Reflexive and emphatic pronouns are parts of speech that often perplex language learners. Though they may seem quite similar, there are some significant differences between the two. The primary distinction is that reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and object of the sentence are the same, while emphatic pronouns are meant to solely emphasize the subject. Understanding this contrast is essential for clear and effective communication in English.
Without a proper grasp of these two types of pronouns, writing or speaking can become unnecessarily confusing. Reflexive pronouns are necessary when the object performing the action is the same as the subject. For example, in the sentence “I hurt myself,” ‘myself’ is the reflexive pronoun, indicating that the subject ‘I’ is performing the action upon themselves. However, emphatic pronouns serve a different purpose by solely emphasizing the subject. For instance, in the sentence “I myself will handle the situation,” the word ‘myself’ is being used as an emphasis, rather than a grammatical necessity. By recognizing these distinctions, the written and spoken word can be much clearer and more impactful.
Types of Pronouns
Pronouns are words that are used in place of nouns to avoid repetition and to make sentences less cumbersome. There are several types of pronouns, including personal, possessive, reflexive, relative, interrogative, demonstrative, and indefinite pronouns.
In this article, we will focus on the two types that are often confused with each other: reflexive and emphatic pronouns. Let’s first understand what each of them means.
Reflexive and Emphatic Pronouns
- Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and object of a sentence are the same. They end in ‘-self’ (singular) or ‘-selves’ (plural) and are used to show that the person or thing doing the action is also the person or thing receiving the action. For example, “She hurt herself while playing.”
- Emphatic pronouns, on the other hand, are used to add emphasis to a sentence. They are similar in form to reflexive pronouns but serve a different purpose. For example, “I myself will take care of it.”
To differentiate between the two, remember that reflexive pronouns reflect the action back to the subject, while emphatic pronouns add emphasis to the subject. Here’s a table to help you further understand the difference:
| Reflexive Pronouns | Emphatic Pronouns |
|---|---|
| myself | myself |
| yourself | yourself |
| himself | himself |
| herself | herself |
| itself | itself |
| ourselves | ourselves |
| yourselves | yourselves |
| themselves | themselves |
While both reflexive and emphatic pronouns may look similar, they serve different grammatical purposes and are used in different ways. Understanding the difference between the two can help you improve your writing and avoid common mistakes.
Definition of Pronouns
Pronouns are an essential part of language that replace a noun’s name, and they are used for avoiding redundancy and improving the flow of sentences. There are different types of pronouns, including personal pronouns, reflexive pronouns, and emphatic pronouns.
Main Difference Between Reflexive and Emphatic Pronoun
- Reflexive pronoun: A reflexive pronoun ends with “-self” or “-selves” and is used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same.
- Emphatic pronoun: An emphatic pronoun is used to emphasize the subject of a sentence and ends with “-self” or “-selves.”
For example, “I did it myself” is an example of using a reflexive pronoun, while “I, myself, did it” is an example of using an emphatic pronoun.
Types of Pronouns
Personal pronouns refer to specific people, animals, or things and can be singular or plural. They include first person (I, we), second person (you), and third person (he, she, it, they).
Demonstrative pronouns point to a specific person or object and include this, that, these, and those. Indefinite pronouns refer to things in general and include someone, anyone, nothing, and everything.
Interrogative pronouns are used to ask questions, such as who, whom, and whose. Lastly, relative pronouns are used to link one phrase to another. Examples of relative pronouns include who, which, and that.
Example Table of Pronouns
| Type of Pronoun | Examples |
|---|---|
| Personal Pronoun | I, you, he, she, it, we, they |
| Demonstrative Pronoun | This, that, these, those |
| Indefinite Pronoun | Someone, anyone, nothing, everything |
| Interrogative Pronoun | Who, whom, whose |
| Relative Pronoun | Who, which, that |
Pronouns are a fundamental part of language and play a crucial role in improving the efficiency and clarity of communication. Understanding the different types of pronouns and their usage is essential to effective writing and speaking.
Grammar Rules for Pronouns
Pronouns are an essential part of the English language, which shorten the length of sentences, avoid repetition and add coherence to the text. Reflexive and emphatic pronouns are two types of pronouns that create confusion for learners. In this article, we will discuss the main difference between reflexive and emphatic pronouns.
Reflexive Pronouns
- Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and object of the sentence are the same.
- They end in -self or -selves: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves.
