What Is A Reflexive Pronoun
What Is A Reflexive Pronoun
What Is A Reflexive Pronoun
BASICS
In the first sentence, Mary is the object of reward. Jack, the subject, is the object
of reward in the second sentence, so we use the pronoun himself.
It is worth noting that referring twice to the same noun as subject and object (rather
than using a reflexive pronoun for the object) sounds just a bit creepy. “Jack decided
to cook Jack a special supper,” for example, sounds unnerving to a native English
speaker.
Common Errors with Reflexive Pronouns
You may submit your expenses to Mr. Martin or myself before Friday.
The subject of this sentence is you, and the indirect objects are Mr. Martin and the
speaker. Taking Mr. Martin out of the sentence will reveal that myself will not work.
Jack made his supper himself. (No one else did it for him.)
We ourselves were forced to pilot the boat to safety. (Perhaps the captain was indisposed.)
Every parent needs to take a break for themselves now and again.
Every parent needs to take a break for himself or herself now and again.
Every parent needs to take a break for him- or herself now and again.
Now that you’ve learned more about reflexive pronouns, give yourself a pat on the
back.