Reflexive and Reciprocal Pronouns: English Grammar Guide

Understanding reflexive and reciprocal pronouns is essential for mastering English grammar. These pronouns help express actions that go back to the subject or actions shared between two or more people. Though similar in structure and purpose, reflexive and reciprocal pronouns have distinct roles. This guide explains their forms, usage, rules, and common mistakes—with plenty of examples to make everything clear.

What Are Reflexive Pronouns?

Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same person or thing. In other words, the action of the verb “reflects” back on the subject.

Reflexive Pronouns List:

• myself

• yourself (singular)

• himself

• herself

• itself

• ourselves

• yourselves (plural)

• themselves

Example Sentences

1. I taught myself how to cook.

2. She looked at herself in the mirror.

3. The cat cleaned itself after eating.

4. We enjoyed ourselves at the party.

5. They introduced themselves to the new neighbors.

In each example, the action performed by the subject returns to that same subject.

How to Use Reflexive Pronouns

1. As the Object of the Verb

When the subject and the object are the same, we use a reflexive pronoun.

Example:

• He hurt himself while playing basketball.

• I reminded myself to call my mother.

Without the reflexive pronoun, the sentence would lose its intended meaning.

2. To Add Emphasis

Reflexive pronouns can also be used for emphasis, to show that the subject did something personally or without help.

Example:

• I’ll do it myself.

• She designed the website herself.

• We finished the project ourselves.

In these sentences, the reflexive pronouns add stress or pride in doing something independently.

3. With Prepositions (in Certain Cases)

Sometimes reflexive pronouns are used after prepositions, but only when the subject and the object refer to the same person.

Example:

• He kept the secret to himself.

• They were talking among themselves.

However, when the preposition indicates location or direction (like with, to, or for referring to another person), we do not use reflexive pronouns:
✅ He sat beside me.
❌ He sat beside myself.

Common Mistakes with Reflexive Pronouns

1. Using a reflexive pronoun when not needed:
   ❌ Please contact myself if you have questions.
   ✅ Please contact me if you have questions.

2. Confusing intensive and reflexive usage:

   • Reflexive: She taught herself Japanese. (action returns to subject)

   • Intensive: She herself taught Japanese. (adds emphasis)

3. Spelling mistakes:
   Many learners write theirselves or hisself, but these forms are incorrect.
   ✅ Correct: themselves, himself.

What Are Reciprocal Pronouns?

Reciprocal pronouns show that two or more people or things are doing the same action to each other. They express a shared or mutual relationship.

There are only two reciprocal pronouns in English:

• each other

• one another

Example Sentences

1. The two friends hugged each other.

2. The students helped one another with their homework.

3. They looked at each other and laughed.

4. We gave each other gifts during Christmas.

In these examples, both sides are performing the same action toward one another.

How to Use Reciprocal Pronouns

1. With Two People or Groups

Use each other when referring to two people or two groups.

Example:

• John and Mary love each other.

• The two companies support each other in business.

2. With More Than Two

Use one another when there are three or more people or groups involved.

Example:

• The teammates encouraged one another.

• Countries should cooperate with one another to solve global issues.

Note: In modern English, both expressions are often used interchangeably, and most native speakers don’t strictly follow this rule anymore.

Reflexive vs. Reciprocal Pronouns

Common Errors with Reciprocal Pronouns

1. Using reflexive pronouns instead of reciprocal ones:
   ❌ They love themselves.
   ✅ They love each other.

   (The first means they are self-centered; the second means they share love.)

2. Omitting the pronoun entirely:
   ❌ The two friends hugged. (unclear if mutual)
   ✅ The two friends hugged each other.

3. Adding unnecessary “selves”:
   ❌ They looked at each other selves.
   ✅ They looked at each other.

Reflexive and Reciprocal Pronouns in Context

Let’s see how these pronouns appear in real-life situations.

Conversation Example:

• A: Did you two enjoy the trip?

• B: Yes, we really enjoyed ourselves.

• A: Did you meet anyone new?

• B: No, we just spent time with each other.

Here, ourselves reflects back on the speakers, while each other shows mutual interaction.

