Master Grammar Logo

Master English Grammar

Emphasizing with Reflexives

Learn how to use reflexive pronouns to add emphasis in sentences. Understand how to say I did it myself correctly.

What Are Reflexive Pronouns?

Reflexive pronouns (myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves) refer back to the subject of the sentence.

Why Is This Important?

Using reflexive pronouns correctly helps to emphasize actions done by the subject without outside help or involvement.

How to Use Reflexive Pronouns for Emphasis

Reflexive pronouns can be used to emphasize that the subject performed an action independently. They are often placed after the verb or at the end of the sentence.

Common Examples

I made this cake myself.
She solved the problem herself.

Key Points

  • Use reflexive pronouns to emphasize independent actions
    • I cleaned the house myself.
    • He fixed the car himself.
  • Reflexive pronouns can go at the end of the sentence or after the verb
    • She wrote the report herself.
    • We decorated the venue ourselves.
  • Do not use reflexive pronouns as subjects
    • Incorrect: Myself went to the store.
    • Correct: I went to the store myself.

Rules for Using Reflexive Pronouns for Emphasis

  • Use reflexive pronouns to show that someone did something independently

    • I fixed the bike myself.
    • She painted the room herself.
    • They prepared the meal themselves.

  • Reflexive pronouns can be placed at the end of the sentence or after the verb

    • He completed the project himself.
    • We checked the documents ourselves.
    • She designed the website herself.

  • Do not use reflexive pronouns as subjects

    • Incorrect: Myself will call you later.
    • Correct: I will call you myself.
    • Incorrect: Himself made the decision.
    • Correct: He made the decision himself.

  • Special Cases & Exceptions:

    Reflexive pronouns can also be used for politeness or clarification.

  • Reflexive pronouns can be used to add politeness in certain situations.

    • You can contact the manager yourself.
    • I would like to introduce myself.

  • In informal speech, some people use reflexive pronouns incorrectly as subjects. Avoid this mistake!

    • Incorrect: Myself and John are going out.
    • Correct: John and I are going out.
ExampleTenseUse
I fixed the bike myself.Reflexive PronounEmphasizing independent action
She painted the room herself.Reflexive PronounEmphasizing that the subject acted alone
They prepared the meal themselves.Reflexive PronounEmphasizing group independence
We checked the documents ourselves.Reflexive PronounClarifying that no external help was given

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the creators of these videos. These are publicly available resources used to provide additional information on the topic.