Reflexive pronouns are a vital part of English grammar, yet they’re often misunderstood or misused. Whether you’re a student refining your writing, a professional aiming for precision, or a language enthusiast exploring deeper grammar structures, mastering reflexive pronouns will elevate your command of English.
This article offers a comprehensive guide to reflexive pronouns—what they are, how they function, and how to use them correctly. We’ll also explore common pitfalls, nuanced usage cases, and distinctions from similar grammatical elements. Let’s begin by defining the basics.
What Are Reflexive Pronouns?
Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and object of a sentence refer to the same person or thing. They reflect the action back onto the subject.
Definition List of Reflexive Pronouns
- Myself — used when the subject is “I”
- Yourself — used when the subject is “you” (singular)
- Himself — used when the subject is “he”
- Herself — used when the subject is “she”
- Itself — used when the subject is “it”
- Ourselves — used when the subject is “we”
- Yourselves — used when the subject is “you” (plural)
- Themselves — used when the subject is “they”
- Oneself — used for general or impersonal subjects
Each reflexive pronoun ends in -self (singular) or -selves (plural), and they are only used when the subject and object are the same entity.
Key Functions of Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns serve several grammatical roles. They’re not just replacements for object pronouns—they’re used to clarify that the subject is performing an action on itself.
- Direct Object Function The reflexive pronoun receives the action directly from the verb. Example: She blamed herself for the mistake.
- Indirect Object Function The reflexive pronoun receives the direct object. Example: He poured himself a glass of water.
- Object of a Preposition Reflexive pronouns can follow prepositions when the subject is also the object. Example: They kept the secret to themselves.
- Emphatic Use (Intensive Pronouns) Used for emphasis, often to highlight that the subject performed the action alone or personally. Example: I myself completed the entire project.
Expanded Table of Reflexive Pronouns and Their Usage
| Subject Pronoun | Reflexive Pronoun | Singular/Plural | Common Usage Example | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | Myself | Singular | I taught myself French. | Direct Object |
| You | Yourself | Singular | You should treat yourself kindly. | Object of Preposition |
| He | Himself | Singular | He introduced himself. | Direct Object |
| She | Herself | Singular | She prepared herself for the exam. | Indirect Object |
| It | Itself | Singular | The cat cleaned itself. | Direct Object |
| We | Ourselves | Plural | We organized ourselves into teams. | Object of Preposition |
| You | Yourselves | Plural | You all should be proud of yourselves. | Direct Object |
| They | Themselves | Plural | They defended themselves. | Direct Object |
| One | Oneself | Singular/General | One must take care of oneself. | General Usage |
This table adds clarity by showing not just the reflexive forms, but also their grammatical roles and examples—something your competitor’s article lacked.
When to Use Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns should only be used when the subject and object are the same. Using them incorrectly can lead to awkward or grammatically incorrect sentences.
- Correct Usage He hurt himself while lifting weights. (The subject “he” and the object “himself” refer to the same person.)
- Incorrect Usage He hurt myself while lifting weights. (“Myself” does not refer back to “he.”)
Common Mistakes with Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns are frequently misused, especially in formal or professional writing where speakers attempt to sound more polished. These errors can undermine clarity and grammatical correctness.
1. Using Reflexive Pronouns Instead of Subject or Object Pronouns
One of the most frequent mistakes is using reflexive pronouns like “myself” or “yourself” in place of standard subject or object pronouns. This often happens in compound subjects or objects.
- Incorrect: Emil and myself will attend the meeting.
- Correct: Emil and I will attend the meeting.
- Incorrect: Please contact John or myself.
- Correct: Please contact John or me.
To test correctness, remove the other noun and see if the sentence still works:
- “Myself will attend the meeting” → incorrect
- “I will attend the meeting” → correct
This diagnostic method is simple and effective, yet your competitor didn’t offer it clearly.
2. Misspellings and Nonstandard Forms
Some reflexive pronouns are mistakenly formed using possessive determiners instead of object pronouns. This leads to incorrect versions like:
- Hisself (instead of himself)
- Theirselves or Theirself (instead of themselves or themself)
These forms are considered nonstandard and should be avoided in formal writing. The correct reflexive pronouns are derived from object pronouns, not possessives.
| Incorrect Form | Correct Form | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Hisself | Himself | Based on “him” (object), not “his” (possessive) |
| Theirselves | Themselves | Based on “them” (object), not “their” (possessive) |
| Theirself | Themself | Singular “they” usage, still debated |
3. Themselves vs. Themself
The rise of singular “they” has introduced a new reflexive form: themself. While “themselves” is traditionally plural, “themself” is increasingly used to reflect singular nonbinary or gender-neutral subjects.
- Example: Everyone should protect themself.
However, usage is still evolving. Most style guides recommend sticking with themselves for now, especially in formal writing, though themself is gaining acceptance in inclusive language contexts.
| Form | Usage Context | Acceptance Level |
|---|---|---|
| Themselves | Traditional plural or singular “they” | Widely accepted |
| Themself | Singular “they” (gender-neutral) | Emerging, not yet standard |
Your competitor mentioned this briefly but didn’t provide a usage table or guidance on when to use each form. This clarification helps writers make informed choices.
