Intensive pronouns are an essential component of the English language. They are used to emphasize a noun or pronoun in a sentence. Intensive pronouns are formed by adding -self or -selves to reflexive pronouns, such as myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, and themselves.
Understanding the proper use of intensive pronouns is essential for effective communication in English. Whether writing an academic paper or engaging in casual conversation, using intensive pronouns correctly can make a big difference in the clarity and impact of one’s message. In the following article, we will explore the different types of intensive pronouns, how they are used in sentences, and provide examples of correct usage.
Intensive Pronouns – Picture
Contents
What Are Intensive Pronouns?
Definition
Intensive pronouns are a type of pronoun that emphasize or intensify the noun or pronoun they are referring to. They are also known as emphatic pronouns. Intensive pronouns always end in -self or -selves, and they are used to add emphasis to the subject of the sentence.
Intensive pronouns are similar to reflexive pronouns, but they are not used to show that the subject is performing the action on itself. Instead, they are used to add emphasis to the subject.
Examples
Here are some examples of sentences that use intensive pronouns:
- She herself wrote the report.
- I myself saw the accident.
- They themselves planned the party.
- He himself cooked dinner.
In each of these examples, the intensive pronoun is used to add emphasis to the subject of the sentence.
Intensive pronouns can be used with any subject, including first, second, and third person subjects. They can also be used with singular and plural subjects.
Omissibility
Intensive pronouns are not always necessary in a sentence. They can be omitted without changing the meaning of the sentence. However, when they are used, they add emphasis to the subject and make the sentence more powerful.
Disjunctive Pronouns
Disjunctive pronouns, also known as emphatic pronouns, are a type of pronoun that are used for emphasis or contrast. They are similar to intensive pronouns, but they are used in a different way.
Disjunctive pronouns include words like “myself,” “yourself,” “himself,” “herself,” “itself,” “ourselves,” “yourselves,” and “themselves.” They are used to emphasize the subject or to contrast it with another noun or pronoun.
Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns are a type of pronoun that are used to show that the subject is performing the action on itself. They include words like “myself,” “yourself,” “himself,” “herself,” “itself,” “ourselves,” “yourselves,” and “themselves.”
Reflexive pronouns are similar to intensive pronouns, but they are used in a different way. They are used to show that the subject is performing the action on itself, while intensive pronouns are used to add emphasis to the subject.
Types of Intensive Pronouns
Intensive pronouns are used to emphasize the noun or pronoun that they are referring to. They are always used after the noun or pronoun they are emphasizing. There are two types of intensive pronouns: singular and plural.
Singular Intensive Pronouns
Singular intensive pronouns are used to emphasize a single noun or pronoun. They always end in “-self” and are used after the noun or pronoun they are emphasizing. The following are examples of singular intensive pronouns:
- Himself
- Herself
- Itself
- Oneself
For example: “She herself wrote the report.”
Plural Intensive Pronouns
Plural intensive pronouns are used to emphasize a group of nouns or pronouns. They always end in “-selves” and are used after the nouns or pronouns they are emphasizing. The following are examples of plural intensive pronouns:
- Themselves
- Ourselves
- Yourselves
For example: “They themselves organized the event.”
It is important to note that “themself” is not a commonly used word in standard English. It is sometimes used in non-standard English to refer to a singular noun or pronoun, but it is not considered correct in standard English.
Intensive Pronouns vs. Reflexive Pronouns
Definition
Intensive pronouns and reflexive pronouns are two types of pronouns that are often confused. Both types of pronouns end in “-self” or “-selves” and are used to refer back to the subject of the sentence. However, they have different functions.
A reflexive pronoun is used when the subject and object of a sentence are the same. For example, “She saw herself in the mirror.” The subject “she” is also the object of the sentence, so the reflexive pronoun “herself” is used to refer back to the subject.
An intensive pronoun, on the other hand, is used to emphasize the subject of a sentence. For example, “She herself saw the movie.” In this sentence, the intensive pronoun “herself” is used to add emphasis to the subject “she.”
