Detailed Explanation of Reflexive Pronouns 🤓
Reflexive pronouns are special words we use in English to show that the subject and the object of a sentence are the same person or thing. They end with “-self” or “-selves.” For Year 6 students learning about how to use reflexive pronouns, it is important to know what they are, when to use them, and how to include them correctly in sentences.
What Are Reflexive Pronouns? 🧐
Reflexive pronouns refer back to the subject of the sentence. The most common reflexive pronouns are:
- myself
- yourself (singular)
- himself
- herself
- itself
- ourselves
- yourselves (plural)
- themselves
For example, in the sentence “I looked at myself in the mirror,” the reflexive pronoun “myself” refers back to “I.”
When and How to Use Reflexive Pronouns 📝
Reflexive pronouns are used:
- When the subject and the object of the sentence are the same person or thing.
Example: “She taught herself to play the piano.“
Here, “she” and “herself” refer to the same person. - For emphasis, to stress who did the action.
Example: “I baked the cake myself.“
This means I, and no one else, baked the cake. - With certain verbs that naturally use reflexive pronouns.
Example: “They enjoyed themselves at the party.“
Clear Examples of Reflexive Pronouns 💡
- “He hurt himself while playing football.”
- “We made ourselves at home.”
- “You should be proud of yourself.”
- “The cat cleaned itself.”
- “They prepared themselves for the exam.”
Tips to Remember ✍️
- Always match the reflexive pronoun to the subject in person (first, second, third) and number (singular, plural).
- Reflexive pronouns are never used as the subject of a sentence.
- Using the wrong reflexive pronoun can make your sentence confusing, so it’s good to practise!
Understanding how to use reflexive pronouns correctly will help you make your sentences clearer and more interesting! 🎉
20 Examination-Style Questions on Reflexive Pronouns with Answers for Year 6 English 📝
1. Choose the correct reflexive pronoun to complete the sentence:
I made _______ a sandwich for lunch.
a) me
b) myself
Answer: b) myself
Explanation: We use “myself” when the subject and object of the sentence are the same person.
2. Fill in the blank with a reflexive pronoun:
She looked at _______ in the mirror before going out.
Answer: herself
Explanation: “Herself” refers back to the subject “she.”
3. Which sentence uses the reflexive pronoun correctly?
a) They taught themselves to swim.
b) They taught them.
Answer: a) They taught themselves to swim.
Explanation: Reflexive pronouns show the subject is doing something to itself.
4. Rewrite the sentence using a reflexive pronoun:
Tom fixed the car by Tom.
Answer: Tom fixed the car by himself.
Explanation: “Himself” shows Tom did the action alone.
5. Choose the reflexive pronoun for “we”:
a) ourselves
b) ourselves’
Answer: a) ourselves
Explanation: “Ourselves” is the reflexive pronoun for “we.”
6. Fill in the blank:
You should be proud of _______.
Answer: yourself
Explanation: “Yourself” refers back to “you.”
7. Is this sentence correct? Why or why not?
She hurt hisself while playing.
Answer: No, it is not correct. It should be “herself” instead of “hisself.”
Explanation: “Hisself” is not a word; the correct reflexive pronoun for “she” is “herself.”
8. Identify the reflexive pronoun:
The cat cleaned itself after the meal.
Answer: itself
Explanation: The reflexive pronoun “itself” reflects back on the subject “the cat.”
9. Choose the right reflexive pronoun:
I will do it all by _______.
a) myself
b) mine
Answer: a) myself
Explanation: “Myself” is the correct reflexive pronoun for “I.”
10. Fill in the blank:
The children enjoyed _______ at the party.
Answer: themselves
Explanation: “Themselves” refers back to “the children.”
11. Which sentence is incorrect?
a) We saw ourselves in the glass.
b) We saw ourself in the glass.
Answer: b) We saw ourself in the glass.
Explanation: The correct reflexive pronoun for “we” is “ourselves,” not “ourself.”
12. Complete the sentence with a reflexive pronoun:
He cooked dinner _______.
Answer: himself
Explanation: “Himself” shows that he did the cooking without help.
13. True or false?
Reflexive pronouns can only be used when the subject and object are the same.
Answer: True
Explanation: Reflexive pronouns reflect the action back to the subject.
14. Which reflexive pronoun fits best?
Did you clean the room by _______?
Answer: yourself
Explanation: “Yourself” matches the subject “you.”
15. Fill in the blank:
The dog chased _______ tail.
Answer: its
Explanation: “Its” is a possessive pronoun, not reflexive; the correct reflexive pronoun is “itself.” So the sentence should be: The dog chased itself tail (but better as: The dog chased its tail.)
Note: Reflexive pronouns are for reflecting action, but here possessive “its” is correct.
16. Pick the correct reflexive pronoun:
The students congratulated _______ after the test.
a) themselves
b) themself
Answer: a) themselves
Explanation: “Themselves” is the correct reflexive pronoun for plural subject “students.”
17. Rewrite with a reflexive pronoun:
She made the cake all by she.
Answer: She made the cake all by herself.
Explanation: “Herself” is the reflexive pronoun for “she.”
18. Complete the sentence with a reflexive pronoun:
I wanted to finish the work _______.
Answer: myself
Explanation: “Myself” reflects back to the subject “I.”
19. Choose the reflexive pronoun:
The baby looked at _______ in the mirror.
a) himself
b) herself
c) itself
Answer: c) itself
Explanation: “Itself” is used for animals or objects without gender.
20. True or false?
Reflexive pronouns always end with “-self” or “-selves.”
Answer: True
Explanation: All reflexive pronouns end with “-self” (singular) or “-selves” (plural).
These questions test your understanding of how to use reflexive pronouns correctly. Remember, reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and the object are the same person or thing! 💪📚