- Reflexive pronouns are used to refer back to the subject of the sentence. They cannot be used in place of the object of the sentence.
- For example: John cut himself while shaving.
Emphatic Pronouns
Emphatic pronouns are used to emphasise or intensify the subject or object of the sentence. They are not essential to the sentence’s meaning and can be removed without changing the sentence’s structure.
- Emphatic pronouns end in -self or -selves: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves.
- They are used to place emphasis on the noun or pronoun. For example: I myself don’t believe that story.
- Emphatic pronouns can replace the object of a sentence, which can cause confusion with reflexive pronouns.
Differentiation between Reflexive and Emphatic Pronouns
The table below shows the difference between reflexive and emphatic pronouns:
| Reflexive Pronouns | Emphatic Pronouns |
|---|---|
| Refers back to the subject of the sentence | Used to place emphasis on the subject or object of the sentence |
| Cannot be used in place of the object of the sentence | Can replace the object of the sentence. |
| Used when the subject and object of the sentence are the same | Not used in situations where the subject and object of the sentence are the same |
Reflexive and emphatic pronouns are confusing for English learners, but understanding their differences can help you use them correctly in your writing and speaking.
Pronoun Agreement
When using reflexive and emphatic pronouns, it is important to keep in mind the concept of pronoun agreement. This means that the chosen pronoun must agree with the subject in gender, number, and person. Failure to do so can lead to confusion and incorrect sentences.
- Gender: Reflexive and emphatic pronouns have distinct forms for masculine, feminine, and neuter genders. For example: himself, herself, and itself.
- Number: The number of the pronoun must agree with the number of the subject. For example: if the subject is plural, the pronoun must also be plural.
- Person: The person of the pronoun must agree with the person of the subject. For example: if the subject is in the third person, the pronoun must also be in the third person.
Here’s an example of correct pronoun agreement:
The team congratulated themselves on their victory.
In this sentence, “team” is the subject and it is singular. The reflexive pronoun “themselves” agrees in number and person with the subject, and because there is no indication of gender in the subject, the pronoun is neutral.
| Agreement Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Gender | She bought herself a dress. |
| Number | They saw themselves in the mirror. |
| Person | I made myself a sandwich. |
Keep in mind that reflexive and emphatic pronouns should only be used when necessary, and not as a substitute for personal pronouns. Pronoun agreement should always be considered when using these types of pronouns to ensure clear and grammatically correct communication.
Exercises on Pronouns
In order to understand the difference between reflexive and emphatic pronouns, it’s important to practice using them in sentences. Here are some exercises to help you become more familiar with these two types of pronouns.
- Identifying Reflexive Pronouns: In the following sentences, identify the reflexive pronoun and explain why it is reflexive. Example: She hurt herself when she fell. Reflexive pronoun: herself. Explanation: The subject and the object are the same person.
- Using Reflexive Pronouns: Rewrite the following sentences using a reflexive pronoun. Example: He hurt him. Rewrite: He hurt himself.
- She called her.
- They blamed us.
- I taught him.
- Identifying Emphatic Pronouns: In the following sentences, identify the emphatic pronoun and explain why it is emphatic. Example: I myself am responsible for this mistake. Emphatic pronoun: myself. Explanation: The pronoun is used to emphasize the subject.
- Using Emphatic Pronouns: Rewrite the following sentences using an emphatic pronoun. Example: The president addressed the nation. Rewrite: The president himself addressed the nation.
- The teacher assigned the homework.
- The chef cooked the meal.
- The manager made the decision.
Practice is key when it comes to mastering pronouns, especially reflexive and emphatic pronouns. The table below summarizes the main differences between the two:
| Reflexive Pronouns | Emphatic Pronouns |
|---|---|
| Refer back to the subject | Emphasize the subject |
| End in “–self” or “–selves” | End in “–self” or “–selves” |
| Cannot be replaced by another pronoun | Can be replaced by another pronoun |
Remember to practice using reflexive and emphatic pronouns in your writing and speech, and soon you’ll be able to use them with confidence and accuracy.
Personal Pronouns
Personal pronouns are words that replace nouns to refer to a person, place, thing, or idea. In grammar, personal pronouns are classified as either subjective (nominative) or objective (accusative). The subjective form is used when the pronoun is the subject of a sentence, and it performs the action in the sentence, while the objective form is used when the pronoun is the object of the verb or preposition.
