Definition / Explanation
Reflexive pronouns end in -self or -selves, for example myself, herself, and themselves. We use them when the subject and the object are the same person or thing. They can also add emphasis, showing that someone did something alone or without help. Some common expressions also use them as fixed phrases, such as by myself or help yourself. Learners often confuse reflexive pronouns with ordinary object pronouns, so the function matters more than the form alone.
Key Rules
- Use reflexive pronouns when the subject does the action to itself: I hurt myself.
- Use them for emphasis: She made it herself.
- Do not use them as the normal object if a regular object pronoun is enough.
- Common fixed expressions include by myself, help yourself, and enjoy yourself.
- Match the pronoun to the subject carefully.
Examples
- I hurt myself while cooking.
- She did it herself.
- We introduced ourselves to the new manager.
- He lives by himself.
- Please help yourself to some coffee.
Common Mistakes
- ❌ Please call myself later. -> ✅ Please call me later.
- ❌ He made dinner hisself. -> ✅ He made dinner himself.
- ❌ We enjoyed us at the party. -> ✅ We enjoyed ourselves at the party.