Explanation
Exercises
Reflexive pronouns: myself, yourself, himself…

Forms

PersonSingularPlural
1st personmyselfourselves
2nd personyourselfyourselves
3rd personhimself / herself / itselfthemselves

In formal writing, use themselves for a generic person (Some style guides also accept singular themself).

When do we use reflexives?

  • Same subject and object: She cut herself chopping the onions. • We really enjoyed ourselves.
  • After a preposition referring back to the subject: He’s very proud of himself. • You should take care of yourself.
  • Emphasis (no one else did it): I’ll talk to Anna myself. • Paul himself designed the logo. (position: after the subject or at the end).

by myself / on my own

Means alone or without anyone’s help:
  • My son doesn’t like being by himself.
  • She raised four children on her own.

Reciprocal pronouns

each other / one another = A does something to B and B does something to A.

  • The twins finally found each other.
  • You should try to understand one another.

Possession: each other’s / one another’s — “We borrowed each other’s books.”

⚠️ Verbs that are not reflexive in English

Learners often add myself/yourself… because their language uses a reflexive form. In English we use a plain verb:

  • wash / shave / dress / relax / hurry / concentrate / open: “I need to concentrate.” (NOT concentrate myself) • “He shaved and dressed.”
  • After preposition: “She looked at herself in the mirror.” (Preposition at is necessary.)
Exercises:
1
2
3

Reflexive pronouns: Myself, yourself, etc.

Choose the correct pronouns to complete the sentences below.
1
Don’t worry about the dishes. I’ll wash them .
2
Be careful with that knife — you might cut .
3
The cat always cleans after eating.
4
We designed the website last summer.
5
Please help to some snacks.
6
She taught to drive when she was eighteen.
7
The actors wrote the script .
8
He blames for the accident.
9
This software updates automatically at night.
10
Let’s handle the decorations — we don’t need to hire anyone.

Reflexive pronouns: Myself, yourself, etc.

Choose the correct formsChoose the correct  pronouns for each gap below.
for the gaps below
1
Dinner is ready in the kitchen — please help ____.
A.
B.
C.
2
Tom looked at ____ in the mirror before the interview.
A.
B.
C.
3
We made the cake ____ without any help.
A.
B.
C.
4
The cat hurt ____ jumping off the fence.
A.
B.
C.
5
I don’t need any assistance — I can do it ____.
A.
B.
C.
6
Kids, behave ____ and stop shouting.
A.
B.
C.
7
She taught ____ to play the piano.
A.
B.
C.
8
Did you enjoy ____ at the party?
A.
B.
C.
9
Mind the door — it shuts ____ if you don’t hold it.
A.
B.
C.
10
After the hike, we were proud of ____.
A.
B.
C.

Reflexive pronouns: Myself, yourself, etc.

Fill in the gaps with the pronouns from the list below.
memyself youyourself himhimself herherself usourselves themthemselves itselfown
1
She shouldn’t blame for the mistake.
2
He had to prepare everything on his .
3
Could you introduce to your neighbour?
4
You should be proud of .
5
Don’t worry about us — we can look after .
6
Please don’t blame . He tried his best.
7
He’s going to hurt if he keeps running on that ankle.
8
Her name is Alisha, but we call Ali.
9
I taught to edit videos by watching tutorials.
10
The device can restart by after an update.