English Reflexive Pronouns: Self and Selves

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering singular and plural English reflexive pronouns, emphatic constructions, common idioms, and usage distinctions based on the lecture notes.

-self

The singular suffix added to personal pronouns to form singular reflexive and emphatic pronouns (such as myself, yourself, himself, herself, and itself).

-selves

The plural suffix added to personal pronouns to form plural reflexive and emphatic pronouns (such as ourselves, yourselves, and themselves).

Myself

The first-person singular reflexive and emphatic pronoun corresponding to 'I', used for actions directed back at the speaker or for emphasis.

Yourself

The second-person singular reflexive and emphatic pronoun corresponding to singular 'you'.

Himself

The third-person masculine singular reflexive and emphatic pronoun corresponding to 'he'.

Herself

The third-person feminine singular reflexive and emphatic pronoun corresponding to 'she'.

Itself

The third-person neuter singular reflexive pronoun corresponding to 'it', used primarily for objects, systems, and animals.

Ourselves

The first-person plural reflexive and emphatic pronoun corresponding to 'we'.

Yourselves

The second-person plural reflexive and emphatic pronoun corresponding to plural 'you' (addressing a group).

Themselves

The third-person plural reflexive and emphatic pronoun corresponding to 'they', used for both people and things.

Theyself

An incorrect, non-standard form that must not be used in place of the plural pronoun 'themselves'.

By + reflexive pronoun

A prepositional construction meaning alone, unaccompanied, or done without any outside assistance (e.g., 'I live by myself' or 'I did it by myself').

Emphatic pronoun usage

The use of a -self or -selves pronoun directly following an action or subject to emphasize that the person did it independently (e.g., 'I made it myself').

Help yourself / Help yourselves

A common idiomatic expression used to invite someone (singular or plural) to serve themselves food or refreshments freely.

Enjoy yourself / Enjoy yourselves

A set phrase used to wish someone (singular or plural) a good time or fun.

Make yourself at home

A hospitable phrase inviting a guest to feel as comfortable and relaxed as they would in their own home.

Keep it to yourself

An expression instructing someone not to share or disclose specific information to anyone else.

Each other

A reciprocal phrase meaning mutually ('one another'), contrasting with reflexive pronouns like 'themselves' which indicate acting upon oneself.

Stress in -self and -selves

A pronunciation rule specifying that vocal stress falls directly on the suffix '-self' in singular forms and on '-selves' in plural forms.