Reflexive pronouns are pronouns that end in -self or -selves, and are used when the object of a sentence is the same as its subject. For example, in the sentence “She dressed herself,” the subject and object both refer to the same female person.
The word “reflexive” comes from a Latin root related to the words “to reflect.” A good way to understand the term “reflexive pronoun” is to think of the word as referring back to the subject of the sentence.
The English language has nine reflexive pronouns in all:
- myself
- yourself
- himself
- herself
- ourselves
- oneself
- itself
- yourselves
- themselves
Do’s and Don’ts of Using Reflexive Pronouns
Below are several helpful rules for using reflexive pronouns.
1. DO use a reflexive pronoun as a direct object in a sentence if the object and the subject are the same person.
- I silently patted myself on the back.
- She silently congratulated herself for finding a way out of the mess.
- Jessica felt like kicking herself: why in the world did she have to mention Nathan?
2. DO use a reflexive pronoun as an indirect object in a sentence when it refers back to the subject.
- She poured herself a cup of coffee before settling down to journal.
- He cooked himself a nice, big pot of potato soup.
- After twenty years of not having any peanuts, he bought himself a big bag and came home excitedly to munch on them.
3. DON’T use a reflexive pronoun as a subject.
This is a very common error, and usually occurs when there are two or more subjects in a sentence.
Incorrect: Paul and myself will attend your party.
Correct: Paul and I will attend your party.
One way to check whether you’ve used the correct pronoun form is to remove the other noun in the sentence. In this case, the sentence will become “Myself will attend your party,” which is clearly incorrect.
4. DON’T use a reflexive pronoun as an object if it does not reflect back on the subject.
Incorrect: Please turn over all the props for the play to Mr. Gillis or myself.
Correct: Please turn over all the props for the play to Mr. Gillis or me.
5. DO use “themselves” as a reflexive pronoun for the singular they.
The pronoun “they” is usually in the plural. But the Chicago Manual of Style, the Associated Press, and the American Heritage Dictionary have given the green light to use the singular “they” to refer to indefinite singular items in a group.
For example:
Correct: Every parent needs time to themselves away from the kids.
Correct: Every parent needs time to himself or herself away from the kids.
Correct: Every parent needs time to him- or herself away from the kids.
Reflexive Pronouns Quiz
Test your knowledge of the proper use of reflexive pronouns with this free reflexive pronouns quiz PDF. Circle the correct word in the parentheses:
- Did you buy [yourself / myself] a reward for all your hard work?
- She put [herself / himself] down as a volunteer at the orphanage.
- Tommy and [myself / I] will be your camp guides this year.
- Send all the customer complaints to [myself / me] and I’ll handle them.
- David wrote [David / himself] a letter which he would open ten years from now.
- Make [yourself / himself] at home while I get you a cup of coffee.
- The Watsons’ babysitter Rosalyn made some mac ’n cheese for Calvin and [her / herself].
- Tanya told [Tanya / herself] that remarrying was her best choice.
- He slapped [himself / herself] on the forehead for the stupid decision.
- The lone fighting fish saw [themselves / itself] in the mirror and immediately flared up.
Answer Key
- Did you buy yourself a reward for all your hard work?
- She put herself down as a volunteer at the orphanage.
- Tommy and I will be your camp guides this year.
- Send all the customer complaints to me and I’ll handle them.
- David wrote himself a letter which he would open ten years from now.
- Make yourself at home while I get you a cup of coffee.
- The Watsons’ babysitter Rosalyn made some mac ’n cheese for Calvin and herself.
- Tanya told herself that remarrying was her best choice.
- He slapped himself on the forehead for the stupid decision.
- The lone fighting fish saw itself in the mirror and immediately flared up.
Using Reflexive Pronouns
When referring back to the subject of your sentence, you can use reflexive pronouns. Practice using them according to the do’s and don’ts in this list, and be sure to avoid the most common errors.
Also, learn more about pronouns and the other usage for the pronouns ending in -self, the intensive pronouns, as well as the other parts of speech, and strengthen your writing skills in the process!
Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- Possessive Case: Rules for Nouns and Pronouns
- Intensive Pronouns: How to Use Them to Add Emphasis in Your Writing
- Personal Pronouns: Uses, Charts, and Examples
- Types of Prepositions and How to Use Them Correctly
Yen Cabag is the Blog Writer of TCK Publishing. She is also a homeschooling mom, family coach, and speaker for the Charlotte Mason method, an educational philosophy that places great emphasis on classic literature and the masterpieces in art and music. She has also written several books, both fiction and nonfiction. Her passion is to see the next generation of children become lovers of reading and learning in the midst of short attention spans.
