Reflexive Pronouns – Definition, Types, Examples, Uses And Worksheet

Reflexive Pronouns: Reflexive pronouns are a type of Pronoun that reflects back to the subject of a sentence. They include words such as myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, and themselves.

What Are Reflexive Pronouns?

The term ‘reflexive’ means something directed towards oneself. So, a reflexive pronoun does exactly that – it reflects back on the pronoun. Essentially, it steps in for both a subject pronoun and an object pronoun in a sentence. For instance, in the sentence, “She made herself a cup of tea,” the reflexive pronoun ‘herself’ refers back to ‘she.’ In simple words, a reflexive pronoun is like a pronoun that looks back at the person or thing performing the action.

Types of Reflexive Pronouns

Reflexive pronouns are pronouns that refer back to the subject of a sentence and are used to show that the action of the verb affects the subject itself. In English, there are several reflexive pronouns, which are formed by adding “self” or “selves” to the pronoun. The most common reflexive pronouns are:

• Myself
• Yourself
• Himself
• Herself
• Itself
• Ourselves
• Yourselves
• Themselves

Also Read: Possessive Pronouns

These reflexive pronouns are used to indicate that the subject is performing an action on or for itself. For example:

1. She washed herself.
2. They congratulated themselves.
3. He hurt himself.

In these sentences, the reflexive pronouns (“herself,” “themselves,” “himself”) reflect back to the subjects (“She,” “They,” “He”) and show that the subjects are both the doers and the receivers of the action.

Examples of Reflexive Pronouns

Here are 15 examples of sentences with reflexive pronouns given below:

• She taught herself how to play the guitar.
• Please help yourself to some cake.
• He looked at himself in the mirror and smiled.
• They blamed themselves for the mistake.
• I need to take care of myself more often.
• We enjoyed ourselves at the party last night.
• The cat groomed itself with its tongue.
• After the long journey, they rested to refresh themselves.
• Sarah bought herself a new dress for the occasion.
• John and Jane prepared breakfast for themselves.
• The baby tried to feed itself.
• Tom reminded himself of the important meeting.
• The team congratulated itself on the victory.
• Lisa baked a delicious cake for herself.
• Don’t be too hard on yourself; everyone makes mistakes.

How to Use Reflexive Pronouns

Reflexive pronouns are used in English to reflect the action of the verb back onto the subject. They show that the subject is both the doer and the receiver of the action.

Here are common ways to use reflexive pronouns:

Direct Reflexive Actions: Use reflexive pronouns when the subject of the sentence performs an action on or for themselves.

Also Read: Relative Pronouns

For Examples-

• She washed herself.
• He congratulated himself.

Emphasizing the Subject: Reflexive pronouns can also be used to emphasize the subject, particularly when you want to make it clear that the action is done by that specific person or thing.

For Examples-

• I will do it myself.
• The president himself made the announcement.

Reciprocal Actions: When two or more people or things are involved in an action mutually, you can use reflexive pronouns to show reciprocity.

For Examples-

• They hugged each other.
• We helped one another.

In Idiomatic Expressions: Reflexive pronouns are used in some idiomatic expressions.

For Examples-

• She got herself into a lot of trouble.
• He found himself in a difficult situation.

For Intensive Pronouns: Sometimes, reflexive pronouns are used for emphasis without necessarily indicating a reflexive action.

For Examples-

• I, myself, will take care of it.
• The team, itself, is responsible for the success.

With Certain Verbs: Some verbs in English are commonly followed by reflexive pronouns. These verbs include “enjoy,” “amuse,” “relax,” “hurt,” and others.

For Examples-

• He enjoyed himself at the party.
• She hurt herself while playing.

It’s important to note that not all sentences or actions require reflexive pronouns. Their use depends on whether the action is performed by the subject on or for themselves and whether emphasis or reciprocity is needed in the context.

Reflexive Pronouns Worksheet

1. My sister and __________ are going to the park.
2. I need to finish this assignment __________.
3. The cat cleaned __________ with its paw.
4. She prepared dinner __________.
5. The children were playing by __________ in the garden.
6. Please help __________ to some snacks.
7. They managed to solve the puzzle __________.
8. The students congratulated __________ on their success.
9. Tom reminded __________ of the important meeting.
10. Lisa baked a delicious cake for __________.
11. After the long hike, we rested to refresh __________.
12. I, __________, will handle this situation.
13. Don’t be too hard on __________; everyone makes mistakes.
14. The magician amazed the audience by disappearing and reappearing right in front of __________.
15. He injured __________ while playing basketball.

English Related Links
Parts of Speech	Nouns
Abstract Nouns	Common Nouns
Collective Nouns	Uncountable Nouns
Possessive Nouns	Proper Nouns