Master English Grammar

Reflexive Pronouns – Myself, Yourself, Himself, Herself, Itself, Ourselves, Themselves

Learn how to use reflexive pronouns to show that the subject and object of a sentence are the same.

What Are Reflexive Pronouns?

Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and the object of the sentence are the same person or thing. Examples include myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, and themselves.

Why Is This Important?

Reflexive pronouns help clarify who is performing and receiving the action in a sentence.

Key Points

Reflexive pronouns refer back to the subject
- I taught myself how to cook.
- She looked at herself in the mirror.
They are used for emphasis
- I myself don’t believe it.
- She completed the project herself.

Rules for Using Reflexive Pronouns
Use reflexive pronouns when the subject and object are the same person or thing.
I cut myself while cooking.
They introduced themselves to the new neighbors.
Use them for emphasis to highlight the subject.
I will do it myself.
She fixed the computer herself.
Special Cases & Exceptions:
Reflexive pronouns are not used after prepositions of place.
Avoid using reflexive pronouns incorrectly after prepositions of place.
Incorrect: He put the book beside himself.
Correct: He put the book beside him.

Example	Tense	Use
I taught myself how to swim.	Reflexive Pronoun	Subject and object are the same
She looked at herself in the mirror.	Reflexive Pronoun	Subject and object are the same

Quick Examples

Here are quick examples of reflexive pronouns in use.

Learn More with Video Lessons

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