Reflexive Pronouns
Master the art of using myself, yourself, and more
What Are Reflexive Pronouns?
Reflexive pronouns are special pronouns that refer back to the subject of a sentence. They end in “-self” (singular) or “-selves” (plural) and are used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same person or thing.
I → myself
you → yourself
he → himself
she → herself
it → itself
we → ourselves
you (plural) → yourselves
they → themselves
When Do We Use Reflexive Pronouns?
1. When the Subject and Object Are the Same
Use reflexive pronouns when the person performing the action is also receiving the action.
✓ She looked at herself in the mirror.
✓ I taught myself to play guitar.
✓ The cat cleaned itself after eating.
2. For Emphasis
Reflexive pronouns can add emphasis to show that someone did something personally or without help.
✓ I built this table myself. (Nobody helped me)
✓ The CEO herself answered the phone. (Emphasizing it was the CEO, not an assistant)
✓ Did you make this cake yourself?
3. After Certain Phrases
Common phrases with reflexive pronouns:
• enjoy yourself/yourselves
• help yourself/yourselves
• make yourself at home
• behave yourself/yourselves
• by myself/yourself/etc. (alone)
✓ Please help yourself to some food.
✓ I prefer to work by myself.
✓ The children behaved themselves at the party.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t use reflexive pronouns as subjects:
✗ Myself and John went to the store.
✓ John and I went to the store.
Don’t confuse “myself” with “me”:
✗ If you have questions, contact John or myself.
✓ If you have questions, contact John or me.
