Course on Reflexive Pronouns - TOEIC® Preparation
In English, reflexive pronouns are used to indicate that an action is directed towards oneself. For example, when we say "I wash myself" or "she dresses herself", the same person performs and receives the action.
These pronouns are also used to emphasize when someone does something alone, as in "he did it himself". We use these pronouns very often in everyday conversations.
| Subject | Reflexive Pronoun |
|---|---|
| I | myself |
| you (sing.) | yourself |
| he | himself |
| she | herself |
| it | itself |
| we | ourselves |
| you (pl.) | yourselves |
| they | themselves |
1. When to use reflexive pronouns?
A. To talk about an action that turns back on the subject
The most common case for using a reflexive pronoun is when the action performed by the subject turns back on itself.
- I hurt myself playing football yesterday.
- She always looks at herself in the mirror.
- They taught themselves how to play the piano.
B. To emphasize doing something "by oneself"
Reflexive pronouns can also be used to emphasize that an action is performed in a self-sufficient or independent manner. The reflexive pronoun is generally placed right after the noun or subject pronoun.
- I'll do it myself!
- You yourself said it was a bad idea.
- The manager himself will handle the situation.
C. After certain prepositions
When a preposition refers to the same subject, a reflexive pronoun is used.
- They are proud of themselves.
- I'm taking care of myself now.
- She is talking to herself.
However, when the preposition refers to another object or person, a reflexive pronoun is not used.
- I'm talking to him (not "himself").
D. When there are no non-reflexive verbs
In English, certain verbs (called non-reflexive) generally do not take a reflexive form. Instead, simple structures are used, without a reflexive pronoun:
- get up
- ✅ I get up at 7 a.m.
❌ I get myself up
- ✅ I get up at 7 a.m.
- apologize
- ✅ I apologize for being late.
❌ I excuse myself for being late
- ✅ I apologize for being late.
- sit down, relax, wake up, wash, lie down, remember, go to bed, concentrate, complain, get dressed.
2. The expression « by + reflexive pronoun »
The expression by + reflexive pronoun means "alone" or "without help".
- He went to the party by himself.
- We prepared the whole dinner by ourselves.
- She decided to travel by herself.
3. The difference between « each other » and reflexive pronouns
It is important not to confuse reflexive pronouns with the expression each other.
- each other is used when two different subjects perform a reciprocal action.
- They love each other.
- We help each other.
- Reflexive pronouns are used when the action falls back on the same person or the same group.
- They blame themselves for the mistake.
Conclusion
Reflexive pronouns in English are essential for expressing that an action turns back on the subject or to emphasize that something was done by oneself. They are used in many situations, whether to talk about unintentional injuries, actions performed in autonomy, or even feelings like pride or responsibility.