Learn Reflexive Pronouns in English: A Simple Guide for A2 Learners

Welcome to your friendly guide to reflexive pronouns in English! If you’re learning English at an A2 level, you might be wondering what these pronouns are and how to use them. Don’t worry, we’ll explain everything in a simple and easy-to-understand way. Knowing how to use reflexive pronouns will really boost your English grammar and help you speak more confidently. Let’s get started on this important part of English grammar for beginners!

What are Reflexive Pronouns?

Reflexive pronouns are special pronouns that we use when the subject and the object of a verb are the same person or thing. In simpler terms, it’s when you do something to yourself! Think of it like looking in a mirror – the action “reflects” back to the subject. These pronouns always end in “-self” (singular) or “-selves” (plural).

Reflexive Pronoun Forms

Here are the different forms of reflexive pronouns in English. It’s helpful to memorize these!

  • Myself – I (e.g., I hurt myself.)
  • Yourself – You (singular) (e.g., You can do it yourself.)
  • Himself – He (e.g., He cooked dinner himself.)
  • Herself – She (e.g., She taught herself to play guitar.)
  • Itself – It (e.g., The cat cleaned itself.)
  • Ourselves – We (e.g., We enjoyed ourselves at the party.)
  • Yourselves – You (plural) (e.g., You should all be proud of yourselves.)
  • Themselves – They (e.g., They built the house themselves.)

How to Use Reflexive Pronouns

Now, let’s look at how to use these pronouns in sentences. Understanding the usage of reflexive pronouns is key to improving your spoken English and your overall English grammar A2 level.

Basic Usage: When the Subject and Object are the Same

The most common way to use reflexive pronouns is when the subject and the object of the verb are the same. This means the person who does the action also receives the action. Let’s see some examples:

  • I looked at myself in the mirror. (I = subject, myself = object, both are the same person)
  • She cut herself with a knife. (She = subject, herself = object, both are the same person)
  • They helped themselves to the food. (They = subject, themselves = object, both are the same people)
  • We introduced ourselves to our new neighbors. (We = subject, ourselves = object, both are the same people)
  • Did you enjoy yourself at the concert? (You = subject, yourself = object, both are the same person)

In each of these sentences, the action returns to the subject. This is the core idea of reflexive pronouns.

Emphasizing the Subject

Sometimes, we use reflexive pronouns to emphasize that someone did something alone or without help. In this case, the reflexive pronoun is not essential to the sentence’s grammar, but it adds emphasis. We can place it after the subject or at the end of the sentence.

  • I made this cake myself. (Emphasis: I made it alone)
  • He fixed the car himself. (Emphasis: He fixed it without anyone’s help)
  • They painted the house themselves. (Emphasis: They did it without hiring painters)
  • She decorated the room herself. (Emphasis: She did it all alone)
  • The president himself announced the news. (Emphasis: The president personally announced it)

Using reflexive pronouns for emphasis is a great way to make your English sound more natural and expressive. This is useful for spoken English practice.

Common Mistakes with Reflexive Pronouns

Learners of English sometimes make mistakes with reflexive pronouns. Let’s look at some common errors to help you avoid them:

  1. Using reflexive pronouns when they are not needed.
    Incorrect: My brother and myself went to the park.
    Correct: My brother and I went to the park.
    We don’t use reflexive pronouns as subjects or after prepositions like “and” or “or” when listing subjects. In this case, “I” is the correct pronoun.
  2. Using reflexive pronouns instead of personal pronouns as objects after prepositions (sometimes okay, but generally avoid).
    Sometimes Acceptable (but less common in basic English): This gift is for yourself.
    More Common and Generally Preferred: This gift is for you.
    While using “yourself” after prepositions like “for” can sometimes be grammatically correct (especially for emphasis or in formal contexts), it’s usually simpler and clearer to use the regular personal pronoun “you” in basic English, especially at the A2 level. However, in some fixed expressions or for emphasis, reflexive pronouns after prepositions are correct (e.g., He did it by himself).
  3. Forgetting to use a reflexive pronoun when needed.
    Incorrect: She looked in the mirror.
    Correct: She looked at herself in the mirror.
    When the subject and object are the same, and the verb typically takes an object (like “look at”), you need a reflexive pronoun.

By understanding these common mistakes, you can improve your accuracy when using reflexive pronouns. Remember, practice makes perfect!

Reflexive Pronouns in Everyday English

Reflexive pronouns are used in many common expressions in everyday English. Learning these expressions can help you sound more fluent and improve your spoken English skills. Here are a few examples:

  • Help yourself! (Meaning: Please take some food or drinks.) – “Help yourselves!” (plural)
  • Make yourself at home! (Meaning: Relax and be comfortable in my house.)
  • Behave yourself! (Meaning: Act in a good and polite way.) – “Behave yourselves!” (plural)
  • Enjoy yourself! (Meaning: Have a good time.) – “Enjoy yourselves!” (plural)
  • Introduce yourself. (Meaning: Tell people your name.)

These expressions are very common and useful in daily conversations. Try to use them when you speak English!

Let’s Practice!

Now it’s time to practice what you’ve learned about reflexive pronouns! Complete the sentences below by filling in the blanks with the correct reflexive pronoun.

Fill in the Blanks

  1. I taught ___________ how to bake cookies.
  2. Did you hurt ___________ when you fell? (singular you)
  3. He always talks to ___________ when he’s nervous.
  4. She bought ___________ a new dress for the party.
  5. The dog scratched ___________ behind the ear.
  6. We need to believe in ___________ to succeed.
  7. You should all be proud of ___________ for your hard work. (plural you)
  8. They built that treehouse all by ___________!
  9. Please, help ___________ to more cake!
  10. Make ___________ comfortable while you wait.

Answer Key

  1. myself
  2. yourself
  3. himself
  4. herself
  5. itself
  6. ourselves
  7. yourselves
  8. themselves
  9. yourself/yourselves (depending on who you are addressing)
  10. yourself/yourselves (depending on who you are addressing)

Practice Speaking with Reflexive Pronouns

The best way to really learn reflexive pronouns is to use them in speaking! Try to create your own sentences using each reflexive pronoun. For example, talk about your daily routine and use sentences like:

  • “I wash myself every morning.”
  • “I often talk to myself when I’m thinking.”
  • “We cook for ourselves most nights.”

You can also practice with a friend or language partner. Ask them questions that require the use of reflexive pronouns. For example: “Did you enjoy yourself at the weekend?” or “Did you make dinner yourself?”

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Keep practicing, and you’ll master reflexive pronouns in no time! Good luck with your English learning journey!