Reflexive Pronoun and Reciprocal Pronoun

Introduce reflexive pronoun and reciprocal pronoun, lots of examples for object and preposition object, as well as other usages like subject, predictive, and attribute.

Note Topics:MorphologyThe NounThe ArticleThe Pronoun
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Reflexive Pronoun and Reciprocal Pronoun
1. Reflexive Pronoun
Singularmyselfyourselfhimself, herself, itselfoneself
Pluralourselvesyourselvesthemselves


1.1 As object : It's main usage of reflexive pronoun.

For examples:
  • I hope you'll enjoy yourselves.
  • Let me introduce myself.
  • To deceive oneself is very easy.
  • She prided herself on her cooking.

1.2 As object of preposition : Reflexive pronoun is usually used after preposition.

For examples:
  • I'm annoyed with myself.
  • She was speaking to herself.
  • He didn't pay for himself.
  • Take good care of yourself.

1.3 As appositive of subject or object : Reflexive pronoun is used to emphasize subject or object in this way.

For examples:
  • Mary herself opened the door.
  • The novel itself is a masterpiece.
  • She wanted to see Tom himself.
  • I liked the diamond itself.

1.4 As predictive : Reflexive pronoun acts as predictive, similarly as object.

For examples:
  • That happy girl was myself.
  • He wasn't himself last week.

1.5 As subject : Reflexive pronoun can be part of subject, but hardly acts as subject independently.

For examples:
  • My sister and myself were anxious about it.
  • My brother is as happy as myself.
  • I hope Jack and yourself are keeping well.

1.6 As adverbial : Reflexive pronoun can emphasize verb sometimes.

For examples:
  • I'll do it myself.
  • She made the dress herself.
  • Henry opened the safe himself.
  • You had better go there yourselves.
2. Reciprocal Pronoun
There are 2 reciprocal pronoun:
  • one another: for two people
  • each other: for two or more people
They express people of 2 or more who are with relationship or connection.

2.1 As object : It's main usage of reciprocal pronoun.

For examples:
  • We finally influence each other.
  • We have known each other for many years.
  • You and your brother can help one another.

2.2 As object of preposition : Reciprocal pronoun is usually used as preposition object.

For examples:
  • They stuck at each other.
  • Their rooms were next to each other.
  • They exchanged news with one another.
  • Liz and Ray should listen to one another.

2.3 As attribute : Reciprocal pronoun is noun in nature, so it needs to add "'s" to act as attribute.

For example:
  • They hold each other's hands.
  • They often stay in each other's houses.
  • The twin show one another's gifts.
  • Dad and I kept one another's letters.