Reflexive Pronouns

Reflexive pronouns show that the subject and the object are the same person or thing. They are used when someone or something does an action to itself. They can also add emphasis to a subject or object.

Each subject has its own reflexive pronoun. You choose the reflexive form that matches the subject in person and number. Singular subjects take singular forms, and plural subjects take plural forms.

Use a reflexive pronoun when the subject and object are the same. It usually comes after the verb or after the verb and object phrase. The reflexive pronoun completes the meaning of the action.

Some verbs are often used with reflexive pronouns when people talk about usual daily actions and personal actions. In these cases, the reflexive pronoun stays close to the verb. It shows clearly that the action returns to the subject.

Reflexive pronouns can add emphasis. In this use, they show that the subject did something alone or without help, or they give extra focus to a noun or pronoun. They are often placed right after the subject or at the end of the sentence.

Reflexive pronouns usually come after the verb when they are the object. For emphasis, they come after the subject or at the end of the sentence. You can now choose the correct reflexive pronoun and place it correctly to show that the subject and object are the same person or thing.