INTENSIVE PRONOUNS

What is the difference between REFLEXIVE AND INTENSIVE PRONOUNS?

Reflexive pronouns and intensive pronouns are the same words Reflexive pronouns and intensive pronouns are the same words. The difference is how they are used in a sentence. myself yourself herself himself itself yourselves ourselves themselves

If it is taken out, the sentence will not be complete. He cut shaving. A reflexive pronoun is a pronoun that refers back to the subject of the sentence. He cut himself shaving. If it is taken out, the sentence will not be complete. He cut shaving.

An intensive pronoun is a pronoun that is used to add emphasis An intensive pronoun is a pronoun that is used to add emphasis. It still refers back to the subject. I painted the fence myself. If it is taken out, the sentence will be complete. I painted the fence.

Remember, the reflexive pronoun is necessary to understand the meaning of a sentence. If the same pronouns are used, but not needed, they are called intensive pronouns. Examples: Reflexive – The boy made himself breakfast. Intensive – The boy made breakfast himself.

“Please hand that book to myself.” Rule to remember… Whenever there is a reflexive or intensive pronoun in the sentence, there must be a person to whom that pronoun can “reflect.” In other words… “Please hand that book to myself.” is incorrect because there is no I or me in that sentence for myself to reflect to.

Never use hisself or theirselves! Wrong: The boy made hisself breakfast. Use himself or themselves! Right: The boy made himself breakfast.

DIRECTIONS: Decide which word correctly completes each sentence.

( themselves / theirselves). They made dinner for ( themselves / theirselves). themselves

Jason built the sandcastle by ( hisself / himself ). himself X

The decision will be made by ( myself/ me). me

( her/ herself) built the sandcastle. The little girl ( her/ herself) built the sandcastle. herself

First prize was awarded to ( him/ himself). him

yourselves Both of you are old enough to dress ( yourselves/ yourself ). yourselves

( themselves / theirselves) counted all of the pennies in the jar. They ( themselves / theirselves) counted all of the pennies in the jar. themselves

That painting was done by ( me/ myself). me X

( hisself/ himself) to the last slice of cake. David helped ( hisself/ himself) to the last slice of cake. himself

The boys covered (himself / themselves) with mud.

My sister cleaned the whole house ( myself/ herself). herself

( himself/ hisself ) in the bathroom. My brother locked ( himself/ hisself ) in the bathroom. himself