The Differences Between the Reflexive pronouns vs Intensive pronouns

The Differences Between the Reflexive pronouns vs Intensive pronouns



Reflexive pronoun and intensive pronoun are both types of pronouns. The following is the list of reflexive pronouns or intensive pronouns are: 
  • Myself 
  • Ourselves 
  • Yourself
  • Yourselves 
  • Himself 
  • Herself 
  • Themselves 
  • Itself 
They are the same in forms, but they differ in usage and positions in the sentences.
Look at these sentences: 
[1] He will defend himself
[2] President Magufuli himself was there. 

In the first sentence [1], himself comes after the verb and in the second sentence [2], himself comes after the noun

Now, let's take a look at each one of them. 

REFLEXIVE PRONOUNS 
Definition
Reflexive pronouns are the types of pronouns which reflect the subject of the verb.
Example: [1] He will defend himself

Usage 
Reflexive pronouns are used as the object or indirect object of the main verb. 
Example: He considered himself a winner. 

Positions in the sentence 
Reflexive pronouns can be found in the following positions in the sentence: 
(1) They follow the verbs. 
(2) They are found in the object position.
(3) They can follow a preposition, as an indirect object position. 

Examples: 
  • We risked ourselves to rescue the baby. 
  • They asked themselves if they were ready. 
  • I hurt myself when I was repairing the door. 
  • You can either defend yourselves or run. 
  • The snake defended itself by running away. 
  • She looked at herself and said "I'm ready."

INTENSIVE PRONOUNS 
Definition
Intensive pronouns are reflexive pronouns which are used to emphasize the subject or object.
Example: [2] President Magufuli himself was there. 

Usage 
Intensive pronouns are primarily used to emphasise the subject or object of the sentence.
Example: The Prime Minister himself attended. 

Positions in the sentence 
Intensive pronouns can be found in the following positions in the sentence: 
(1) They are directly follow the noun/subject, usually an appositive.
(2) They can also follow an object.

Examples: 
  • I myself hope that it will rain today. 
  • The coach himself resigned last week. 
  • We ourselves were surprised by the news. 
  • The voters themselves will decide. 
  • I don't want to be unreliable person myself.
  • It is easy. You can do it yourself.

Summary 
Remember that Reflexive pronouns follow the verb or object and Intensive pronouns follow the noun. When reflexive pronouns are used to emphasise they are called 'Intensive pronouns' which are used after the noun or subject being emphasised. 


Reference 


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Emmanuel Kachele

Emmanuel Kachele is a founder and Blogger of KACHELE ONLINE Blog, an educational blog where 'O' Level English - 'OLE', 'A' Level English (ALE) and other related teaching and life skills are shared extensively. This is an online center for all Tanzanian Secondary School English Language students and teachers (Forms I-VI) and all interested English Language learners and teachers worldwide.

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