The Main Difference between Reflexive and Emphatic Pronoun
- In grammar, reflexive pronouns refer back to the subject of a sentence, and they end in “-self” for singular pronouns and “-selves” for plural pronouns.
- On the other hand, emphatic pronouns are used to add emphasis or emphasize the subject of a sentence. They are formed by adding “-self” or “-selves” to the end of a personal pronoun and are placed right after the subject of the sentence.
- The main difference between reflexive and emphatic pronouns is that reflexive pronouns refer back to the subject, whereas emphatic pronouns are used to add emphasis to the subject.
Examples of Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns are used to refer back to the subject of the sentence, and they are essential in showing the actions of the sentence back to the subject. For instance:
| Reflexive Pronouns | Subjects |
|---|---|
| Myself | I |
| Yourself | You |
| Herself | She |
| Himself | He |
| Itself | It |
| Themselves | They |
For example: “I cut myself with the knife.”
In the sentence, “I” is the subject that performs the action of cutting, while “myself” is the reflexive pronoun that refers back to the subject, “I”.
Intensive Pronouns
Intensive pronouns are a type of reflexive pronoun that emphasizes the subject of the sentence. Unlike reflexive pronouns, which are necessary for the sentence to make sense, intensive pronouns are optional and simply add emphasis. Here is an in-depth explanation of this subtopic:
- Intensive pronouns are used to add emphasis to the subject of a sentence.
- Intensive pronouns are always used after the subject of a sentence and a form of the verb “to be.”
- Intensive pronouns are not necessary for a sentence to make sense. If removed, the sentence would still be grammatically correct.
Intensive pronouns can be easily recognized by the “-self” or “-selves” ending, just like reflexive pronouns. Some examples of intensive pronouns include:
- I myself completed the project on time.
- The queen herself attended the event.
- We ourselves found the hidden treasure.
It is important to note that intensive pronouns are not the same as reflexive pronouns. While they may look similar, they serve different purposes in a sentence. Reflexive pronouns refer back to the subject of the sentence as the object of a verb or preposition, while intensive pronouns simply add emphasis.
Here is a table that summarizes the main differences between reflexive and intensive pronouns:
| Reflexive Pronouns | Intensive Pronouns |
|---|---|
| Used when the subject and object of a sentence refer to the same person or thing | Used for emphasis on the subject of a sentence |
| Always necessary for the meaning of the sentence | Optional and can be removed without affecting the sentence’s grammar |
| End in “-self” or “-selves” | Also end in “-self” or “-selves” |
Overall, intensive pronouns are a valuable tool in writing and can add emphasis to important parts of a sentence. Knowing the difference between intensive and reflexive pronouns is crucial for effective communication.
FAQs: What is the main difference between reflexive and emphatic pronoun?
1. What is a reflexive pronoun?
A reflexive pronoun is a word that refers back to the subject of a sentence. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is also the object of the sentence. For example, in the sentence “I hurt myself,” “myself” is a reflexive pronoun.
2. What is an emphatic pronoun?
An emphatic pronoun is a word that is used to emphasize or add emphasis to a statement. It is not essential to the meaning of the sentence and serves to add stress to the personal pronoun. For example, in the sentence “I myself will do it,” “myself” is an emphatic pronoun.
3. What is the difference between reflexive and emphatic pronoun?
The main difference between reflexive and emphatic pronoun is their function in a sentence. The former is used when the subject of the sentence is also the object, while the latter is used to emphasize or provide additional stress on the personal pronoun.
4. How to identify reflexive and emphatic pronoun in a sentence?
Reflexive pronouns usually have “-self” or “-selves” endings, such as “myself,” “yourself,” “himself,” “herself,” “itself,” “ourselves,” “yourselves,” and “themselves.” Emphatic pronouns often appear after the verb or at the end of a sentence and are usually the same as the personal pronoun, but with the use of “self” or “selves” to add emphasis.
5. Can I interchange reflexive and emphatic pronouns?
No, reflexive and emphatic pronouns are not interchangeable. Using them interchangeably can result in a grammatically incorrect sentence and may alter its meaning or convey the wrong message.
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We hope this article has helped you distinguish between reflexive and emphatic pronouns. Remember, reflexive pronouns refer back to the subject, while emphatic pronouns emphasize the personal pronoun. Knowing the difference can help you write with clarity and precision. Don’t forget to visit us again for more helpful language tips and resources!