Transcript Reflexive vs. Intensive Pronouns

Reflexive vs.
Intensive Pronouns
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE???????
Reflexive Pronouns – refers to a
noun or another pronoun.
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Notice that word “ refers”
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Jethro surprised himself when he won the spelling bee.
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The sentence is about Jethro and the himself is referring to Jethro.
Intensive pronouns – adds
emphasis to a noun or pronoun
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Notice the word “emphasis”
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Jethro himself decided to study those spelling words.
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This sentence lets you know that it was Jethro’s choice to study. He
himself made that decision. The word himself emphasizes that it was
only his decision.
Here’s a trick to help you:
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Reflexive pronouns are REQUIRED for the sentence to make sense!!!
YES – THIS IS YOUR TRICK>>>>>REFLEXIVE = REQUIRED
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Jamie told herself that the doctor visit wouldn’t be too bad.
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If you took out the reflexive pronoun (herself) would the sentence
make sense? Try it :
Jamie told that the doctor visit wouldn’t be too bad.
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Intensive pronouns are not necessary. They are extra words to
add emphasis on the noun. The sentence will still make sense if
you take these words out. Try it and see:
You yourselves can go to the store.
You can go to the store.
(See, the sentence still works when you take the intensive
pronoun out!)
By putting the intensive pronoun in the writer gave the sentence
a bit of attitude – “You yourselves can go to the store!” In other
words – “I’m not going~!”
Decide are they reflexive or
intensive?
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He himself wanted a dog, so he went to the shelter on
Tuesday.

She chastised herself when she got her report back from the
teacher.
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The cafeteria ladies themselves cooked the pizza today.