All about the subject: reflexive pronouns

An easy way to use reflexive pronouns correctly is by remembering that they reflect back to the subject, just like a mirror, so in a sentence the subject and object are the same. For example,

Mattia enjoyed himself at the concert. (Not Mattia enjoyed at the concert.)

Roberto cut himself while shaving. (Not Roberto cut while shaving.)

Andrea taught himself how to play the piano. (Not Andrea taught how to play the piano.)

Singular reflexive pronouns are myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself and plural reflexive pronouns are ourselves, yourselves, themselves.

Remember that a reflexive pronoun is the object of a sentence, not the subject, so try not to make this mistake:

(Incorrect) Debbie and myself arrived late for class.

(Correct) Debbie and I arrived late for class.

A reflexive pronoun bounces back to the subject of the sentence. It’s something to think about as you admire yourself in the mirror.