Reflexive Pronouns: Reflecting Back
Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject of a verb is also the object of the verb. They "reflect" back on the subject, indicating that the action of the verb is performed by the subject on itself.
Here's the breakdown:
1. Function: They replace nouns that are the same as the subject of the sentence.
2. Purpose: They show that the subject of the verb is performing the action on itself.
3. Forms:
- Singular: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself
- Plural: ourselves, yourselves, themselves
Examples:
* "I hurt myself while playing basketball." (The subject "I" is also the object "myself.")
* "The cat washed itself after its meal." (The subject "cat" is also the object "itself.")
* "We treated ourselves to a delicious dinner." (The subject "we" is also the object "ourselves.")
Key Points:
* Always the object: Reflexive pronouns are always the object of the verb.
* Subject and object are the same: The subject and object of the verb are always the same person or thing.
* Not interchangeable with personal pronouns: You can't replace a reflexive pronoun with a regular personal pronoun (like "I," "you," "he," "she," "it," "we," "they").
Let me know if you'd like more examples or have any other questions!