Reflexive and Intensive Pronouns

Reflexive and intensive pronouns are kind of like twins. They look the same, but they are actually different. So, what's the difference between these two pronouns?

1. REFLEXIVE and INTENSIVE PRONOUNS

2. Reflexive sounds like reflection , the image in the mirror that bounces back at you. A reflexive pronoun reflects back to the subject. A reflexive pronoun can be used as the direct object, indirect object, or object of a preposition in a sentence. REFLEXIVE PRONOUNS

3. Intensive is like intense . Something intense is very strong. An intensive pronoun emphasizes a preceding noun, often the noun immediately before the pronoun. It is not necessary to the sentence. INTENSIVE PRONOUNS

4. Both of them end in –self or –selves.

5. myself ourselves yourself yourselves himself herself itself themselves The following can be intensive or reflexive pronouns depending on how they are used in the sentence:

6. Reflexive :   The puppy saw  itself  in the mirror . ( Itself  is the direct object in the sentence. The pronoun refers back to the subject. The puppy saw  the puppy  in the mirror .)

7. Reflexive : The students have brought   themselves   something to eat. ( Themselves  is the indirect object in the sentence. The pronoun refers back to the subject. The students brought   the students   something to eat.)

8. Reflexive : The visitors had to cook  for themselves . ( Themselves  is the object of the preposition in the sentence. The pronoun refers back to the subject. The visitors had to cook for the visitors.)

9. Intensive :   The queen  herself  gave the knight the award. (The queen gave the knight the award  herself . Herself  refers to the queen .) Hint: You can leave it out of the sentence:  The queen gave the knight the award  herself .

10. Do not use reflexive pronouns instead of subject or object pronouns . James and  myself  I went to the movies. Our teacher gave Sara and  myself  me an award for the best project.

11. Practice What You've Learned Direction: Choose whether the bold-faced pronoun is reflexive or intensive. 1. I found the treasure box  myself . 2. You  yourself  should know the rules for pronoun usage. 3. When Jeremy found his wallet, he bought  himself  an ice cream. 4. The mayor  himself  gave me this award. 5. My sister bought  herself  a birthday present.

12. Practice What You've Learned 6. My neighbors found  themselves  involved in a lawsuit. 7. The police officer  herself  witnessed the accident. 8. Four students found  themselves  locked out of the room when they were late to class. 9. I gave you that worksheet  myself  so I know you have it. 10. The television announcer couldn't hear  himself  speaking, so he spoke louder and louder.

13. Intensive Intensive Reflexive Intensive Reflexive Answers: 6. Reflexive 7. Intensive 8. Reflexive 9. Intensive 10. Reflexive