Reflexive Pronouns
Learn how to use reflexive pronouns to refer back to the subject
What Are Reflexive Pronouns?
Reflexive pronouns are pronouns that refer back to the subject of the sentence. They end in "-self" (singular) or "-selves" (plural) and are used when the subject and object of a sentence are the same person or thing.
Reflexive Pronouns Chart
| Person | Singular | Plural | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Person | myself | ourselves | I hurt myself. |
| Second Person | yourself | yourselves | You should be proud of yourself. |
| Third Person | himself, herself, itself | themselves | She taught herself to play guitar. |
When to Use Reflexive Pronouns
1. When Subject and Object Are the Same
I hurt myself.
Subject: I, Object: myself
She taught herself.
Subject: She, Object: herself
2. For Emphasis
I myself saw it happen.
Emphasizing "I"
The president himself attended.
Emphasizing "president"
3. With Prepositions
I bought it for myself.
Preposition: for
She talked to herself.
Preposition: to
Reflexive Pronouns in Sentences
I taught myself to cook. (Subject and object are the same)
You should be proud of yourself. (With preposition)
The children enjoyed themselves at the party. (Plural reflexive)
He himself admitted the mistake. (For emphasis)
Interactive Quiz 1: Identify Reflexive Pronouns
Find the reflexive pronouns in each sentence:
I hurt myself while playing.
Show Answer
Answer: myself
She taught herself to play piano.
Show Answer
Answer: herself
The children enjoyed themselves at the park.
Show Answer
Answer: themselves
Interactive Quiz 2: Complete with Reflexive Pronouns
Complete each sentence with the correct reflexive pronoun:
I taught _____ to swim. (first person singular)
Show Answer
Answer: myself
She bought _____ a new dress. (third person singular, female)
Show Answer
Answer: herself
You should be proud of _____. (second person singular)
Show Answer
Answer: yourself
Interactive Quiz 3: Reflexive vs Regular Pronouns
Choose the correct pronoun:
I hurt _____ while cooking. (myself/me)
Show Answer
Answer: myself (reflexive - subject and object are the same)
She gave _____ a gift. (herself/her)
Show Answer
Answer: herself (reflexive - she is giving to herself)
He told _____ about the news. (himself/him)
Show Answer
Answer: himself (reflexive - he is telling himself)
Interactive Quiz 4: Reflexive Pronouns for Emphasis
Identify reflexive pronouns used for emphasis:
I _____ saw the accident happen.
Show Answer
Answer: myself (emphasizing "I")
The president _____ attended the ceremony.
Show Answer
Answer: himself (emphasizing "president")
You _____ should be responsible for this.
Show Answer
Answer: yourself (emphasizing "you")
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Incorrect Usage
I hurt me. (Should be "I hurt myself.")
✅ Correct Usage
I hurt myself.
❌ Incorrect Usage
She taught her to play guitar. (Should be "She taught herself.")
✅ Correct Usage
She taught herself to play guitar.
Tips for Using Reflexive Pronouns
Check Subject-Object Relationship
Use reflexive pronouns when the subject and object refer to the same person or thing.
Use for Emphasis
Reflexive pronouns can be used to emphasize the subject of the sentence.
Remember the Forms
Singular: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself. Plural: ourselves, yourselves, themselves.
Quick Reference
Pro Tip
Reflexive pronouns always end in "-self" (singular) or "-selves" (plural)!