Reflexive Pronouns | Basic Grammar for IELTS PDF Download

Reflexive Pronoun

What Is a Reflexive Pronoun?

• A reflexive pronoun is a type of pronoun that is distinct from others as it does not replace a subject. It is used when a noun or pronoun performs an action on itself.
• For example, in the sentence "She dressed herself," the reflexive pronoun "herself" indicates that the action of dressing is performed by the same person who is the subject of the sentence.
• Reflexive pronouns typically end in "self" or "selves" and can serve as either the direct or indirect object of a sentence.

Definition of a Reflexive Pronoun:

• A reflexive pronoun establishes a connection between two parts of a sentence and refers back to the subject or an adjective phrase.
• It often acts as the subject of a dependent clause and can function as either the subject or object of a sentence independently.
• For instance, in the sentence "He hurt himself," the reflexive pronoun "himself" reflects the subject "He" and shows that the action affects the subject.

Reflexive Pronouns Explained:

• When you use a reflexive pronoun, the subject and the object in a sentence refer to the same person or thing.
• Reflexive pronouns end in "-self" for singular forms and "-selves" for plural forms.
• They are used to reflect the action of the verb back onto the subject.
• Here are some examples to help you understand better:
• Incorrect: I hurt myself.
• Correct: I hurt no one but me.
• Incorrect: They did their work themselves.
• Correct: They completed their tasks independently.
• Incorrect: Clean your room yourself.
• Correct: Tidy up your room on your own.
• Incorrect: She prepared herself for the interview.
• Correct: She got ready for the interview by herself.
• Incorrect: Krishna treats himself after winning every match.
• Correct: Krishna rewards himself after each victory.
• Incorrect: My classmates made all the rangoli themselves.
• Correct: My classmates created the rangoli without any external help.

• Understanding the Function of Reflexive Pronouns

  A reflexive pronoun serves to show that the same individual is both the doer and receiver of an action. Essentially, it reflects the action back onto the subject itself without involving any other entity. In simpler terms, a reflexive pronoun indicates that the subject and the object of the action are one and the same.

  For example, in the sentence "He hurt himself," the reflexive pronoun 'himself' emphasizes that the person causing the action is also the one affected by it.

• Importance of Reflexive Pronouns

  Reflexive pronouns may seem unnecessary in certain contexts, but they play a crucial role in providing clarity, especially when using third-person plural pronouns. They also contribute to reducing ambiguity and can aid in reducing confusion or anxiety, as the action is self-contained within the individual.

• Common Mistakes in Using Reflexive Pronouns

  One common error in the use of reflexive pronouns is their misuse when a standard pronoun would suffice. Reflexive pronouns should typically function as objects in sentences. However, many writers make the mistake of using reflexive pronouns incorrectly, especially in complex sentence structures.

  For instance, using a reflexive pronoun in a sentence like "They hurt themselves" is correct because the subject 'They' is the same as the object 'themselves.' On the other hand, using a reflexive pronoun incorrectly in a sentence like "They hurt him" is a mistake, as 'him' is not the same as the subject 'They'.

• Clarifying Pronoun Confusion

  Misunderstandings can arise, particularly with pronouns like 'hisself' and 'himself.' While 'himself' is a valid reflexive pronoun, 'hisself' is not considered a standard word in English. It's important to use correct pronouns to ensure clarity in communication.

  For example, in the sentence "He hurt himself," 'himself' correctly reflects the action back to the subject 'He.' On the other hand, using 'hisself' in the same context would be grammatically incorrect.

• Understanding the Use of Reflexive Pronouns

  • We use reflexive pronouns when the subject acts on or for itself. This means that the subject is performing an action on itself, either physically or symbolically, rather than on another object.
  • It is crucial to use a reflexive pronoun when the subject and object of the action are the same. Avoid using reflexive pronouns when the subject and object are different.
  • Reflexive pronouns are particularly important when discussing actions in the third person plural.

• Practice Questions on Reflexive Pronouns

  • Choose the correct option from the following sentences:

    • We crossed the road _______.
    • Answer: We crossed the road ourselves.
  • • Animals adjust _______ according to their surroundings.
    • Answer: Animals adjust themselves according to their surroundings.
  • • I prepared the dinner _______.
    • Answer: I prepared the dinner myself.
  • • We prepared _______ for the exams.
    • Answer: We prepared ourselves for the exams.
  • • He drives the car _______.
    • Answer: He drives the car himself.

Choose suitable words for the following sentences-( ourselves, yourself, himself, itself, herself)

• Alice likes to do her work herself.
• The plant makes its food itself.
• Rohan makes drawings himself.
• Always trust yourself.
• We can practise here ourselves.

Frequently Asked Questions on Reflexive Pronouns

Que1. What is a Reflexive Pronoun?

Ans. A reflexive pronoun is a type of pronoun that does not replace a subject but is used when something or someone does something to themselves. Reflexive pronouns end in "selves" or "self" and can be either indirect or direct objects in a sentence.

Que2. What is the definition of a Reflexive Pronoun?

Ans. A reflexive pronoun connects a clause to another part of the sentence and emphasizes the subject or an adjective phrase. It can act as the subject or object of a sentence.

Examples of Reflexive Pronouns

Rules for Using Reflexive Pronouns

Parts of Speech in SSC/Banking

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