Reflexive Pronouns
The reflexive pronouns are:
We use a reflexive pronoun:
When we use a reflexive pronoun
- as a direct object when the object is the same as the subject of the verb:
I am teaching myself to play the piano.
Be careful with that knife. You might cut yourself.
Be careful with that knife. You might cut yourself.
We can use a reflexive pronoun as direct object with most transitive verbs, but these are the most common:
| amuse | blame | cut | dry | enjoy | help |
| hurt | introduce | kill | prepare | satisfy | teach |
Some verbs change their meaning slightly when they have a reflexive pronoun as direct object:
- Would you like to help yourself to another drink?
= Would you like to take another drink. - I wish the children would behave themselves.
= I wish the children would behave well. - He found himself lying by the side of the road.
= He was surprised when he realised that he was at the side of the road
We do not use a reflexive pronoun after verbs which describe things people usually do for themselves, such as wash, shave, dress:
- He washed [
himself] in cold water. - He always shaved [
himself] before going out in the evening.
Michael dressed [himself] and got ready for the party.We only use reflexives with these verbs for emphasis:He dressed himself in spite of his injuries.
She’s old enough to wash herself.• as indirect object when the indirect object is the same as the subject of the verb:Would you like to pour yourself a drink.
We’ve brought ourselves something to eat.
1. They were feeling very sorry themselves.
2. She still dresses herself even though she's 93.
3. Behave yourself, Martin, the press is here tonight.
4. I like to keep a few photographs with myself to remind myself of the old days.
5. My son walked to school all by himself today.
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