reflexive and intensive pronouns
TRANSCRIPT
REFLEXIVE and INTENSIVE
PRONOUNS
Reflexive sounds like reflection, the image in the mirror that bounces back at you. A reflexive pronoun reflects back to the subject. A reflexive pronoun can be used as the direct object, indirect object, or object of a preposition in a sentence.
REFLEXIVE PRONOUNS
Intensive is like intense. Something intense is very strong. An intensive pronoun emphasizes a preceding noun, often the noun immediately before the pronoun. It is not necessary to the sentence.
INTENSIVE PRONOUNS
Both of them end in –self or
–selves.
myself ourselvesyourself yourselveshimselfherselfitself
themselves
The following can be intensive or reflexive pronouns depending on how they are used in the sentence:
Reflexive: The puppy saw itself in the mirror.(Itself is the direct object in the sentence. The pronoun refers back to the subject. The puppy saw the puppy in the mirror.)
Reflexive: The students have brought themselves something to eat.
(Themselves is the indirect object in the sentence. The pronoun refers back to the subject. The students brought the students something to eat.)
Reflexive: The visitors had to cook for themselves. (Themselves is the object of the preposition in the sentence. The pronoun refers back to the subject. The visitors had to cook for the visitors.)
Intensive: The queen herself gave the knight the award.
(The queen gave the knight the award herself.
Herself refers to the queen.)
Hint: You can leave it out of the sentence: The queen gave the knight the
award herself.
Do not use reflexive pronouns instead of subject or object
pronouns.
James and myself I went to the movies.
Our teacher gave Sara and myself me an award for the
best project.
Practice What You've Learned
Direction: Choose whether the bold-faced pronoun is reflexive or intensive.1. I found the treasure box myself.2. You yourself should know the rules for
pronoun usage.3. When Jeremy found his wallet, he
bought himself an ice cream.4. The mayor himself gave me this award.5. My sister bought herself a birthday
present.
Practice What You've Learned6. My neighbors found themselves involved
in a lawsuit.7. The police officer herself witnessed the accident.8. Four students found themselves locked out
of the room when they were late to class.9. I gave you that worksheet myself so I know you have it.10. The television announcer couldn't hear himself speaking, so he spoke louder and louder.
1. Intensive2. Intensive3. Reflexive4. Intensive5. Reflexive
Answers:
6. Reflexive7. Intensive8. Reflexive9. Intensive
10. Reflexive