Is the pronoun reflexive or intensive?

Learning Objectives Define and identify reflexive pronouns in various contexts. Define and identify intensive pronouns in various contexts. Articulate the distinct function of reflexive pronouns in a sentence. Articulate the distinct function of intensive pronouns in a sentence. Differentiate between reflexive and intensive pronouns based on their role and removability. Correctly use reflexive and intensive pronouns in their own writing. Have you ever heard someone say, 'I myself built that treehouse!' or 'Be careful not to hurt yourself!' 🤔 What's the difference between those 'self' words? In this lesson, we'll explore two special types of pronouns: reflexive and intensive pronouns. Understanding their unique roles will help you wri...

TermDefinitionExample PronounA word that takes the place of a noun or another pronoun to avoid repetition.Instead of 'Sarah went to the store, and Sarah bought apples,' we say 'Sarah went to the store, and she bought apples.' AntecedentThe noun or pronoun that a pronoun refers back to or replaces.In 'The dog wagged its tail,' 'dog' is the antecedent of 'its'. Reflexive PronounA pronoun that refers back to the subject of the sentence and receives the action of the verb. It is essential to the sentence's meaning.He accidentally cut himself while shaving. Intensive PronounA pronoun that emphasizes a preceding noun or pronoun. It is not essential to the sentence's meaning and can be removed without changing the core sense.The princip...

The '-self/-selves' Rule Both reflexive and intensive pronouns always end in '-self' (for singular) or '-selves' (for plural). This is the primary indicator that a pronoun might be either reflexive or intensive. Examples include myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves. The 'Essential vs. Non-Essential' Test If removing the -self/-selves pronoun makes the sentence grammatically incomplete or changes its core meaning, it is reflexive. If the sentence still makes sense and is grammatically complete without it, it is intensive. This is the most crucial test to distinguish between the two. Reflexive pronouns are direct or indirect objects that refer back to the subject, showing the subject acting upon i...