Learning English can be a rewarding yet challenging experience. One of the fascinating aspects of English grammar is the use of reflexive verbs. Reflexive verbs are a specific type of verb that requires a reflexive pronoun to complete their meaning. These verbs are essential for expressing actions where the subject and the object of the sentence are the same entity. Understanding reflexive verbs can significantly enhance your fluency and ability to express yourself accurately in English.
What Are Reflexive Verbs?
Reflexive verbs are verbs that are used with a reflexive pronoun. Reflexive pronouns are words that end in “-self” or “-selves” and refer back to the subject of the sentence. The reflexive pronouns in English are: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, and themselves.
For example:
– I taught myself to play the guitar.
– She prides herself on her cooking skills.
In both sentences, the subject is performing an action on itself, which is indicated by the reflexive pronoun.
Reflexive Pronouns
Before diving deeper into reflexive verbs, it’s crucial to understand the reflexive pronouns themselves. Here is a list of reflexive pronouns in English:
– I → myself
– You (singular) → yourself
– He → himself
– She → herself
– It → itself
– We → ourselves
– You (plural) → yourselves
– They → themselves
These pronouns are used when the subject and the object of a verb are the same person or thing.
Examples of Reflexive Verbs
Reflexive verbs are commonly used in English, often to indicate that the subject is performing an action on itself. Here are a few examples:
1. **To enjoy oneself**
– We enjoyed ourselves at the party.
2. **To hurt oneself**
– Be careful not to hurt yourself with that knife.
3. **To teach oneself**
– He taught himself French over the summer.
4. **To pride oneself**
– She prides herself on her professional achievements.
5. **To prepare oneself**
– They prepared themselves for the upcoming exam.
Non-Reflexive vs. Reflexive Verbs
It’s important to distinguish between reflexive and non-reflexive uses of verbs. Some verbs can be both reflexive and non-reflexive, depending on the context. For instance:
– She washed the car. (non-reflexive)
– She washed herself. (reflexive)
In the first sentence, “washed” is used non-reflexively because the action is performed on an object (the car). In the second sentence, “washed” is used reflexively because the subject is performing the action on itself.
Common Reflexive Verbs in English
Certain verbs in English are frequently used reflexively. Here is a list of some common reflexive verbs:
– To amuse oneself
– To apply oneself
– To avail oneself
– To behave oneself
– To dedicate oneself
– To distance oneself
– To express oneself
– To find oneself
– To help oneself
– To introduce oneself
– To kill oneself
– To make oneself
– To picture oneself
– To prepare oneself
– To remind oneself
– To stop oneself
Using these verbs reflexively allows you to convey that the subject is both the doer and the receiver of the action.
Reflexive Verbs in Idiomatic Expressions
Reflexive verbs are often used in idiomatic expressions in English. These expressions can be tricky for non-native speakers because their meanings are not always literal. Here are a few examples:
– **To pull oneself together**: To regain composure.
– After hearing the bad news, she needed a moment to pull herself together.
– **To be beside oneself**: To be extremely agitated or upset.
– He was beside himself with worry when he heard about the accident.
– **To see oneself out**: To leave a place without needing assistance.
– I can see myself out; no need to get up.
Understanding these idiomatic expressions can greatly enhance your conversational skills and help you sound more like a native speaker.
Using Reflexive Verbs for Emphasis
Reflexive pronouns can also be used for emphasis, to stress that the subject is performing the action alone. This usage is not necessarily reflexive in the traditional sense but serves to highlight the independence or exclusivity of the action.
For example:
– I’ll do it myself.
– She completed the project herself.
In these sentences, the reflexive pronouns “myself” and “herself” emphasize that the subject alone is responsible for the action.
Reflexive Verbs in Different Tenses
Reflexive verbs can be used in various tenses just like any other verbs. Here are examples in different tenses:
– **Present Simple**: I often find myself thinking about the past.
– **Past Simple**: She hurt herself while playing soccer.
– **Future Simple**: They will prepare themselves for the journey.
– **Present Continuous**: He is teaching himself to cook.
– **Present Perfect**: I have reminded myself to call her.
Practicing reflexive verbs in various tenses can help you become more comfortable using them in different contexts.
Common Mistakes with Reflexive Verbs
Even advanced English learners can make mistakes when using reflexive verbs. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them:
1. **Using a Reflexive Pronoun Unnecessarily**:
– Incorrect: He washed himself the car.
– Correct: He washed the car.
Reflexive pronouns should only be used when the subject and object are the same.
2. **Omitting the Reflexive Pronoun**:
– Incorrect: She introduced to the guests.
– Correct: She introduced herself to the guests.
When the subject is performing the action on itself, the reflexive pronoun is necessary.
3. **Using the Wrong Reflexive Pronoun**:
– Incorrect: We prepared themselves for the test.
– Correct: We prepared ourselves for the test.
Ensure that the reflexive pronoun agrees with the subject in number and person.
Practice Exercises
To master reflexive verbs, practice is essential. Here are some exercises to help you get started:
1. **Fill in the blanks with the correct reflexive pronoun**:
– I always remind _______ to lock the door.
– They can see _______ in the mirror.
– She taught _______ to play the piano.
– We need to prepare _______ for the meeting.
– He hurt _______ while lifting weights.
2. **Convert the sentences to use reflexive verbs**:
– John introduced John to the new team members.
– Maria will complete the project without any help.
– The cat cleaned the cat after the meal.
– The children entertained the children during the trip.
3. **Identify the errors in the following sentences and correct them**:
– She prides himself on her achievements.
– I can’t help myself with some cake.
– They taught ourselves to dance.
– He enjoys myself at the concerts.
Advanced Usage of Reflexive Verbs
As you become more comfortable with reflexive verbs, you can explore their advanced usages in nuanced contexts. For instance, reflexive verbs can be used in:
– **Formal Writing**: Reflexive pronouns can add a formal tone to your writing.
– The CEO prides himself on the company’s achievements.
– **Literature and Poetry**: Reflexive verbs can add depth and introspection.
– She found herself lost in thoughts of yesteryears.
– **Psychological Descriptions**: Reflexive verbs are useful for describing self-reflection and internal states.
– He often finds himself pondering the meaning of life.
Reflexive Verbs in Spoken English
In spoken English, reflexive verbs are used frequently and often add clarity to the speaker’s intent. Listening to native speakers and practicing speaking with reflexive verbs can help you become more adept at using them naturally.
For example:
– In casual conversations: “I need to remind myself to buy groceries.”
– In professional settings: “She prepared herself thoroughly for the presentation.”
Conclusion
Reflexive verbs are a vital component of English grammar that help convey actions where the subject and object are the same. Understanding and using reflexive pronouns correctly can greatly enhance your ability to express nuanced thoughts and actions. By practicing the common reflexive verbs, avoiding common mistakes, and exploring advanced usages, you can become more proficient in using reflexive verbs in both written and spoken English.
Remember, the key to mastering reflexive verbs is consistent practice and application in real-life contexts. So, the next time you find yourself speaking or writing in English, try incorporating reflexive verbs to convey your thoughts more accurately and effectively. Happy learning!
