Reflexive and Intensive Pronouns

When you are done, try the Reflexive and Intensive Pronouns Quiz.

Reflexive and intensive pronouns are the words myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves. These words are classified or grouped as reflexive depending on how they are used in sentences. In the examples below the reflexive and intensive pronouns are in italics.

Reflexive pronouns refer back to the subject of a sentence:

• I gave myself plenty of time to get to work.

• You should let yourself into the house.

• Jim bought himself a shirt.

• Jill read to herself.

• The dog scratched itself.

• We treated ourselves to pizza.

• You can make yourselves at home.

• The children are able to dress themselves.

Intensive pronouns are the same words used to smphasize the subject of the sentence. Intensive pronouns usually appear right near the subject of the sentence.

• I myself am sick of the heat.

• You yourself are responsible for this mess!

• The president himself appeared at the rally.

• The actress herself wrote those lines.

• The cat itself caught the mouse.

• We ourselves made the meal.

• You yourselves can win this game.

• The troops themselves helped the people escape the burning building.