Home/Common Mistakes/Grammar/Pronouns/Incorrect use of reflexive pronouns
Home/Common Mistakes/Grammar/Pronouns/Incorrect use of reflexive pronouns

Incorrect use of reflexive pronouns

Usually, reflexive pronouns are not needed after verbs that describe things that you do for yourself.

  • I dressed myself and went to breakfast.
    (dressing is done by you)
  • I dressed and went to breakfast.
  • I feel myself ill.
    (you feel ill)
  • I feel ill.

Sometimes the reflexive pronoun can be included for creative emphasis.

  • She is only four years old, but she can dress herself.
    (herself is used to emphasise she can dress herself even though she is very young)