What Is a Reflexive Pronoun? Meaning, Usage & Examples

What is Reflexive Pronoun

A reflexive pronoun is a type of pronoun that refers back to the subject of the sentence. The main purpose of reflexive pronouns is to indicate that the action of the verb is done to the subject itself.

Reflexive pronouns are always used when the subject and object of a sentence are the same.  The reflexive pronouns in English are:

Reflexive Pronouns Definition

A reflexive pronoun definition is a word that points back to the person or thing acting. It shows that the subject (the doer) and the object (the receiver) are the same.

For example: She washed herself. Here, herself is a reflexive pronoun because it shows she is doing the action and also receiving it.

Key Point: Reflexive pronouns end in -self (for one person or thing) or -selves (for more than one).

• I taught myself to play the piano. (myself points back to I)

• He hurt himself while playing soccer. (himself refers to he)

• The dog chased itself in circles. (itself refers to the dog)

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Why Use Reflexive Pronouns in English?

Using reflexive pronouns correctly can make your sentences more precise and expressive. They help show that the subject is performing an action on itself, emphasize independence, and avoid confusion in writing. Understanding their proper use is essential for clear and effective communication in English.

1. To Show Self-Action

Reflexive pronouns in english clarify that the person doing the action is also the one receiving it.

Example: “He cleaned the kitchen himself.” (himself shows the action was done by him alone.)

2. For Emphasis

They can stress that the subject did something independently.

Example: I wrote the entire story myself. (myself emphasizes effort and independence.)

3. To Avoid Confusion

Using plural reflexive pronouns in englishlike themselves makes it clear that a group acted on their own.

Example: “The students completed their project themselves.

Common Mistakes with Reflexive Pronouns

Even though reflexive pronouns are helpful for clarity and emphasis, they can be tricky to use correctly. Many learners make errors by using them unnecessarily or in the wrong context. Understanding common mistakes will help you write more accurately and avoid confusing your preparation.

Using Reflexive Pronouns When Not Needed

One of the most common mistakes is using a reflexive pronoun when a regular pronoun is sufficient. Reflexive pronouns like myself or yourself should only appear when the subject and object are the same.
Incorrect: My cousin and myself went to the concert.
Correct: My cousin and I went to the concert.
Here, I is the correct subject pronoun. Using myself incorrectly makes the sentence grammatically wrong.

Using Reflexive Pronouns in Complex Subjects

Reflexive pronouns should not be part of a subject that contains multiple people unless the action truly reflects back on them.
Incorrect: David and myself are responsible for the presentation.
Correct: David and I are responsible for the presentation.
In this example, the action is not reflexive; it is simply describing the people responsible.

Mixing Up Reflexive Pronouns

Some learners confuse standard reflexive pronouns with non-standard forms like hisself or theirselves. Only the standard forms listed in English grammar should be used.
Incorrect: The cat groomed himself after playing outside.
Correct: The cat groomed himself after playing outside.
Using non-standard forms makes your writing incorrect and less professional.

Tips for Using Reflexive Pronouns Correctly

Using reflexive pronouns correctly can greatly improve the clarity and emphasis of your writing. These tips will help you avoid common mistakes, use the right form in different contexts, and make your sentences sound natural. By following simple rules, you can ensure your use of reflexive pronouns is both grammatically correct and effective.

• Ask Yourself Who Is Acting: If the subject is acting on itself, a reflexive pronoun is appropriate. For example, “She taught herself to play piano.
• Avoid Overusing Reflexive Pronouns: Don’t use reflexive pronouns as a way to sound more formal. “He and myself went to lunch” should simply be “He and I went to lunch.
• Stick to Standard Forms: Only use myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, and themselves . Words like hisself and theirselves do not exist in standard English.

When to Use Reflexive Pronoun?

We use reflexive pronouns to show that the person or thing doing the action is also the one receiving the action. This means the subject acts on itself, either physically or in a symbolic way. Here’s how to know when to use a reflexive pronoun:

1. When the Subject and Object Are the Same

Use a reflexive pronoun when the subject (the doer of the action) and the object (the receiver of the action) are the same person or thing. This makes it clear that the action goes back to the subject. Example : She looked at herself in the mirror. Here, herself shows that she is both the one doing and receiving the action.

2. To Emphasize Actions Done by the Subject

Reflexive pronouns can be used to stress that the subject did something alone or without help. Example : He fixed the bike himself." This sentence emphasizes that he did the fixing alone.

3. When Speaking in the Third Person Plural

It’s important to use reflexive pronouns correctly when the subject is plural, like they . This makes it clear that the group acted on themselves, not on others. Example : They taught themselves to play chess. This shows that they learned without outside help.

Important Tip

Only use reflexive pronouns when the subject and object are the same. If the action is directed at someone else or something different, a regular pronoun should be used instead. Incorrect : "My brother and myself went shopping." Correct : "My brother and I went shopping."

Reflexive Pronouns vs. Reciprocal Pronouns

It is important to distinguish between reflexive pronouns and reciprocal pronouns. While reflexive pronouns refer back to the subject (the action is done by the subject to itself), reciprocal pronouns are used to show a mutual action or relationship between two or more subjects. The two reciprocal pronouns in English are "each other" and "one another." For example:

• "They helped each other with the project."
• "The two friends hugged one another."

Reflexive Pronouns Examples

Choose the correct option from the following sentences: The kids enjoyed _______ at the playground. a) itself b) himself c) ourselves d) themselves I fixed the computer by _______. a) himself b) herself c) myself d) itself She looked at _______ in the mirror before going out. a) himself b) herself c) yourself d) ourselves 4. You should remind _______ to complete your homework. a) itself b) themselves c) yourself d) himself 5. The students taught _______ how to code. a) themselves b) herself c) itself d) ourselves

Choose the correct sentence that uses a reflexive pronoun properly.

a) I taught myself to swim. b) I taught me to swim. c) I taught my friend to swim.

Fill in the blank with the right reflexive pronoun.

She prepared ______ for the talent show."

a) herself b) himself c) ourselves

Which sentence uses a reflexive pronoun for emphasis? 

a) They decorated the house themselves. b) They decorated the house together. c) They decorated the house for their friends.

Answers:

1. 1. The kids enjoyed themselves at the playground.
   2. I fixed the computer by myself.
   3. She looked at herself in the mirror before going out.
   4. You should remind yourself to complete your homework.
   5. The students taught themselves how to code.
   6. I taught myself to swim.
   7. herself
   8. They decorated the house themselves