A reflexive pronoun is a pronoun that is preceded by the noun, adjective, adverb or pronoun to which it refers (its antecedent) within

the same clause. In generative grammar, a reflexive pronoun is an anaphor that must be bound by its antecedent (see binding). In some languages, there is a difference between reflexive and non-reflexive pronouns; but the exact conditions that determine whether or not something be bound are not yet well defined and depend on the language in question. It depends on the part of the sentence containing the pronoun. In English, the function of a reflexive pronoun is among the meanings of the words myself, yourself, thyself (archaic), himself (in some dialects, "hisself"), herself, itself, oneself, ourselves, ourself(as majestic plural), yourselves, and themselves (in some dialects, "theirselves"). In the statements "I see him" and "She sees you", the objects are not the same persons as the subjects, and regular pronouns are used. However, when the person being seen is the same as the person who is seeing, the reflexive pronoun is used: "I see myself" or "She sees herself".
[edit]Origins

and usage

In Indo-European languages, the reflexive pronoun has its origins in Proto-Indo-European. In some languages, the distinction between the normal object and reflexive pronouns exists mainly in the third person: whether one says "I like me" or "I like myself", there is no question that the object is the same person as the subject; but, in "They like them(selves)", there can be uncertainty about the identity of the object unless a distinction exists between the reflexive and the nonreflexive. In some languages, this distinction includes genitive forms: see, for instance, the Danish examples below. In languages with a distinct reflexive pronoun form, it is often gender-neutral. A reflexive pronoun is a special kind of pronoun that is usually used when the object of a sentence is the same as the subject. Each personal pronoun (such as "I", "you" and "she") has its own reflexive form:
I myself you (singular) yourself he himself she herself it itself we ourselves you (plural) yourselves they themselves

Reflexive pronouns are primarily used in three situations: when the subject and object are the same (e.g., "He watched himself on TV."), as the object of a preposition when the subject and the object are the same (e.g.,

"That man is talking to himself."), and to emphasize the subject through an intensive pronoun (e.g., "They ate all the food themselves.") Teaching Pronouns in the Classroom By Suzie Hill, M. Ed. Pronouns are words that take the place of common and proper nouns in a sentence. No matter how simple this seems, getting students to understand and be able to apply this knowledge is not always so easy. Here are a few fun ideas for teaching pronouns in the classroom that are sure to keep your students actively engaged. When introducing any of the activities, have a readily available list, similar to the one below, of pronouns for students to use as a reference. Pronouns List Personal Possessive Relative Reflexive Personal pronouns are used in place of a common or proper noun. Example: He is not staying. Possessives show ownership. Example: This is his book. A relative pronoun links two pronouns into one complete thought or statement. Example: Bob is the man who built this house. Reflexives are used when

the object of the sentence is the same as its subject. Each personal pronoun has its own reflexive pronoun. Example: I did not want to hurt myself. I me he she it him her you we they them his hers its yours ours theirs

who whose that which whoever whichever whatever whom what myself yourself himself herself ourselves themselves

Activity 1: Pronoun Substitution Materials: Various objects (balls, blocks, books, games), pictures of proper nouns (famous people, places, and things), sentence strips, writing instruments (pens, pencils, markers, crayons), and chart paper or notebook paper. 1. Place objects and pictures around the room where students can easily see them. 2. Number each object/picture and have a sentence strip for each object/picture that either describes or begins a story about the object/picture. For example, with a soccer ball you might write on the sentence strip, Michael likes to kick the soccer ball. 3. Have students rewrite the sentence using the appropriate pronouns. For example, He likes to kick it. 4. After all students have a chance to write several sentences/paragraphs using appropriate

pronouns, allow some time for them to share and identify aloud the pronouns they have on their papers. Extension Activities: For older students, or after students are beginning to master pronouns, have students use the sentences as a writing prompt and continue writing a paragraph or essay using appropriate nouns and pronouns. Put items in bins around the room and set up stations so that students are able to move around the room and write. If you have access to a SMART Board or Promethean Board, simply display the objects/pictures and sentences on the board. Activity 2: Pronoun Find Materials: Photographs and/or pictures cut out from magazines, writing paper, and pencils, pens, or markers. 1. Allow students to choose several pictures and/or photographs. Have them write one sentence describing the photograph/picture using nouns and one picture describing the same photograph/picture using pronouns. 2. Have students pair up and read their sentences aloud to each other. Have them tell each other the pronouns that can replace the nouns. Extension Activities: For older or more advanced students, have them write paragraphs or essays using the same format as the sentences. Have students discuss when it is appropriate to use pronouns. For example, you would not use a pronoun to begin a story or paragraph because the reader would not know to whom the writer is referring.

: Pronoun Identification Materials: A piece of writing to read aloud that uses many pronouns. 1. For a fun way to review pronouns, read aloud to the whole class from a book or magazine. 2. Instruct students to clap their hands every time they hear you say a pronoun. Extension Activity: For older or more advanced students, choose a different action for each type of pronoun. For example, clap for personal pronouns, snap for possessive pronouns, stomp for relative pronouns, and wave for reflexive pronouns.

Reflexive Pronouns
I saw myself reflected in her eyes. No, the above sentence isnt a sappy love song lyric. Its an example of a particular kind of pronoun called a reflexive pronoun. Unfamiliar with reflexive pronouns? Read on to find out all you need to know about them.

What Are Reflexive Pronouns?

Reflexive pronouns are pronouns that refer back to the subject of the sentence or clause. They either end in self, as in the singular form, or selves as in the plural form. The singular reflexive pronouns are: Myself Yourself Himself, herself, itself Plural reflexive pronouns include: Ourselves Yourselves Themselves All of the above pronouns are used to rename the subjects of action verbs and function as different types of objects. If the reflexive pronoun is taken out of the sentence, it wont make sense. Lets look at a few examples. Examples of reflexive pronouns The following sentences are examples of the correct and incorrect use of reflexive pronouns. Non-reflexive: Adam e-mailed him a copy of the report.

In this sense the italicized words are not the same person. Him is not a reflection of Adamtherefore it is not a reflexive pronoun. Reflexive: Adam e-mailed himself a copy of the report. Here are the italicized words are the same person. Himself reflects back to the subject of the sentence which is Adam. Non-reflexive: Allison accidentally cut her with the scissors. Reflexive: Allison accidentally cut herself. Non-reflexive: Brandon blames you. Reflexive: Brandon blames himself. Non-reflexive: Can you feed my guests? Reflexive: Can you feed yourselves? Non-reflexive: They cannot help the angry mob. Reflexive: They cannot help themselves. Non-reflexive: Carol poured her a glass of milk. Reflexive: Carol poured herself a glass of milk. Non-reflexive: The young girl was singing happily to them. Reflexive: The young girl was singing happily to herself.