Have you ever done something for yourself and felt the need to express what you’ve done? In that case, reflexive verbs are here to help you. They show that the subject and the object of the verb are the same. Let’s dive into reflexive verbs and see how they enhance our sentences.
What is a Reflexive Verb?
A reflexive verb is used when the subject and the object refer to the same person or thing. This means the action is performed by the subject upon themselves. In English, we use reflexive pronouns like myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, and themselves. For example, in “She taught herself to play the piano,” the verb “taught” indicates that she is both the teacher and the learner.
Examples of Reflexive Verbs:
- “I enjoyed myself at the party.”
- “He introduced himself to the new colleagues.”
- “They prepared themselves for the big presentation.”
Why Are Reflexive Verbs Important?
Reflexive verbs clarify actions done by the subject for their own benefit. They give a sentence more depth and specificity. For example, “I cut myself while cooking” highlights that the speaker was directly affected by the action, providing important context.
Identifying Reflexive Verbs
Reflexive verbs are easy to identify because the subject does something to themselves. Here are a few examples: Here are a few examples:
- “She looked at herself in the mirror.” (reflexive)
- “We reminded ourselves to stay focused.” (reflexive)
Real-Life Examples of Reflexive Verbs
We use reflexive verbs in our everyday conversations:
- At Home: “I made myself a sandwich.” (action done for oneself)
- At Work: “He prepared himself for the meeting.” (preparation for one’s own benefit)
- In Conversations: “They enjoyed themselves at the concert.” (enjoyment for their own pleasure)
Reflexive vs. Non-Reflexive Verbs
First of all, you have to know the difference between reflexive and non-reflexive verbs. Non-reflexive verbs don’t imply that the subject acts upon themselves. For example, in “I helped my friend,” the verb “helped” is non-reflexive because the action is directed toward someone else.
Understanding reflexive verbs improves our ability to express actions directed at ourselves, enhancing clarity and accuracy in communication.
