ensuring the pronoun agrees will also help you avoid these common pitfalls. Practice and careful proofreading are key to mastering the correct usage of reflexive pronouns and avoiding these frequent errors. By being mindful of these pitfalls, you can ensure your writing is clear, concise, and grammatically sound.

Analyzing the Example Sentences

Now, let's take a closer look at the example sentences provided and dissect why some are correct and others are not. This hands-on approach will solidify your understanding of reflexive pronoun usage.

• A. The kids enjoyed theirself at the park. This sentence is incorrect. The subject is "the kids," which is plural. The reflexive pronoun needs to agree in number. Theirself is not a word; the correct reflexive pronoun is themselves. The sentence should read: "The kids enjoyed themselves at the park."
• B. We stretched ourself before the performance. This sentence is also incorrect. The subject is "we," which is plural. Therefore, the reflexive pronoun should be ourselves, not ourself. The correct sentence is: "We stretched ourselves before the performance."
• C. The new employees introduced themselves to the manager. This sentence is correct. The subject is "the new employees," which is plural, and the reflexive pronoun themselves correctly refers back to the subject. The new employees performed the action of introducing, and they were also the recipients of that action. This is a classic example of proper reflexive pronoun usage.

By carefully analyzing each sentence, we can see how crucial it is to ensure the reflexive pronoun matches the subject in number and refers back to the subject performing the action. This detailed examination helps to reinforce the rules and prevent future errors.

Correct Usage Explained

Sentence C, “The new employees introduced themselves to the manager,” demonstrates the proper use of a reflexive pronoun. Let's break down why. The subject, “the new employees,” is performing the action of introducing. The reflexive pronoun themselves indicates that they are introducing themselves, not someone else. The pronoun correctly refers back to the subject, making it a reflexive action. The use of themselves is also grammatically correct because the subject is plural (“employees”). Reflexive pronouns are essential when the object of a verb is the same as the subject. If we removed themselves, the sentence would become “The new employees introduced to the manager,” which is grammatically incorrect and doesn't convey a complete thought. The reflexive pronoun is crucial for showing that the action of introducing is directed back to the subject. This example perfectly illustrates the core function of a reflexive pronoun – reflecting the action back to the actor. Understanding this principle is key to using these pronouns effectively and accurately.

When to Use Reflexive Pronouns

Knowing when to use reflexive pronouns is just as important as knowing how to use them. Reflexive pronouns are necessary in a few key situations. The primary situation is when the subject and the object of a verb are the same. We've seen this in the example sentence, but let's explore further. Consider the sentence, "I bought myself a gift." Here, “I” am both the buyer (subject) and the recipient of the gift (object). Myself is crucial for showing this self-directed action. Another instance is after prepositions when the object of the preposition is the same as the subject. For example, "He was talking to himself." The preposition “to” connects the verb “talking” to the object himself, which is the same person as the subject “He.” Without himself, the sentence would be incomplete. Reflexive pronouns are also used with certain verbs, such as enjoy, hurt, blame, and pride. For instance, “They enjoyed themselves at the party.” These verbs often imply a reflexive action. However, it’s important to note that some verbs that appear reflexive in other languages are not used reflexively in English. This can be a source of error for English language learners. Finally, reflexive pronouns are not used as subjects. Saying “Myself went to the store” is grammatically incorrect. Always use the subject pronoun “I” in such cases. Mastering these rules will help you confidently and correctly incorporate reflexive pronouns into your writing and speech.

Intensive Pronouns vs. Reflexive Pronouns

It's easy to confuse intensive pronouns with reflexive pronouns, as they share the same forms (myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves). However, their functions in a sentence are quite different. The crucial distinction lies in their essentiality to the sentence's meaning. Reflexive pronouns are necessary for the sentence to make sense, as we've discussed. Without them, the sentence is either grammatically incorrect or its meaning is significantly altered. Intensive pronouns, on the other hand, are used to emphasize a noun or pronoun and are not essential to the sentence's core meaning. They add emphasis but can be removed without affecting the grammatical correctness or the fundamental meaning of the sentence. For example, in the sentence "I myself baked the cake," myself is an intensive pronoun. It emphasizes that I, and no one else, baked the cake. However, if we remove myself, the sentence "I baked the cake" still makes perfect sense. This contrasts sharply with sentences like "I hurt myself," where myself is a reflexive pronoun and crucial for the sentence's meaning. Another way to identify intensive pronouns is by their placement in the sentence. They often appear immediately after the noun or pronoun they emphasize, but not always. To definitively determine if a pronoun is intensive, try removing it. If the sentence still makes sense, it's an intensive pronoun. Understanding this key difference will help you use both reflexive and intensive pronouns correctly and effectively.

Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to truly master reflexive pronouns is through practice. Try writing your own sentences using each of the reflexive pronouns (myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves). Experiment with different sentence structures and contexts. You can also try identifying reflexive pronouns in texts you read, such as articles, books, or even social media posts. Pay attention to how they are used and why they are necessary in the sentence. Another helpful exercise is to take sentences with reflexive pronouns and try removing them. If the sentence no longer makes sense or has a different meaning, you’ve correctly identified a reflexive pronoun. If the sentence still works, then you might be dealing with an intensive pronoun or an incorrect usage. Consider seeking out online quizzes or grammar exercises focused specifically on reflexive pronouns. These resources can provide immediate feedback and help you identify areas where you may need further practice. Don't be afraid to make mistakes – they are a natural part of the learning process. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you will become in using reflexive pronouns correctly. Consistent effort and attention to detail will ultimately lead to mastery.

In conclusion, understanding and correctly using reflexive pronouns is a crucial aspect of English grammar. By recognizing their function, avoiding common mistakes, and practicing their use, you can significantly improve the clarity and accuracy of your writing and speech. Remember, these pronouns reflect the action back to the subject, and their presence is often essential for a sentence to make sense. So, keep practicing, and you'll become a reflexive pronoun expert in no time!

For further learning, check out this helpful resource on pronouns: Grammarly's Guide to Pronouns