Reflexive pronouns

The reflexive pronouns are:

Some expressions need a reflexive pronoun:
• "Enjoy yourselves at the party!"
• "She slipped on the ice and really hurt herself."

Others are: burn, cut, enjoy, hurt

By oneself = alone
• "He went to the restaurant all by himself."
• "They painted the living room by themselves. They didn't want any help.

Notice the difference between themselves and each other:
• "The children looked at themselves in the mirror."
• "The children looked at each other and laughed."

Some verbs are reflexive in German, but not in English.

concentrate, get dressed
• "We have to go soon. Can you get dressed, please?"

get ready, hurry, feel
• "She's not coming because she doesn't feel well."

lie down, meet
• "We'll meet in Hamburg." (Don't say: "We meet us"!)

shave, sit down, wash
• "Would you sit down, please?"

Now try the exercise on the next page.

Dagmar Taylor