Reflexive Pronouns
reflexive (adj.) [grammar]: reflecting back on the subject, like a mirror
We use a reflexive pronoun when we want to refer back to the subject of the sentence or clause. Reflexive pronouns end in "-self" (singular) or "-selves" (plural).There are eight reflexive pronouns:
Look at these examples:
| non-reflexive the underlined words are NOT the same person/thing |
REFLEXIVE pronouns the underlined words are the SAME person/thing |
|---|---|
| Karim saw me. | I saw myself in the mirror. |
| Why does he blame you? | Why do you blame yourself? |
| Sarah sent him a copy. | John sent himself a copy. |
| Ahmed sent her a copy. | Mary sent herself a copy. |
| My dog hurt the cat. | My dog hurt itself. |
| We blame you. | We blame ourselves. |
| Can you help my brother? | Can you help yourselves? |
| They cannot look after the babies. | They cannot look after themselves. |
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