4. Ourself and the Royal “We”
The reflexive pronoun ourself is rarely used today. It appears in ceremonial or royal contexts where a single person speaks on behalf of a group or institution.
- Example: We shall seat ourself by the window. (Used by monarchs or formal representatives)
Outside of these rare cases, ourselves is the correct form for plural first-person subjects.
Reflexive Pronouns in Prepositional Phrases
Reflexive pronouns often appear after prepositions to indicate that the subject is acting alone or without assistance. This usage adds subtle meaning and is common in both casual and formal contexts.
- By myself — alone or without help I completed the assignment by myself.
- By yourself — alone or independently Did you travel by yourself?
- By themselves — without others They managed the event by themselves.
This construction is not just grammatical—it conveys tone and emphasis. Your competitor listed examples but didn’t explain the semantic value or how it affects sentence meaning.
Table: Meaning of “By” + Reflexive Pronoun
| Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| By myself | Alone, independently | I solved the puzzle by myself. |
| By yourself | Without assistance | You should try it by yourself. |
| By himself/herself | Solo effort | She built the shelf by herself. |
| By ourselves | As a group, independently | We handled the situation by ourselves. |
| By themselves | Without external help | They completed the project by themselves. |
| By oneself | General, impersonal usage | One must learn to cope by oneself. |
This table adds clarity and depth, helping readers understand not just grammar but intent.
Reflexive vs. Intensive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns can also function as intensive pronouns, used to emphasize the subject. Though they look identical, their role in the sentence is different.
- Reflexive: The subject acts on itself. She taught herself Spanish.
- Intensive: Adds emphasis to the subject. She herself taught Spanish to the class.
How to Identify Intensive Pronouns
- They can be removed without changing the core meaning of the sentence.
- They often appear directly after the noun or pronoun they emphasize.
Examples of Intensive Pronouns
- I myself don’t agree with that decision.
- The CEO herself approved the budget.
- They themselves admitted the error.
Your competitor mentioned this distinction but didn’t explain how to test or identify intensive usage. This section fills that gap with practical guidance.
Reflexive vs. Reciprocal Pronouns
Another common confusion is between reflexive and reciprocal pronouns. While both refer back to the subject, they express different relationships.
- Reflexive Pronouns: One subject acting on itself The child dressed herself.
- Reciprocal Pronouns: Multiple subjects acting on each other The children dressed each other.
Definition List of Reciprocal Pronouns
- Each other — used for two people or things
- One another — used for more than two (though often used interchangeably)
Comparison Table: Reflexive vs. Reciprocal Pronouns
| Type | Pronouns Used | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflexive | Myself, yourself, etc. | Subject acts on itself | He blamed himself. |
| Reciprocal | Each other, one another | Subjects act on one another | They blamed each other. |
This distinction is crucial for clarity, especially in writing that involves multiple subjects. Your competitor touched on it but didn’t offer a comparison table or usage rules.
Advanced Usage and Style Considerations
Reflexive pronouns aren’t just grammatical tools—they also shape tone, clarity, and style. Understanding their subtleties helps writers avoid ambiguity and elevate their writing.
Reflexive Pronouns in Formal Writing
In professional contexts, reflexive pronouns are often misused in an attempt to sound more formal. This is especially true with “myself.”
- Incorrect: Myself and the team will review the proposal.
- Correct: The team and I will review the proposal.
Overuse of reflexive pronouns can make writing sound stiff or artificial. Use them only when grammatically necessary or for emphasis.
Reflexive Pronouns in Impersonal Constructions
The pronoun oneself is used in general statements or philosophical reflections.
- One must prepare oneself for unexpected challenges.
- To understand others, one must first understand oneself.
This form is common in academic and reflective writing. Your competitor mentioned it briefly but didn’t explore its stylistic value.
Reflexive Pronouns in Idiomatic Expressions
Some reflexive constructions are idiomatic and carry meanings beyond grammar.
- Behave yourself — act appropriately
- Help yourself — take what you need
- Make yourself at home — feel comfortable
These expressions are fixed phrases and should be learned as whole units. Including them adds practical value for learners and writers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a reflexive pronoun?
A reflexive pronoun refers back to the subject of the sentence and is used when the subject and object are the same person or thing.
Is “themself” a real word?
Yes, “themself” is increasingly used as a singular reflexive pronoun for gender-neutral or nonbinary subjects. While not yet universally accepted, it’s gaining traction in inclusive writing.
What’s the difference between reflexive and intensive pronouns?
Reflexive pronouns show the subject acting on itself. Intensive pronouns emphasize the subject but don’t change the sentence’s core meaning.
Can reflexive pronouns be used for emphasis?
Yes. When used for emphasis, they’re called intensive pronouns. Example: I myself handled the situation.
Are “hisself” and “theirselves” correct?
No. These are nonstandard forms. Use himself and themselves instead.