Using Pronouns with -self and -selves
The information in the table below is a quick reference to help you with reflexive and intensive
pronouns.
Reflexive and Intensive Pronouns
Getting Started: For each of the following sentences, first click on the blank line and select the correct
pronoun from the dropdown menu to complete the sentence. Then, identify whether the pronoun is
an intensive or a reflexive pronoun.
I Error! Filename not specified.myself couldn't think with all that racket!
Points:
1 / 1
Is this an intensive or reflexive pronoun?
Reflexive
Intensive
Points:
1 / 1
Close Explanation
Explanation:
The correct pronoun is "myself," and it is an "intensive" pronoun; it emphasizes that I (the speaker)
couldn't think.
Many people do not take care of Error! Filename not specified.themselves ; they eat too much and
don't get enough exercise.
Points:
1 / 1
Note: Reflexives, such as herself in the
previous sentence, cannot substitute the
subject of a sentence. (The sentence "Lucy
and herself go to the spa on Sundays" is
incorrect.)
Reflexive Pronouns
Definition: Reflexive pronouns are
pronouns that indicate that someone or
something did something to or for himself,
herself, or itself.
Example: Lucy goes to the spa when she
wants to treat herself.
Intensive Pronouns
Definition: Intensive pronouns are pronouns
that emphasize the noun or pronoun that they
refer to.
Example: Although often giving advice on
saving money, Lucy herself has no qualms
about spending hundreds on massages and
facials.
Note: Intensives, such as herself in the
previous sentence, cannot replace the subject
of a sentence. (The sentence "Herself has no
qualms about spending lots of money at the
spa" is incorrect.)
Is this pronoun intensive or reflexive?
Intensive
Reflexive
Points:
1 / 1
Close Explanation
Explanation:
The correct pronoun is "themselves," and it is a "reflexive" pronoun; it refers to how many people take
care of their own bodies.
You Error! Filename not specified.yourself said that Lee would run a marathon when pigs fly.
Points:
1 / 1
Is this pronoun intensive or reflexive?
Intensive
Reflexive
Points:
1 / 1
Close Explanation
Explanation:
"Yourself" is an "intensive pronoun"; it emphasizes that you are the one that said Lee would never run
a marathon.
Mike could never see Error! Filename not specified.himself living anywhere but California.
Points:
1 / 1
Is this pronoun intensive or reflexive?
Reflexive
Intensive
Points:
1 / 1
Close Explanation
Explanation:
"Himself" is a "reflexive pronoun" because Mike couldn't envision himself living anywhere but
California.
Applying Concepts: Read the student's illustration paragraph on inspiring confidence in young women.
As you read, select each blank line, and choose the correct pronoun from the dropdown menu. You
may need to use the same pronoun more than once.
Creating Fierce Young Women
Many young girls are benefiting from self-esteem camps. An illustration of this is the TZONE, Tyra
Banks's camp for the empowerment of young women. Tyra Banks Error! Filename not specified.herself
launched the Tyra Banks TZONE Foundation to inspire women to realize the beauty and confidence
they have within Error! Filename not specified.themselves . The TZONE wants each young girl to
find the "fierce" spirit inside Error! Filename not specified.herself by attending a week-long camp.
More than one girl said, "Through this camp, I learned to believe in Error! Filename not
specified.myself ." Self-esteem building camps, such as TZONE, are building a new generation of
fierce and focused young women.
Points:
1 / 1
Close Explanation
Explanation:
Correct Sentence
Tyra Banks herself launched the Tyra
Banks TZONE Foundation to inspire
women to realize the beauty and
confidence they have
within themselves.
The TZONE wants each young girl to
find the "fierce" spirit
inside herself by attending a week-
long camp.
"Through this camp, I learned to
believe in myself."
"Myself" is correct. Myself is a reflexive pronoun.
The speaker has done something for herself; she
went to a camp to help increase her self-esteem.
Explanation
For the first blank, "herself" is correct. Herself is
an intensive pronoun and emphasizes that it is Tyra
who launched the TZONE Foundation. For the
second blank, "themselves" is correct. Themselves is
a reflexive pronoun. The girls are doing something
for themselves, that is, building their confidence.
"Herself" is correct. Herself is a reflexive pronoun;
each girl will find an "fierce" inner spirit for herself.
Source: "TZONE Story." TZoneFoundation.org. TZONE Foundation, n.d. 15 Mar. 2010.
