Reflexive & Reciprocal Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns (myself, yourself, etc.) refer back to the subject, and reciprocal pronouns (each other, one another) show a two-way action. B2 focuses on when they're needed — and when…
Reflexive pronouns (myself, yourself, etc.) refer back to the subject, and reciprocal pronouns (each other, one another) show a two-way action. B2 focuses on when they’re needed — and when they’re wrong.
The forms
| Subject | Reflexive |
|---|---|
| I / you | myself / yourself |
| he / she / it | himself / herself / itself |
| we / you / they | ourselves / yourselves / themselves |
When NOT to use a reflexiveSome verbs that take a reflexive in other languages do not in English: concentrate, relax, feel, meet, wash, shave, hurry. Say “I feel tired” (not “I feel myself tired”), “Try to relax” (not “relax yourself”). Also use a reflexive only when subject and object are the same person: “She looked at herself” vs “She looked at her” (a different woman).
‘by + reflexive’ & emphasis
| Use | Example |
|---|---|
| alone / without help | She did it by herself. |
| emphasis | I spoke to the manager himself. |
Reciprocal: each other / one another
Use for a mutual action between people: “They help each other.” Each other (usually two), one another (often more than two) — but the difference is small in modern English.
Examples from EduCareer
- Students correct each other‘s work in pairs.
- Aisha taught herself the basics before joining.
- Try to relax before the exam. (no reflexive)
Tutor tip for Arabic speakersDon’t add a reflexive to verbs like relax, concentrate, feel, meet: “We met at the cafe,” not “We met ourselves.” Use each other for “mutually,” and by + reflexive for “alone.” Compare: “They looked at each other” (A→B and B→A) vs “They looked at themselves” (each at their own reflection).
Common mistakes
- I feel myself tired. → I feel tired.
- We met ourselves at the station. → We met at the station.
- They help themselves (= mutually). → They help each other.
Practise with the 20 questions below.
Check your understanding
Answer the questions below. You will see instantly if you are right.
1."She taught ___ to code."
subject=object → reflexive.
2."They help ___ with homework." (mutually)
two-way action → each other.
3.Which verb does NOT take a reflexive?
'relax' takes no reflexive.
4."I ___ tired after the trip."
'feel' takes no reflexive.
5."He fixed the car ___." (alone)
by + reflexive = alone.
6."We met ___ at the cafe."
'meet' takes no reflexive: We met.
7."The CEO ___ answered my email." (emphasis)
emphatic reflexive.
8.'each other' shows:
reciprocal.
9."Children should learn to express ___."
reflexive plural → themselves.
10.Which is correct?
himself is the correct form.
11."Please make ___ at home."
reflexive after make ... at home.
12."They looked at ___." (each at the other person)
mutual → each other.
13."She lives ___." (without help)
by + reflexive = alone.
14."Concentrate — don't ___ get distracted."
'concentrate' takes no reflexive.
15."The students gave ___ feedback." (to one another)
mutual feedback → each other.
16."I hurt ___ playing football."
subject=object → myself.
17."We really enjoyed ___ at the party."
'enjoy oneself' is fixed.
18."He shaved ___ before work." (often no reflexive)
'shave' usually needs no reflexive, though 'himself' is acceptable.
19."The two leaders respect ___."
mutual → each other.
20."Help ___ to some cake!" (invitation)
'help yourself' is a fixed expression.
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