Practice Exercise

Fill in the blanks with the correct pronoun:

1. I made this cake by ___________.

2. The students helped __________ with their projects.

3. She blamed __________ for the mistake.

4. They always smile at __________.

5. We organized the event by __________.

Answers:

1. myself

2. one another / each other

3. herself

4. each other

5. ourselves

Cultural Note

In many languages, reflexive structures are used more frequently than in English. For example, in some languages, verbs like wash or dress require a reflexive form, but in English, they often don’t.
✅ Correct in English: I washed and got dressed.
❌ Incorrect: I washed myself and dressed myself (unless emphasizing effort).

Tips for Learners

• Use reflexive pronouns only when the subject and object are the same.

• Use reciprocal pronouns when the action is mutual.

• Don’t overuse reflexives for formality (e.g., myself instead of me).

• Remember that each other and one another can usually be used interchangeably.

Conclusion

Reflexive and reciprocal pronouns add clarity, accuracy, and emphasis to English sentences.
Use reflexive pronouns (like myself, herself, themselves) when the subject acts upon itself, and reciprocal pronouns (each other, one another) when two or more people share an action or feeling.

By mastering the distinction between these pronouns, you’ll sound more natural and precise in your English communication—whether you’re writing essays, speaking with friends, or engaging in professional discussions.

FAQs

What are reflexive pronouns and when do I use them?

Reflexive pronouns show that the subject and the object of a clause are the same person or thing. The action “reflects” back on the subject. Use them when the subject performs an action on itself: I taught myself Spanish, She blamed herself, The dog dried itself. If the object is different from the subject, do not use a reflexive pronoun: say Please email me (not email myself).

Which words are reflexive pronouns in English?

myself, yourself (singular), himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves (plural), and themselves. Note the correct spellings: there is no *theirselves* or *hisself* in standard English.

What are reciprocal pronouns and when do I use them?

Reciprocal pronouns express mutual actions or feelings shared among two or more people: each other and one another. Use them when the participants do the same action toward each other: They helped each other, The teams congratulated one another. Reciprocal pronouns always require at least two participants.

Is there a difference between “each other” and “one another”?

Traditional style guides sometimes suggest each other for two and one another for more than two. In modern usage, the two are largely interchangeable, and most native speakers do not enforce the distinction. If your context requires strict formality (e.g., an exam following an older rulebook), you can apply the traditional guideline; otherwise, use either naturally.

Can reflexive pronouns also add emphasis?

Yes. Reflexive pronouns can be intensive, meaning they emphasize that someone did something personally or without help: I’ll handle it myself, The CEO herself approved the plan. Intensive pronouns are not objects of the verb; they can be removed without changing the core meaning: The CEO approved the plan (still true). In contrast, a truly reflexive use is required by meaning: She cut herself cannot drop herself without changing the sense.

How do I avoid the common mistake “Please contact myself”?

Use ordinary object pronouns after most verbs and prepositions: contact me, call him, for her. Do not replace me, him, her, etc., with reflexives to sound formal. Reflexive pronouns are only correct when the subject and object are the same (I reminded myself) or when used intensively for emphasis (I did it myself).

Can I use reflexive pronouns after prepositions?

Yes, when the object of the preposition refers back to the subject: They kept the news to themselves, She was proud of herself. But if the object is a different person, use a normal object pronoun: He sat beside me (not beside myself), This gift is from her to him.

How do possessives work with reciprocal pronouns (e.g., each other’s)?

Use the possessive form when the mutual action involves ownership or parts: They admired each other’s paintings, The players shook one another’s hands. Only add the possessive to the final word (other’s, another’s), not to both. Avoid the incorrect each others’ unless the context is clearly plural possessive of multiple pairs; in most mutual situations, each other’s is the standard choice.

How do I choose between “themselves” and “themself” with singular they?

With singular they, both forms appear in real-world usage. Themselves is widely accepted and safe in most contexts: Each participant should introduce themselves. Themself has historical precedent and is used increasingly, especially in inclusive or informal contexts, but some editors still prefer themselves. Follow your style guide; if unsure, choose themselves.

Do all verbs allow reflexive objects?

