Reflexive Pronoun: Get to Know More About it!
Reflexive pronoun are one of the several forms of pronouns used in English. It’s crucial to have a solid grasp of reflexive pronouns in order to use English correctly. Reflexive pronouns will be defined in this article along with their functions and use examples.
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Definition of Reflexive Pronouns
Pronouns that act as a reflexive reference to the sentence’s subject are known as reflexive pronouns. Personal pronouns can be made into reflexive pronouns by ending them with “-self” (for single) or “-selves” (for plural). When a sentence’s subject and object are the same thing or person, these words are employed.
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Usage of Reflexive Pronouns
1. Reflexive Pronouns as Reflexive Objects
When the subject of a sentence acts on itself, reflexive pronouns are used as the reflexive objects in the phrase. For instance:
- I hurt myself.
- In the mirror, she conversed with herself.
2. Reflexive Pronouns as Reflexive Verb Complements
When the verb indicates that the action is being performed by the subject on themselves, reflexive pronouns can also be employed as complements to reflexive verbs. For instance:
- She learned how to play the guitar on her own.
- They always dress themselves before going out.
3. Reflexive Pronouns as Prepositional Complements
Prepositional complements can also be employed with reflexive pronouns. For instance:
- She bought a gift for herself.
- We took care of ourselves during the trip.
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Examples of Reflexive Pronoun Usage
1. Reflexive Objects
- I saw myself in the mirror.
- They blamed themselves for the mistake.
2. Reflexive Verb Complements
- He cut himself while shaving.
- We need to relax ourselves after a long day.
3. Prepositional Complements
- She bought a gift for herself.
- They took care of themselves during the vacation.
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Difference between Reflexive Pronouns and Personal Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns are distinct from personal pronouns, it’s vital to remember this. In contrast to reflexive pronouns, which are employed when the subject and object are the same thing or person, personal pronouns are used to refer to other individuals or things in a statement. Here is an illustration of the distinction:
- Personal pronoun: She likes him.
- Reflexive pronoun: She likes herself.
Reflexive pronouns are employed in sentences to circle back to the subject. Their application entails the subject performing activities on themselves. Reflexive pronouns may be used as reflexive objects, reflexive verb complements, or reflexive prepositional complements in sentences. Reflexive pronoun usage must be understood in order to speak English effectively and accurately.
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FAQs
1. What is the difference between reflexive pronouns and personal pronouns?
In contrast to personal pronouns, which are used to refer to different people or things in a sentence, reflexive pronouns are employed when the subject and object of a sentence refer to the same person or thing.
2. What are the common reflexive pronouns used in English?
The pronouns “myself,” “yourself,” “himself,” “herself,” “itself,” “ourselves,” “yourselves,” and “themselves” are reflexive pronouns that are frequently used in English.
3. When should reflexive pronouns be used?
When the action in the sentence is carried out by the subject on themselves, reflexive pronouns are employed. For instance, when someone performs an action on themself or when the sentence’s subject is changed into the action’s target.
4. Are reflexive pronouns always necessary in a sentence?
No, never. Reflexive pronouns should be used according to the sentence’s context and the action being described. Reflexive pronouns are not required if the activity does not include the subject conducting it on themselves.
5. How can reflexive pronouns be distinguished from regular pronouns in a sentence?
Reflexive pronouns are frequently followed by a verb that describes the activity the subject is performing on themselves. When the subject does not act on themselves, ordinary pronouns are employed.
