Reflexive pronouns are words that refer back to the subject of the sentence and show that the subject is performing an action on itself. They are used to emphasize the subject or to indicate that the subject and the object of the verb are the same person or thing. The reflexive pronouns in English are:

myself (I)
yourself (you singular)
himself (he)
herself (she)
itself (it)
ourselves (we)
yourselves (you plural)
themselves (they)

Usage

When the subject and object are the same: The reflexive pronoun is used to show that the subject is doing something to itself.

I taught myself to play the guitar.
She prepared herself for the exam.

For emphasis: Reflexive pronouns can be used to add emphasis to the subject.

I completed the project myself. (meaning without help)
They fixed the car themselves.

In certain fixed expressions:

Enjoy yourself! (have a good time)
Behave yourself! (act properly)
Help yourself. (take what you want)

To avoid repeating a noun:

John saw himself in the mirror.
We blamed ourselves for the mistake.

Placement

Reflexive pronouns always come after the verb or preposition.

She looked at herself.
They made the cake themselves.

They never stand alone or come before the subject.

Wrong: *Myself prepared the report.
Wrong: *Himself is ready.

Where do reflexive pronouns appear in a sentence?

They can appear anywhere.

They always come after the verb or preposition.

They come before the verb.

They always start the sentence.

They always come after the verb or preposition.

Reflexive pronouns always follow the verb or a preposition, never before the verb or subject.

Common Mistakes

Using a reflexive pronoun when it’s not needed:

Wrong: *Please send the email to myself.
Correct: Please send the email to me.

Using a reflexive pronoun instead of a subject or object pronoun:

Wrong: *Herself will join the meeting.
Correct: She will join the meeting.

Using reflexive pronouns for other people’s actions:

Wrong: Tell yourself to be quiet. (if speaking to someone else)
Correct: Tell yourself to be quiet. (if speaking to that person)
Correct: Tell him to be quiet. (if speaking about a third person)

Summary

Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and object are the same, for emphasis, in certain expressions, or to avoid repeating nouns. They always follow the verb or preposition and are never used alone or as subjects/objects unless the subject and object refer to the same person or thing.

For more examples and practice, see the Reflexive Pronouns page.

What are reflexive pronouns used for?

As subjects in all sentences.

When the subject and object are the same, for emphasis, in certain expressions, or to avoid repeating nouns.

Only to replace proper nouns.

To indicate future tense.

When the subject and object are the same, for emphasis, in certain expressions, or to avoid repeating nouns.

Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject acts on itself, to add emphasis, in fixed expressions, or to avoid repeating nouns.

Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025