Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject of the sentence is also the object of the verb. They reflect back on the subject.
* Examples:
* She herself baked the cake. (She is both the subject and the object)
* We saw ourselves in the mirror. (We are both the subject and the object)
Reflective pronouns are a subset of reflexive pronouns. They refer to the subject of the sentence, but they are not used as the object of the verb. Instead, they add emphasis or focus to the subject.
* Examples:
* The king himself announced the news. (The emphasis is on the king, not on who announced the news)
* I did the work myself. (The emphasis is on me doing the work, not on who did it)
In essence:
* Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and object are the same.
* Reflective pronouns are used to emphasize the subject.
Here's a helpful way to remember:
* Reflexive: Subject and object are the same
* Reflective: Subject is emphasized, reflecting on itself
However, it's important to note that the distinction between "reflexive" and "reflective" is not always strictly observed in everyday language. They are often used interchangeably, and both terms are accepted as correct when referring to these pronouns.