English Language Arts
Grade 6
15 min
Use reflexive pronouns
Use reflexive pronouns
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify reflexive pronouns in sentences.
Correctly use reflexive pronouns to refer back to the subject of a sentence.
Distinguish between singular and plural reflexive pronouns.
Formulate sentences using appropriate reflexive pronouns.
Explain the function of a reflexive pronoun in a given sentence.
Avoid common errors when using reflexive pronouns.
Ever talked to yourself or done something all by yourself? 🤔 Today, we'll learn about special words that show when you're the one doing the action TO yourself!
In this lesson, you'll discover what reflexive pronouns are and how to use them correctly in your writing and speaking. Understanding these pronouns will make your sentences clearer and more precise, especially when you want to emphasi...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
PronounA word that takes the place of a noun.Instead of saying 'Sarah read the book,' we can say 'She read the book.' 'She' is the pronoun.
AntecedentThe noun or pronoun that a pronoun refers back to.In 'Sarah read the book; she enjoyed it,' 'Sarah' is the antecedent for 'she'.
Reflexive PronounA special type of pronoun that refers back to the subject of the sentence, showing that the subject is performing an action upon itself.He taught himself to play guitar. ('Himself' refers back to 'He'.)
SubjectThe noun or pronoun that performs the action in a sentence.She sings. ('She' is the subject performing the action of singing.)
ObjectThe noun or pronoun that receives the action of...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Reflexive Pronouns Reflect the Subject
A reflexive pronoun must always refer back to the subject of the sentence. The subject performs the action to or for itself.
Use a reflexive pronoun when the person or thing doing the action is also the one receiving the action. It 'reflects' the action back to the subject, making the sentence clear about who is affected.
Match Number and Person
The reflexive pronoun must agree in number (singular/plural) and person (first, second, third) with its antecedent (the subject).
If the subject is 'I' (first person singular), use 'myself.' If the subject is 'they' (third person plural), use 'themselves.' This ensures your sentences are grammatically correct.
Reflexive Pronouns are Essential...
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Challenging
Read the short passage: '(1) My friends and I decided to form a study group. (2) We wanted to prepare ourself for the final exam. (3) Each person was responsible for a chapter. (4) I made sure to quiz myself on the key terms.' Which sentence contains an error in reflexive pronoun usage?
A.Sentence 1
B.Sentence 2
C.Sentence 3
D.Sentence 4
Challenging
A student named Maria is arguing a point in her essay. She is the only one who holds this specific opinion. Which sentence best describes her situation using a reflexive pronoun?
A.Maria and her friends found themselves in agreement.
B.Maria found her arguing a lonely point.
C.Maria found herself to be the only one arguing that point.
D.The argument found itself being made by Maria.
Challenging
Analyze the sentence: 'The main character had to forgive himself before he could move on.' Why is it impossible to replace 'himself' with the object pronoun 'him' without completely changing the meaning?
A.Because 'forgive' can only be used with a reflexive pronoun.
B.Because 'him' would refer to a different male character, changing the entire point of the character's internal conflict.
C.Because 'him' is a subject pronoun and cannot be used as an object.
D.Because removing 'himself' makes the sentence more emphatic.
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