Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns are special pronouns that end in -self (singular) or -selves (plural). They refer back to a noun or pronoun already mentioned in the sentence.
⏰ When to Use Reflexive Pronouns
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| First person | myself | ourselves |
| Second person | yourself | yourselves |
| Third person | himself, herself, itself | themselves |
When the subject and object are the same person or thing
When the person or thing performing the action (subject) is also receiving the action (object), we use a reflexive pronoun:
I cut myself while cooking.
She saw herself in the mirror.
They prepared themselves for the exam.
The cat washed itself after eating.
This shows that the action is directed back to the subject.
For emphasis after a noun or pronoun
Reflexive pronouns can emphasize that a particular person or thing is involved:
The director himself attended the meeting.
The president herself made the announcement.
The students themselves organized the event.
This emphasizes who did the action and suggests it’s significant or surprising.
At the end of a clause for some emphasis
Adding a reflexive pronoun at the end of a clause provides moderate emphasis:
They built the house themselves.
We wrote the song ourselves.
You can complete the assignment yourselves.
This emphasizes the independence or achievement of the subject.
After “by” to mean “alone” or “without help”
When combined with “by,” reflexive pronouns indicate that someone is alone or acting without assistance:
They painted the room by themselves.
I live by myself.
She solved the problem by herself.
Special Note About “You”
The pronoun “you” has two different reflexive forms:
- Yourself (singular) – when referring to one person
- You should take care of yourself.
- Yourselves (plural) – when referring to multiple people
- You all should take care of yourselves.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t use reflexive pronouns as subjects:
Incorrect: John and myself went to the store.
Correct: John and I went to the store.
- Don’t use reflexive pronouns after prepositions (except “by” in the meaning of “alone”):
Incorrect: She gave the book to myself.
Correct: She gave the book to me.
- Don’t confuse reflexive pronouns with reciprocal pronouns (“each other,” “one another”):
Incorrect: They looked at themselves.” (if they were looking at each other)
Correct: They looked at each other.
Pronouns with Other
These pronouns help us refer to additional people or things beyond what has already been mentioned. Let’s explore their different uses and meanings.
⏰ When to Use Different Forms?
“The Other” – For Remaining Member of a Pair
When talking about pairs (sets of two), “the other” refers to the remaining item:
One of his shoes was blue, the other brown.
I have two phones. The other one is at home.
She held a pen in one hand and a pencil in the other.
“The other” specifically indicates there are only two items total, and you’re referring to the second one.
“Another” – For an Additional Member of a Group
When you want to add one more to any group (not necessarily a pair), use “another”:
I’d like to hire another assistant.
Could I have another piece of cake?
We need another chair at the table.
“Another” means “one more” or “an additional” and is always singular.
“The Others” – For Remaining Members of a Group
When talking about the remaining members of a defined group, use “the others”:
Six people in my class are from this city. The others are from different cities.
Three students passed the exam. The others will need to retake it.
I took two books, but left the others on the shelf.
“The others” refers to all remaining members of a specific, defined group.
“Others” (Without “The”) – For Different People/Things
When referring to different people or things (not specifically the remaining ones from a defined group), use “others” without “the”:
Some people drink coffee. Others prefer tea.
Some trees lose their leaves in autumn. Others keep them all year.
Some students enjoy math. Others find it challenging.
This form is less specific and simply indicates “different people/things” than those just mentioned.
“Each Other” and “One Another” – For Reciprocal Actions
These pronouns show that members of a group perform actions reciprocally (back and forth):
During exams, students are not allowed to help each other / one another.
The neighbors greeted each other / one another every morning.
Team members should respect each other / one another.
Traditionally, “each other” was used for two people and “one another” for more than two, but in modern English, they’re often used interchangeably.
📌 Common Patterns and Expressions
- each other’s / one another’s (possessive form)
They borrowed each other’s books.
The students corrected one another’s papers.
- look after each other
The siblings always look after each other when their parents are away.
- other than
I have no hobbies other than reading.
- the other day/week/month (meaning recently)
I saw her the other day at the supermarket.
📝 Practice Tips
When deciding which form to use, ask yourself:
- Am I talking about a pair or a larger group?
- Am I referring to all remaining members or just different ones?
- Is there a reciprocal action happening?
These questions will help you choose the correct form of “other,” “another,” or “each other”/”one another” in your sentences.
Ready to Refer Back to Subjects and Each Other in English?
Learning to use reflexive pronouns (myself, yourself) and phrases like “each other” or “one another” is a fantastic step to making your English more precise when actions involve the subject itself or mutual interactions.
Do you want to practice these important pronouns and use them accurately in real conversations? My online English classes offer fun, interactive ways to master reflexive pronouns and other pronoun uses, along with all other essential grammar points. You’ll get plenty of chances to speak and build your confidence.
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