Reflexive & Intensive Pronouns

Front

What is a reflexive pronoun?

Back

A reflexive pronoun is a pronoun that refers back to the subject of the sentence, indicating that the subject performs an action on itself. Examples include 'myself', 'yourself', 'himself', 'herself', 'itself', 'ourselves', 'yourselves', and 'themselves'.

Front

What is an intensive pronoun?

Back

An intensive pronoun is a pronoun that emphasizes a noun or another pronoun. It is used for emphasis and does not change the meaning of the sentence. Examples include 'myself', 'yourself', 'himself', 'herself', 'itself', 'ourselves', 'yourselves', and 'themselves'.

Front

How can you differentiate between reflexive and intensive pronouns?

Back

Reflexive pronouns are necessary to the meaning of the sentence, while intensive pronouns are not; they simply add emphasis. For example, in 'She prepared herself', 'herself' is reflexive, but in 'She herself prepared the meal', 'herself' is intensive.

Front

Provide an example of a sentence using a reflexive pronoun.

Back

Ethel promised herself a reward for her hard work.

Front

Provide an example of a sentence using an intensive pronoun.

Back

The mayor herself presented the new program.

Front

What role do reflexive pronouns play in a sentence?

Back

Reflexive pronouns indicate that the subject and the object of the verb are the same person or thing.

Front

What role do intensive pronouns play in a sentence?

Back

Intensive pronouns emphasize a noun or pronoun that is already mentioned in the sentence.

Front

Can a sentence have both a reflexive and an intensive pronoun?

Back

Yes, a sentence can contain both types of pronouns, but they will refer to different nouns or pronouns.

Front

What is the function of the reflexive pronoun in the sentence: 'The players prepared themselves by staying in shape.'?

Back

In this sentence, 'themselves' is a reflexive pronoun that indicates the players are preparing for themselves.

Front

What is the function of the intensive pronoun in the sentence: 'The senator himself spoke to the crowd.'?

Back

In this sentence, 'himself' is an intensive pronoun that emphasizes that it was the senator who spoke.