REFLEXIVE

and INTENSIVE
PRONOUNS
 REFLEXIVE PRONOUNS
Reflexive sounds like reflection, the
image in the mirror that bounces back
at you. A reflexive pronoun reflects
back to the subject. A reflexive
pronoun can be used as the direct
object, indirect object, or object of a
preposition in a sentence.
 INTENSIVE PRONOUNS
Intensive is like intense. Something
intense is very strong. An intensive
pronoun emphasizes a preceding
noun, often the noun immediately
before the pronoun. It is not necessary
to the sentence.
Both of them end
in –self or
–selves.
The following can be intensive or reflexive
pronouns depending on how they are used
in the sentence:

myself ourselves
yourself yourselves
himself themselves
herself
itself
Reflexive: The puppy saw itself in the
mirror.
(Itself is the direct object in the
sentence. The pronoun refers back to
the subject. The puppy saw the
puppy in the mirror.)
Reflexive: The students have
brought themselves something to eat.

(Themselves is the indirect object in

the sentence. The pronoun refers back
to the subject. The students
brought the students something to
eat.)
Reflexive: The visitors had to cook for
themselves.
(Themselves is the object of the
preposition in the sentence. The
pronoun refers back to the subject.
The visitors had to cook for the
visitors.)
Intensive: The queen herself gave the
knight the award.

(The queen gave the knight the

award herself.
Herself refers to the queen.)
Hint: You can leave it out of the
sentence: The queen gave the knight the
award herself.
Do not use reflexive pronouns
instead of subject or object
pronouns.

James and myself I went to the

movies.
Our teacher gave Sara
and myself me an award for the
best project.
 Practice What You've Learned
Direction: Choose whether the bold-faced
pronoun is reflexive or intensive.
1. I found the treasure box myself.
2. You yourself should know the rules for
pronoun usage.
3. When Jeremy found his wallet, he
bought himself an ice cream.
4. The mayor himself gave me this award.
5. My sister bought herself a birthday
present.
 Practice What You've Learned
6. My neighbors found themselves involved
in a lawsuit.
7. The police officer herself witnessed the
accident.
8. Four students found themselves locked out
of the room when they were late to class.
9. I gave you that worksheet myself so I
know you have it.
10. The television announcer couldn't
hear himself speaking, so he spoke louder
and louder.
 Answers:

1. Intensive 6. Reflexive
2. Intensive 7. Intensive
3. Reflexive 8. Reflexive
4. Intensive 9. Intensive
5. Reflexive 10. Reflexive