No. Many everyday actions do not take reflexive pronouns in English unless emphasis is intended. We usually say I shaved, I dressed, I washed (no reflexive). Use a reflexive only if the verb meaning demands it (She taught herself) or to highlight independence (I wrote the code myself). Learners from languages that require reflexives more often should be careful not to overuse them.

Can I use reciprocal pronouns as the subject of a sentence?

Reciprocal pronouns typically appear as objects or objects of prepositions: They blamed each other, We spoke to one another. As subjects, they sound odd. Instead, keep a normal subject and apply the reciprocal pronoun after the verb or preposition: Each of the partners trusts the other or The partners trust each other.

How do I punctuate sentences with intensive (emphatic) reflexives?

No special punctuation is required. Place the intensive pronoun near the word it emphasizes: The manager herself announced the results. For stronger contrast, you may use commas in apposition, but this is optional and stylistic: The manager, herself a former engineer, announced the results (here herself is parenthetical, not strictly intensive).

What are the most common errors with reciprocal pronouns?

• Using a reflexive where mutual meaning is intended: They love themselves means they are self-focused; They love each other expresses mutual love.
• Dropping the reciprocal pronoun when clarity suffers: The two friends hugged is ambiguous; …hugged each other is clear.
• Adding “selves” incorrectly: Avoid each other selves or one another selves; the correct forms are simply each other and one another.

How can I test whether to use a reflexive or a reciprocal pronoun?

Ask two questions: (1) Is the object the same entity as the subject? If yes, use a reflexive (She prepared herself). (2) Are there two or more participants acting on one another? If yes, use a reciprocal (They prepared each other for the debate). If neither is true, use a normal object pronoun (She prepared him).

Where should I place reciprocal pronouns in a sentence?

Usually after the verb or a preposition: They emailed each other, They spoke with one another. For clarity with phrasal verbs, keep the reciprocal unit together: They looked after each other. Do not split each and other or insert adjectives between them; treat them as a fixed expression.

Can I use both reflexive and reciprocal meanings in the same sentence?

Yes, when context demands both a self-directed and a mutual action, but write carefully: The actors prepared themselves and encouraged each other. Here the first clause is reflexive (each person prepared themself), and the second clause is reciprocal (they mutually encouraged).

Are there register or tone differences I should consider?

Overusing reflexives to sound formal can feel stilted or incorrect in modern English (contact myself, between yourself and myself). For professional tone, prefer standard objects (me, you, us) and reserve reflexives for true reflexive meaning or crisp emphasis. Reciprocal pronouns are neutral in tone and work well in both formal and informal writing.

What agreement rules apply to reflexive pronouns?

Reflexive pronouns must agree with the subject in person and number: I—myself, you—yourself/yourselves, he—himself, she—herself, it—itself, we—ourselves, they—themselves. With compound subjects, choose the plural when appropriate: My sister and I pride ourselves on punctuality.

Can reciprocal pronouns take modifiers or quantifiers?

Occasionally, adverbs can modify the verb to sharpen mutual meaning, not the reciprocal itself: The teams actively supported each other. Avoid inserting adjectives inside the reciprocal unit (each helpful other is ungrammatical). If you need precision, restructure: The teams supported one another generously or They supported each other in different ways.

Quick practice: Which pronoun fits?

• After the workshop, the participants congratulated ______ on their efforts. → each other / one another
• He reminded ______ to submit the form. → himself
• We solved the issue by ______. → ourselves (or intensive: by ourselves)
• The twins borrowed ______ notes before the test. → each other’s
• Every student introduced ______ at the start of class. → themselves (singular they accepted)

Key takeaways

• Use reflexive pronouns when the subject and object are identical or when you need emphasis.
• Use reciprocal pronouns to express mutual action between at least two participants.
• Avoid “formal-sounding” errors like contact myself; prefer standard objects unless the meaning requires reflexive.
• Each other and one another are largely interchangeable in modern English; apply the traditional two-vs.-many rule only if your style guide demands it.
• For inclusive language with singular they, themselves is widely accepted; themself appears in some contexts but may be edited.

English Grammar Guide: Complete Rules, Examples, and Tips for All Levels