English Language Arts
Grade 8
15 min
Choose between personal and reflexive pronouns
Choose between personal and reflexive pronouns
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Differentiate between personal and reflexive pronouns.
Identify the correct use of personal pronouns (subjective and objective cases).
Identify the correct use of reflexive pronouns.
Determine when a reflexive pronoun is necessary versus a personal pronoun in a given sentence.
Correct errors in pronoun choice between personal and reflexive forms in their own writing and others'.
Explain the function of intensive pronouns and distinguish them from reflexive pronouns.
Ever wondered why we say 'She taught *herself*' but 'She taught *him*'? 🤔 Let's unlock the secrets of choosing the right pronoun!
In this lesson, you'll learn to confidently choose between personal and reflexive pronouns, understanding their distinct roles...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
PronounA word that takes the place of a noun or another pronoun.Instead of 'Sarah went to the store,' we can say 'She went to the store.'
AntecedentThe noun or pronoun that a pronoun refers back to.In 'When Sarah arrived, she smiled,' 'Sarah' is the antecedent of 'she.'
Personal PronounPronouns that refer to specific people or things. They change form depending on whether they are the subject (I, you, he, she, it, we, they) or object (me, you, him, her, it, us, them) in a sentence.Subject: 'He ran.' Object: 'She saw him.'
Reflexive PronounPronouns that end in -self (singular) or -selves (plural) and refer back to the subject of the sentence, indicating that the subject is performing an action upon...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Reflexive Pronouns Reflect the Subject
Use a reflexive pronoun (-self/-selves) when the subject of the sentence is also the direct or indirect object of the action. The action 'reflects back' on the subject.
This rule applies when the person or thing performing the action is also the person or thing receiving the action. For example, if 'I' hurt 'myself,' 'I' am both the doer and receiver.
Personal Pronouns for Distinct Objects
Use a personal pronoun (in the objective case: me, him, her, us, them) when the object of the action or preposition is different from the subject of the sentence.
If the action is directed towards someone or something other than the subject, or if a preposition introduces a different object, use an objective per...
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Challenging
Which of the following complex sentences is grammatically correct in its use of pronouns?
A.Although the task was difficult, the team and myself completed it ahead of schedule.
B.The credit for the discovery belongs to Dr. Evans and I, as we conducted the research ourselves.
C.The manager, wanting to reward her employees, gave both them and their families bonuses.
D.After we presented our findings, the judges awarded ourselves the first-place trophy.
Challenging
A student wrote: 'In my argumentative essay, I will prove that the responsibility to combat climate change rests not just on governments, but on we the people ourselves.' Which revision corrects the pronoun error?
A....rests not just on governments, but on us the people ourselves.
B....rests not just on governments, but on ourselves the people.
C....rests not just on governments, but on we the people themselves.
D.No revision is needed; the sentence is correct as written.
Challenging
Analyze the two sentences: 1) 'The defendant found himself in a difficult position.' 2) 'The defendant himself admitted his guilt.' How does the function of the '-self' pronoun differ between the sentences?
A.It is reflexive in (1) and reflexive in (2).
B.It is intensive in (1) and reflexive in (2).
C.It is reflexive in (1) and intensive in (2).
D.It is intensive in (1) and intensive in (2).
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