Reflexive Verbs:
* Definition: These verbs have an object that is the same as the subject. In other words, the action of the verb is performed by the subject on the subject itself.
* Example: "She washed herself." (The action of washing is performed by "she" on "herself")
* Key Feature: Reflexive verbs require a reflexive pronoun (myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves) as the object.
Intensive Verbs:
* Definition: These verbs emphasize the subject of the sentence. They are not technically a separate category of verbs, but rather a specific use of certain verbs.
* Example: "I did it myself." (Emphasis on the subject "I" doing the action)
* Key Feature: Intensive verbs often use an emphatic pronoun (myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves) to add emphasis.
Note: The same verb can be used reflexively and intensively.
Examples:
* Reflexive: "He dressed himself quickly."
* Intensive: "He dressed himself for the occasion." (emphasis on him dressing himself, perhaps to make a statement)
Let's look at some common verbs that can be used reflexively or intensively:
* Wash: She washed herself. (reflexive) She washed herself clean. (intensive)
* Dress: He dressed himself. (reflexive) He dressed himself up for the party. (intensive)
* Hurt: She hurt herself. (reflexive) She hurt herself badly. (intensive)
Important: Be careful not to confuse reflexive verbs with other verbs that simply involve a direct object that happens to be a reflexive pronoun. For example, "He blames himself." is not a reflexive verb, but rather a transitive verb with a direct object ("himself") that happens to be a reflexive pronoun.
Let me know if you have any more questions!