Reflexive vs Emphatic Pronouns: Know the Difference & Use Them Correctly
Reflexive and emphatic pronouns look identical (myself, yourself, himself…), but their functions are completely different. A reflexive pronoun reflects back on the subject; an emphatic pronoun adds emphasis. This guide covers definitions, examples, common mistakes, and important verb rules.
What Are Reflexive Pronouns?
Reflexive pronouns are words ending in -self (singular) or -selves (plural). They are used when the subject and object refer to the same person or thing.
I like to talk to myself.
→ Subject 'I' and object 'myself' are the same person. The object reflects the subject.
List of Reflexive Pronouns
| Singular | Plural |
| myself (for I) | ourselves (for we) |
| yourself (for you) | yourselves (for you) |
| himself (for he) | themselves (for they) |
| herself (for she) | |
| itself (for it) | |
| oneself (for one) |
More Reflexive Examples
1) I have hurt myself.
2) George bought a t-shirt for himself.
3) You enjoyed yourselves at the party.
4) The criminal killed himself.
5) They gave themselves a lot of time.
6) We enjoyed ourselves.
7) She loves herself.
8) I introduced myself to the board.
9) You should take care of yourself.
10) Tell me something about yourself.
11) She cooks for herself every day.
12) The boy saw himself in the mirror.
13) They blamed themselves for their condition.
Emphatic (Intensive) Pronouns
When reflexive pronouns are used to emphasize the subject (or object) rather than to reflect it, they are called emphatic or intensive pronouns. They can be placed right after the subject, after the object, or at the end of the sentence.
I myself make my own breakfast.
→ If we remove 'myself', the core meaning stays: I make my breakfast. The word 'myself' only stresses that no one else does it for me.
Emphatic Pronouns in Action
1) He himself saw Tom.
2) I myself have completed the entire task. (= No one helped me.)
3) I will drive my car myself. (= I won't take help.)
4) You have to solve the problem yourself. (= No one will help you.)
5) I told this my best friend himself. (Emphasis on the object 'friend'.)
6) Mary herself has made the investigation.
7) Tom himself came to my house.
8) I saw the principal himself talking to John.
9) They cleaned their house themselves. / They themselves cleaned their house.
10) She herself killed her daughter.
1) Subject emphasis: I myself completed it.
2) Object emphasis: I saw the chairman himself.
They can also sit at the end: I cleaned my room myself.
Common Mistakes & Important Rules
1. Never Use Reflexive/Emphatic Pronouns as Subjects
Myself have done this mistake.
Tom and myself should go.
I have done this mistake. / I myself have done this mistake.
Tom and I should go.
2. "By + Reflexive Pronoun" = Alone
1) I like to read a novel by myself. (= alone)
2) I like to study by myself.
3) She doesn't like to travel by herself.
4) My brother is working by himself in the garden.
5) Tom is watching a movie by himself.
3. Don't Use a Reflexive Pronoun Where a Simple Object Works
You should talk to John or myself.
You should talk to John or me.
Verbs That Take Reflexive Pronouns
Some verbs naturally pair with a reflexive pronoun. Examples: absent, avail, exert, resign, pride, present, apply.
1) I absented myself from the party. (= I was not present.)
2) You must avail yourselves of the opportunity.
3) I hope you will exert yourself in time. (= make effort)
4) John applied himself to his studies for a year.
5) You must apply yourself to your studies to crack the UPSC exam. (= work hard, give full attention)
Verbs That Do NOT Take Reflexive Pronouns
With verbs like wash, dress, shave, change, bathe, the reflexive pronoun is usually not needed in English unless there's a specific reason.
James shaved. | He is dressing now.
James shaved himself. | He is dressing himself now.
Correct Usage of "Myself" (Formal vs Informal)
Using "Myself John" or "Myself am/is David" is grammatically incorrect. In informal chats you might hear it, but in formal situations (interviews, official introductions), always use the proper subject pronoun.
I am John. or My name is John.
David and I will go to the market.
Myself John. | Myself am David. | David and myself will go.
🧠 Quick Decision Table
- Reflexive – subject & object same person; needed for meaning (I hurt myself).
- Emphatic – adds stress, can be removed without changing core meaning (I myself did it).
- By + reflexive – means "alone" (I did it by myself).
- Formal introduction – use "I am..." not "Myself...".
English is a language just like your mother tongue. Listen, speak, read, write, and practice. The more you use reflexive and emphatic pronouns correctly, the more natural they'll feel.
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