Pronouns ending in -self or -selves function differently from the personal pronouns.
As reflexive pronouns, these forms “reflect” (state again) the subject of the sentence.
I hurt myself with the mower.
You contradicted yourself in your argument.
Sam cut himself shaving.
Sally bit herself on the tongue after the dental appointment.
The cat licked herself all over.
We pride ourselves on our neat lawn.
How could you Scouts lose yourselves in the woods?
They praised themselves for winning the race against all odds.
Reflexive pronouns can also be used as the object of a preposition.
He spilled soup on himself.
As emphatic pronouns, these forms add emphasis to the word referred to. They can occur immediately after the noun or pronoun they refer to, or stand elsewhere in the sentence.
I myself will speak to the protestors.
You yourself must restore the money.
He painted the entire room himself.
The book itself did not signify very much.
ERROR ALERT: The chief error that occurs with the reflexive forms of the pronoun is to use it as if it were a personal pronoun.
Incorrect: Jack and myself work in the same office.
Correct: Jack and I work in the same office.
