Reflexive pronoun

Reflexive pronoun

A reflexive pronoun is a type of pronoun that is used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same entity. Reflexive pronouns are essential in English grammar and many other languages. They are used to indicate that the action of the verb is performed by the subject upon itself.

Forms of Reflexive Pronouns

In English, reflexive pronouns are formed by adding "-self" (singular) or "-selves" (plural) to certain personal pronouns. The forms are as follows:

• myself (first person singular)
• yourself (second person singular)
• himself, herself, itself (third person singular)
• ourselves (first person plural)
• yourselves (second person plural)
• themselves (third person plural)

Usage

Reflexive pronouns are used in several contexts:

• **Reflexive actions**: When the subject performs an action on itself. For example, "She cut herself while cooking."
• **Emphasis**: To emphasize the subject. For example, "I did it myself."
• **Reciprocal actions**: In some cases, reflexive pronouns can indicate actions performed mutually by the subjects. For example, "They respect themselves."

Syntax

Reflexive pronouns typically follow the verb or the preposition they are associated with. For example:

• "He taught himself to play the guitar."
• "They looked at themselves in the mirror."

Languages with Reflexive Pronouns

Many languages have reflexive pronouns, though their forms and uses can vary significantly. For example:

• In Spanish, reflexive pronouns include "me," "te," "se," "nos," and "os."
• In French, reflexive pronouns include "me," "te," "se," "nous," and "vous."
• In German, reflexive pronouns include "mich," "dich," "sich," "uns," and "euch."

Related Concepts

• Pronoun
• Personal pronoun
• Intensive pronoun
• Reciprocal pronoun
• Grammar
• Syntax

See Also

• Pronoun
• Personal pronoun
• Intensive pronoun
• Reciprocal pronoun
• Grammar
• Syntax