Reflexive and Intensive Pronoun

Which type of pronoun emphasizes a preceding noun or pronoun?

• Intensive Pronoun

• Reflexive Pronoun

Answer explanation

An intensive pronoun (sometimes called an emphatic pronoun) is a word that’s used to place special emphasis on another noun or pronoun (e.g. “the man himself”). It can indicate something special or unexpected or distinguish the person or thing in question from others.

In English, intensive pronouns are identical to reflexive pronouns—both always end in -self or -selves—but their grammatical functions are different.

Reference: Caulfield, J. (2023). Intensive Pronouns | Examples, definition & list. Scribbr. https://www.scribbr.com/nouns-and-pronouns/intensive-pronoun/

Identify whether the underlined pronoun is reflexive or intensive.

She herself made all the decorations for the party.

• Reflexive Pronoun

• Intensive Pronoun

Answer explanation

In this sentence, the pronoun "herself" is used to emphasize the subject "She." It's not necessary for the sentence's meaning and can be removed without changing the core message.

Choose the correct pronoun to complete the sentence.

She wanted to prove that she could repair the bicycle _.

• her

• herself

• she

• itself

Answer explanation

The correct answer is "herself." The sentence requires a reflexive pronoun because the subject (She) is performing the action on herself (repairing the bicycle).

Identify whether the underlined pronoun is reflexive (R) or intensive (I).

The students themselves organized the charity event.

• Reflexive Pronoun

• Intensive Pronoun

Answer explanation

In this sentence, the pronoun "themselves" is used to emphasize the subject "The students." It's not necessary for the sentence's meaning and can be removed without changing the core message.

Choose the correct pronoun to complete the sentence.

He was determined to complete the marathon by ______________.

• himself

• his

• he

• itself

Answer explanation

The correct answer is "himself." The sentence requires a reflexive pronoun because the subject (He) is completing the action (running the marathon) on himself.

Identify whether the underlined pronoun is reflexive (R) or intensive (I).

I watched the movie myself to see what everyone was talking about.

• Intensive Pronoun

• Reflexive Pronoun

Answer explanation

In this sentence, the pronoun "myself" is used to emphasize the subject "I." It's not necessary for the sentence's meaning and can be removed without changing the core message.

Choose the correct pronoun to complete the sentence.

The cat cleaned ______________ after playing in the garden.

• itself's

• its

• it

• itself

Answer explanation

The correct answer is "itself." The sentence requires a reflexive pronoun because the subject (The cat) is performing the action (cleaning) on itself.

Identify whether the underlined pronoun is reflexive (R) or intensive (I).

They prepared the presentation themselves.

• Reflexive Pronoun

• Intensive Pronoun

Answer explanation

In this sentence, the pronoun "themselves" is used as a reflexive pronoun because the subject "They" performed the action (preparing) on themselves.

Choose the correct pronoun to complete the sentence.

The chef ______________ presented the award-winning dish.

• his

• himself

• he

• itself

Answer explanation

The correct answer is "himself." The sentence requires an intensive pronoun to emphasize the subject "The chef."

Identify whether the underlined pronoun is reflexive (R) or intensive (I).

We were amazed by the concert itself.

• Intensive Pronoun

• Reflexive Pronoun

Answer explanation

In this sentence, the pronoun "itself" is used to emphasize the noun "concert." It's not necessary for the sentence's meaning and can be removed without changing the core message.