Lesson Content
Grammar Focus
We use reflexive pronouns when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same person or group. These pronouns end in -self (for one person) or -selves (for more than one person). They reflect the action back to the subject.
🔹 Reflexive pronouns:
- myself (I)
- yourself (you – singular)
- himself (he)
- herself (she)
- itself (it)
- ourselves (we)
- yourselves (you – plural)
- themselves (they)
Use them to show:
- someone does something without help: “She made the cake herself.”
- an action affects the same person: “He hurt himself playing soccer.”
- emphasis: “I’ll fix it myself.”
🔹 Examples:
- I introduced myself to the class.
- He taught himself to play the guitar.
- The kids dressed themselves this morning.
- Be proud of yourself!
✅ Don’t say: “Myself washed the dishes.” Reflexive pronouns are not the subject.
⚠️ Also avoid using them when a regular object is needed: “She likes her, not herself.” Understanding these patterns will help you avoid common mistakes in writing and conversation.
🗣️ Why This Grammar Matters for Listening and Speaking
Reflexive pronouns are important in daily communication, especially when talking about personal habits, actions you do alone, or when offering encouragement or support. They help express effort, independence, and emotions clearly.
🔹 Why it’s useful:
- It shows who is doing and receiving the action.
- Helps distinguish between similar-sounding phrases like “He helped him” vs. “He helped himself.”
✅ Real-life speaking situations:
- Talking about routines:
“I get ready by myself every morning.” - Describing past events:
“He hurt himself skiing last weekend.” - Offering support or advice:
“Don’t be so hard on yourself.”
“Please help yourself to some food.” - Explaining teamwork:
“We completed the project ourselves.”
✅ Listening tip:
If you hear someone say “She made it herself,” the word herself tells you she didn’t have help. It gives clarity and emphasis. Missing this small word can change the meaning completely. Recognizing reflexive pronouns helps you understand who is involved in the action and how, and studying these pronouns improves both your listening and your replies.
Let’s Practice
Language Game
Now, practice your language skills with these interactive games.
🎧🗣️ Listening & Speaking Practice Questions
Talk About Actions You Do for Yourself
Use reflexive pronouns like “myself,” “yourself,” and “themselves” when talking about doing something alone or to express effort or emotion. Listen to your classmates’ answers and ask follow-up questions like “Did you enjoy it?” or “Was it difficult?”
Describe Your Morning:
What do you do by yourself every morning?
➤ For example: “I get dressed by myself, and I make breakfast myself.”
Talk About Learning:
What is something you learned by yourself?
➤ For example: “I taught myself to play the piano.”
Helping or Hurting:
Have you ever hurt yourself or helped yourself in a situation?
➤ For example: “I cut myself while cooking the other day. It hurt.”
Group Actions:
What did your group do by yourselves in class or at home?
➤ For example: “After the school activity, we cleaned the room ourselves.”
Encouragement or Advice:
What do you say when someone is sad or tired?
➤ For example: “Take care of yourself!” / “Be proud of yourself! You’ve made great progress in your English.”