Reflexive pronouns

Level and focus

Level: A2
Category: Pronouns

Use myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves and themselves when subject and object are the same.

By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to: Choose reflexive pronouns accurately in simple and emphatic contexts.

Core idea

This lesson focuses on one clear grammar job. Learners should first recognise the pattern in short examples, then use it in controlled sentences, and only later combine it with other grammar.

Form

• myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves
• by myself = alone/without help
• enjoy yourself / hurt yourself / teach yourself

Meaning and use

Use this grammar when the sentence needs the meaning described in the lesson goal. At this level, accuracy is more important than stylistic variety. Keep examples short, concrete and close to everyday communication before moving to longer texts.

Examples

• I cut myself.
• She taught herself English.
• They did it themselves.
• I went there by myself.

Common mistakes

• Using object pronouns instead of reflexive pronouns: not I hurt me.; use I hurt myself..
• Overusing reflexives after normal verbs: not I relaxed myself.; use I relaxed..
• Confusing by myself with myself alone: not I did it for myself alone.; use I did it by myself..

Teaching sequence

1. Show the pattern with two or three very short examples.
2. Contrast the correct form with one common error.
3. Let learners complete controlled examples.
4. Ask learners to produce their own short sentence.
5. Finish with a mixed review item so they distinguish this point from neighbouring grammar.

Boundary: what not to cover here

Do not expand into emphatic reflexives beyond simple recognition.

Suggested practice

Start with recognition, then controlled completion, then sentence rewriting or ordering where appropriate. Keep distractors close enough to test the grammar point, but avoid trick options that require vocabulary beyond the level.

Quick check

Before you move on, can you explain the rule in one sentence and make one example of your own?