Intensive Pronoun vs. Reflexive Pronoun – Which is Correct?
Intensive and reflexive pronouns use the exact same forms (e.g., myself, yourself, themselves), but their functions differ significantly. An intensive pronoun adds emphasis to a noun or pronoun and can be removed without changing the sentence’s core meaning. A reflexive pronoun is essential to the sentence, indicating that the subject performs an action upon itself.
Intensive Pronoun or Reflexive Pronoun – Which is Correct?
Both intensive and reflexive pronouns are grammatically correct and serve distinct purposes in the English language. The choice between them depends entirely on the intended meaning and grammatical role within a sentence. They are not interchangeable, despite sharing identical forms (e.g., myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves).
The core difference lies in their necessity and function:
- An intensive pronoun emphasizes a preceding noun or pronoun. It merely adds stress or importance and can be removed from the sentence without affecting its grammatical correctness or fundamental meaning. Think of it as an optional amplifier.
- A reflexive pronoun indicates that the subject of the sentence is also the object of the action; the action “reflects” back onto the subject. It is an integral part of the sentence and cannot be removed without rendering the sentence grammatically incorrect or changing its meaning entirely.
Swap Test/Mnemonic: To determine if a “self” pronoun is intensive or reflexive, try removing it from the sentence. If the sentence still makes sense and is grammatically complete, the pronoun is intensive. If the sentence becomes incomplete, awkward, or changes meaning, the pronoun is reflexive.
| Pronoun Type | Part of Speech | Meaning / Function | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intensive Pronoun | Pronoun | Emphasizes a preceding noun or pronoun; can be removed without altering sentence meaning. | The CEO herself presented the award. |
| Reflexive Pronoun | Pronoun | Refers back to the subject, indicating the subject is both the doer and receiver of the action; essential to sentence meaning. | He taught himself to play guitar. |
How to Use Intensive Pronouns
Intensive pronouns are used to add emphasis or special significance to a noun or another pronoun that has already been mentioned in the sentence. They typically appear immediately after the noun/pronoun they are emphasizing or at the end of the clause. Their presence is purely for rhetorical effect; the sentence would still be grammatically correct and understandable without them.
Example 1: The author herself signed every copy of the book.
Example 2: I built this computer myself.
Example 3: They offered to clean the entire house themselves.
What are the different forms of Intensive Pronouns?
Intensive pronouns share the same forms as reflexive pronouns, which are created by adding “-self” or “-selves” to certain personal pronouns:
- Singular: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself
- Plural: ourselves, yourselves, themselves
It is important to note that “hisself” and “theirselves” are non-standard and incorrect forms.
Beyond these, understanding the correct ‘and myself’ usage is crucial for precise communication.
Etymology of the word Intensive Pronoun
The term “intensive” originates from the Latin word intensivus, meaning “stretching, straining, or intensifying.” It entered English as a grammatical term to describe words that add force or emphasis. “Pronoun” comes from the Latin pro-nomen, meaning “for a name,” indicating its function as a word that stands in for a noun. The combination “intensive pronoun” thus describes a pronoun used specifically to intensify or emphasize another noun or pronoun.
How to Use Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject of a verb is also the object of that verb; the action of the verb “reflects” back onto the subject. They are essential for the grammatical completeness and meaning of the sentence. If a reflexive pronoun is removed, the sentence often becomes nonsensical or grammatically incorrect.
Example 1: She prepared herself for the challenging interview.
Example 2: We accidentally locked ourselves out of the house.
Example 3: The dog scratched itself behind the ears.
What are the different forms of Reflexive Pronouns?
Reflexive pronouns use the identical forms as intensive pronouns:
- Singular: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself
- Plural: ourselves, yourselves, themselves
Again, avoid common errors like “hisself” or “theirselves,” which are grammatically incorrect.
Etymology of the word Reflexive Pronoun
The word “reflexive” derives from the Latin reflexus, the past participle of reflectere, meaning “to bend back” or “to reflect.” In grammar, it refers to an action that turns back on itself. Combined with “pronoun” (from Latin pro-nomen, “for a name”), “reflexive pronoun” accurately describes a pronoun that indicates an action performed by the subject upon the subject itself.
Related Concepts
A crucial concept related to both intensive and reflexive pronouns is Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement. An antecedent is the noun or pronoun to which another pronoun refers. For both intensive and reflexive pronouns, it is vital that they agree in number (singular/plural) and gender (masculine/feminine/neuter) with their antecedent. For example, if the antecedent is “Sarah” (singular, feminine), the pronoun must be “herself.” If the antecedent is “the students” (plural), the pronoun must be “themselves.” Incorrect agreement can lead to confusion and grammatical errors.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “I myself am entirely made of words, and sometimes, for a moment, I can hear the words I am made of.” – Neil Gaiman, The Sandman (Intensive)
- “He found himself wondering if he had chosen the right path.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit (Reflexive)
- “The city itself seemed to sigh under the weight of its history.” – (Intensive)
- “We prepared ourselves for the long, arduous journey ahead.” – (Reflexive)
- “Even the most powerful leaders sometimes doubt themselves.” – (Reflexive)
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
- The principal (herself/her) announced the new policy.
- He accidentally cut (him/himself) while chopping vegetables.
- We decided to paint the house (ourself/ourselves).
- The children built the fort (themselves/them) without any adult help.
- You must believe in (you/yourself) to achieve your dreams.
Answer Key
- herself (Intensive – emphasis on the principal)
- himself (Reflexive – he cut himself)
- ourselves (Reflexive – we painted ourselves)
- themselves (Intensive – emphasis on the children)
- yourself (Reflexive – action of believing reflects on you)
Intensive Pronoun Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Emphatic | Serving to give emphasis; expressing something forcibly and clearly. |
| Reinforcing | Serving to strengthen or support (a statement, idea, or feeling). |
| Highlighting | Drawing special attention to (something). |
Reflexive Pronoun Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Self-directed | Directed or guided by oneself; acting upon oneself. |
| Self-acting | Operating or moving by itself; performing an action on oneself. |
| Intransitive-like | Describing a verb where the action does not pass to an object other than the subject itself. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Can intensive and reflexive pronouns be interchanged?
No, intensive and reflexive pronouns cannot be interchanged. While they share the same forms, their grammatical functions are entirely different. An intensive pronoun adds emphasis and is optional, whereas a reflexive pronoun indicates that the subject is acting on itself and is essential to the sentence’s meaning.
Question 2: What is a common mistake people make with these pronouns?
A very common mistake is using a “self” pronoun (like “myself”) when a personal pronoun (like “me” or “I”) would be correct. For example, saying “Please send the report to John and myself” is incorrect; it should be “Please send the report to John and me.” “Myself” should only be used reflexively or intensively.
Question 3: Do all pronouns have intensive and reflexive forms?
No, only personal pronouns have intensive and reflexive forms. For instance, you won’t find reflexive or intensive forms for indefinite pronouns like “everyone” or “somebody,” or for demonstrative pronouns like “this” or “that.”
Conclusion
Understanding the distinction between intensive and reflexive pronouns is key to precise and effective communication. While they appear identical, their roles are fundamentally different: intensive pronouns add optional emphasis, while reflexive pronouns are indispensable for showing an action reflecting back on the subject. Mastering their correct usage demonstrates a strong command of grammar.
Pro Tip: Always remember the “remove test.” If you can take out the “-self” pronoun and the sentence still makes sense, it’s intensive. If not, it’s reflexive and crucial to the meaning. Correct usage enhances clarity and professionalism in your writing.