Examples
Here are some examples of intensive and reflexive pronouns in use:
Intensive Pronouns:
- The president himself signed the treaty.
- I myself witnessed the accident.
- She herself made the cake.
Reflexive Pronouns:
- He cut himself while shaving.
- They blame themselves for the mistake.
- The cat licked itself clean.
It’s important to note that some pronouns can function as both reflexive and intensive pronouns, depending on their usage in the sentence. For example, “myself” can be used as a reflexive pronoun in “I hurt myself,” or as an intensive pronoun in “I myself will handle the situation.”
Using Intensive Pronouns in Writing
Intensive pronouns are a powerful tool in writing. They are used to emphasize a noun or pronoun in a sentence and add intensity to the meaning. Here are some ways to use intensive pronouns effectively in different contexts.
Gender-Neutral Language
Intensive pronouns can be used to avoid gender-specific language. Instead of using “himself” or “herself,” use “themselves” or “themself.” This is especially important in formal writing, where gender-neutral language is preferred.
Formal Writing
Intensive pronouns can be used in formal writing to add emphasis and clarity. They are often used in speeches, essays, and other formal documents. However, it is important to use them sparingly and appropriately. Overusing intensive pronouns can make the writing sound repetitive and unprofessional.
Here are some examples of how to use intensive pronouns in writing:
- The president himself addressed the nation.
- She did the work herself.
- They themselves decided to take action.
- He himself was responsible for the mistake.
Common Mistakes with Intensive Pronouns
Intensive pronouns are often confused with reflexive pronouns, leading to common mistakes in their usage. Here are some of the most common mistakes with intensive pronouns:
Unexpected Gender
One common mistake with intensive pronouns is the use of gendered language. For example, using “himself” or “herself” when referring to a gender-neutral subject can be exclusionary and offensive. Instead, it is recommended to use gender-neutral language and pronouns, such as “themselves” or “themself.”
Omissible Pronouns
Another mistake is the omission of the pronoun altogether. For example, saying “John did it himself” instead of “John did it by himself” can be confusing, as it is unclear whether “himself” is an intensive pronoun or a reflexive pronoun. To avoid confusion, it is recommended to use the explicit pronoun “by” with “himself” in this case.
Examples:
Here are some examples of correct and incorrect usage of intensive pronouns:
- Correct: “I myself finished the project.” (emphasizing “I”)
- Incorrect: “I finished the project myself.” (reflexive use)
- Correct: “They themselves organized the event.” (emphasizing “they”)
- Incorrect: “They organized the event themselves.” (reflexive use)
FAQs on Intensive Pronouns
Intensive pronouns can be a confusing topic for many people. Here are some frequently asked questions to help clarify any doubts you may have:
What is the difference between reflexive and intensive pronouns?
Reflexive pronouns refer back to the subject of the sentence and are necessary for the sentence to make sense. For example, “I cut myself while shaving.” The reflexive pronoun “myself” refers back to the subject “I.”
On the other hand, intensive pronouns are used to emphasize the subject of the sentence. For example, “I myself completed the project.” The intensive pronoun “myself” is not necessary for the sentence to make sense but is used to place extra emphasis on the subject “I.”
Can reflexive pronouns be used as intensive pronouns?
Yes, reflexive pronouns can be used as intensive pronouns. For example, “I myself am responsible for the mistake.” In this sentence, “myself” is a reflexive pronoun that is being used to emphasize the subject “I.”
What are some common intensive pronouns?
The most common intensive pronouns are myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, and themselves.
Can intensive pronouns be used in all tenses?
Yes, intensive pronouns can be used in all tenses. For example, “I will myself complete the project,” “I am myself responsible for the mistake,” and “I have myself completed the project.”
Can intensive pronouns be used in all types of sentences?
Yes, intensive pronouns can be used in all types of sentences, including declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory sentences. For example, “I myself completed the project,” “Did you yourself complete the project?,” “Complete the project yourself,” and “Myself, I completed the project!”