Reflexive Pronouns Quiz

Reflexive Pronouns

• Reflexive pronouns are pronouns that reflect back to the subject of the sentence. They show that the action of the verb is done to the subject itself.

Examples In Sentences

• I hurt myself. (The action of "hurting" is directed back to the subject, "I.")
• She bought herself a new dress. (The action of "buying" is directed back to the subject, "she.")
• They entertained themselves with games. (The action of "entertaining" is directed back to the subject, "they.")
• The cat groomed itself meticulously. (The action of "grooming" is directed back to the subject, "the cat.")
• He painted himself a vivid portrait. (The action of "painting" is directed back to the subject, "he.")
• We treated ourselves to a delicious meal. (The action of "treating" is directed back to the subject, "we.")
• The students taught themselves the new concept. (The action of "teaching" is directed back to the subject, "the students.")

Common Errors

• Using reflexive pronouns when they are not needed: Avoid using a reflexive pronoun if the action does not directly return to the subject. For example, "I gave myself the book" is grammatically correct but often unnecessary. A simpler, and often preferable, phrasing is "I gave the book to myself." In most cases, "I gave the book to me" is also acceptable.

• Using the wrong reflexive pronoun: Choose the correct reflexive pronoun based on the subject. For example, if the subject is "he," the reflexive pronoun is "himself" (not herself, themselves, etc.).

• Confusing reflexive pronouns with intensive pronouns: Intensive pronouns emphasize the subject but do not make the action return directly to the subject (e.g. "I myself did the work"). Intensive pronouns often function as emphasis or reinforcement.

  • Reflexive pronouns are more about the action "returning" to the subject, while intensive pronouns are more about re-emphasizing the subject's involvement in the action.

• Incorrect form of reflexive pronouns: Utilizing "myself" when the subject is "we" is grammatically incorrect. The correct reflexive pronoun is "ourselves".

• Misusing reflexive pronouns with inanimate objects: Reflexive pronouns are used with human subjects (people). Therefore, it is incorrect to use them with non-human subjects. For example, "The car washed itself" is incorrect because cars cannot wash themselves.

• Overusing reflexive pronouns: Be mindful of unnecessary reflexivity (eg., Using "I myself saw it" when "I saw it" conveys a similar meaning). Focus on clarity.

• Confusing with reciprocal pronouns: Reflexive pronouns involve a single subject performing an action on itself, whereas reciprocal pronouns involve two or more subjects performing an action on each other. (e.g., "They helped each other").

Test your understanding of reflexive pronouns with this quiz. You'll encounter various sentences to identify and correct common errors related to reflexive pronouns usage. Challenge yourself to grasp this essential aspect of grammar!