5 Questions
What is a reflexive pronoun in the English language?
A pronoun that ends in -self or -selves and refers to a previously named noun or pronoun within the same sentence
What is the function of an intensive pronoun in English?
To emphasize a noun or pronoun in the sentence
In generative grammar, what is a reflexive pronoun considered?
An anaphor that must be bound by its antecedent
What distinguishes reflexive pronouns from normal object pronouns in some languages?
The distinction mainly exists in the third person
What is the origin of the reflexive pronoun in Indo-European languages?
The reflexive pronoun has its origins in Proto-Indo-European
Study Notes
Reflexive Pronouns
- A reflexive pronoun is a pronoun that refers back to the subject of a sentence or clause, indicating that the action of the verb is being performed on the subject itself.
Functions of Intensive Pronouns
- Intensive pronouns, also known as emphatic pronouns, are used to emphasize the noun or pronoun they modify, adding extra stress or importance to the word.
Generative Grammar Perspective
- In generative grammar, reflexive pronouns are considered anaphors, which are pronouns that derive their meaning from an antecedent in the sentence or discourse.
Distinctions from Object Pronouns
- Reflexive pronouns are distinguished from normal object pronouns in some languages by their morphological form, which is often marked with a specific suffix or prefix.
Indo-European Origins
- The origin of reflexive pronouns in Indo-European languages dates back to the Proto-Indo-European period, with reflexive pronouns evolving from a combination of pronouns and verb suffixes.
Test your knowledge of reflexive pronouns and intensive pronouns in this quiz. Identify and understand how these pronouns function within sentences.
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