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San José State University Writing Center
http://www.sjsu.edu/writingcenter/
Written by Matt McCoy

Reflexive Pronouns
Definition:
The reflexive pronounindicates that the sentence subject also receives the action of the verb.

Explanation/Examples:
When pronouns are combined, the reflexive will take either thefirst person
•

Jane, Bob, and I have deceived ourselves into running the marathon.

or, when there is no first person, the second person:
•

You and Bob havedeceived yourselves.

The indefinite pronoun one has its own reflexive form (oneself), but the other indefinite
pronouns use either herself, himself, orthemselves as reflexives.
List of Reflexive Pronouns: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, oneself, ourselves,
themselves, yourselves.
Be aware: Do not useuntriggered reflexive pronouns. Myself is the main culprit.
Incorrect: Jane and myself are responsible for this decision.

Correct: Jane and I are responsible forthis decision.

It is correct to use myself when you are both the subject and the object of a sentence.
Incorrect: I see me playing marimbas.

Correct: Isee myself playing marimbas.


Practice (fill in the blanks):
1. I'll have to help Bob fill in her form, but Jane can do it ________, because her
English isexcellent.
2. Their new business can’t possibly pay for __________.
3. One must have faith in __________.
4. He is not _________ today.
5. I made coffeefor Helen and ___________ after dinner.
6. I'm going to treat ________ to a mud bath.
Key: 1. herself 2. itself 3. oneself 4. himself 5. myself 6. myself