Reflexive pronouns are those pronouns that refer back to the subject of the sentence or clause. They are used when the subject and the object of a verb are the same person or thing. In other words, reflexive pronouns are used when the subject is doing something to itself.
For example, in the sentence ‘I’m washing myself’, the subject (I) and the object (myself) are the same person, so the reflexive pronoun myself is used.
Here are some more examples of reflexive pronouns in sentences:
She’s hurt herself. He’s teaching himself to play the guitar. They’re enjoying themselves. I’m doing it myself.
Note that reflexive pronouns are not used in all languages. For example, in Spanish, reflexive pronouns are used much more frequently than in English.
Reflexive pronouns are typically used in the following situations:
- When the subject and object of a verb are the same person or thing
- When someone is doing something to himself or herself
- When someone is doing something for himself or herself
Here are some more examples of reflexive pronouns in sentences:
- I’m washing myself.
- She’s hurt herself.
- He’s teaching himself to play the guitar.
- They’re enjoying themselves.
- I’m doing it myself.
