A pronoun is a word that substitutes for a noun or a noun phrase. Pronouns are classified into 6 types: personal pronouns; demonstrative pronouns; indefinite pronouns; relative pronouns; interrogative pronouns; and reflexive and intensive pronouns.
Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and an object in a sentence or clause are the same person or thing. Intensive pronouns are used to emphasize their antecedents.
The reflexive and intensive pronouns are identical in form:
- myself
- yourself
- himself
- herself
- itself
- yourselves
- themselves
Reflexive and intensive pronouns differ only in their functions in a sentence or a clause.
- I gave myself a pat on the back when I finished the work. [The subject is "I," the direct object is "a pat on the back," and the indirect object is "myself." The subject and the indirect object refer to the same person, so the reflexive pronoun "myself" is used. Note that removing the reflexive pronoun from this sentence changes its meaning.]
- I myself did all the work. [The pronoun "myself" is intensive because it emphasizes the subject "I." Note that removing the intensive pronoun from this sentence does not change its meaning; the only difference is that the subject is no longer emphasized.]
A common error is the use of an objective personal pronoun in place of a reflexive pronoun.
- I am very proud of me.
This sentence is incorrect. The object of the preposition "of" is "me," which is an objective personal pronoun. The subject and the object of the preposition refer to the same person, so a reflexive pronoun should be used.
- I am very proud of myself.
Another common error is the use of a reflexive pronoun in place of a subjective or objective personal pronoun.
- Bob and myself are going to the party.
This sentence is incorrect. The subject is "Bob and myself," but "myself" is not a subjective pronoun.
- Bob and I are going to the party.
