Mastering Reflexive Pronouns (Misplaced Words) is essential for effective English writing and grammar accuracy, preventing common syntax errors where words like myself, himself, and themselves are misused at the start of sentences.
What is a Reflexive Pronoun?
A reflexive pronoun is a specific type of pronoun ending in "-self" (singular) or "-selves" (plural), such as myself, ourselves, yourself, himself, herself, and themselves. These pronouns are correctly utilized right after a noun or pronoun for emphasis, as the direct object of a transitive verb when the subject and object are the same, or following a preposition.
Where Can Reflexive Pronouns Be Placed in English Sentences?
To ensure proper sentence structure and grammatical correctness, reflexive pronouns must follow specific positional rules within English syntax. Review the standard positions in the table below:
| Grammatical Function | Rule & Position | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| For Emphasis | Placed immediately after the noun or pronoun it emphasizes. | I want to talk to the chairman himself. |
| As a Direct Object | Placed after a reflexive transitive verb when the subject receives the action. | He has hurt himself. |
| After Prepositions | Placed directly following a preposition (often with "by" to mean alone). | You can do it by yourself. |
Additional examples of correct placement include:
- The girl looked at herself in the mirror.
- They themselves solved the complex math problem.
For more insights on pronoun placement rules, check out this guide on Pronouns (Misplaced Words).
How to Avoid Misplaced Reflexive Pronouns at the Beginning of Sentences
A frequent error among learners is placing a reflexive pronoun at the very beginning of a sentence as the standalone subject. Under no circumstances can a reflexive pronoun function as the sole subject of a sentence. It requires a proper noun or personal pronoun to precede it.
Incorrect vs. Correct Examples of Reflexive Pronoun Usage
Compare these incorrect sentence structures with their grammatically correct counterparts:
- Wrong: Himself was killed by Rahim.
- Right: Rahim was killed by himself.
- Wrong: Yourself can do it.
- Right: You yourself can do it.
- Wrong: Themselves are responsible for it.
- Right: They themselves are responsible for it.
Key Takeaways
- Reflexive pronouns include words ending in -self or -selves (e.g., myself, himself, themselves).
- They are used for emphasis, as direct objects after transitive verbs, or after prepositions.
- They can never stand alone as the subject at the beginning of a sentence.
- When used for emphasis, place them directly after the noun or personal pronoun.
Quick Practice
Test your understanding of reflexive pronoun rules by correcting this sentence: "Myself completed the entire project." Write your corrected answer in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you start a sentence with "Myself"?
No, starting a sentence with "Myself" or any other reflexive pronoun is grammatically incorrect. You must use a subject personal pronoun like "I" instead (e.g., "I did it myself").
What is the difference between a personal pronoun and a reflexive pronoun?
Personal pronouns (like I, he, she, they) act as the main subjects or objects in sentences. Reflexive pronouns (like myself, himself, herself, themselves) reflect back upon the subject or provide intensive emphasis to a noun or pronoun.
How do you use reflexive pronouns correctly for emphasis?
To emphasize a noun or pronoun, place the reflexive pronoun immediately after it—for example, "The manager herself signed the approval document."