Intensive pronouns are a fascinating aspect of English grammar, often confused with reflexive pronouns but serving a distinct purpose: to add emphasis to a noun or pronoun already mentioned in the sentence. Understanding intensive pronouns enhances your ability to write and speak with greater precision and impact.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to intensive pronouns, covering their definition, structure, usage rules, common mistakes, and advanced applications. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills to confidently use intensive pronouns in your writing and speech.
Table of Contents
- Definition of Intensive Pronouns
- Structural Breakdown
- Types of Intensive Pronouns
- Examples of Intensive Pronouns
- Usage Rules for Intensive Pronouns
- Common Mistakes with Intensive Pronouns
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definition of Intensive Pronouns
An intensive pronoun is a pronoun that emphasizes a noun or pronoun. It refers back to the subject or object of the sentence, adding extra focus or intensity. Unlike reflexive pronouns, intensive pronouns are not essential to the meaning of the sentence; the sentence would still make sense without them. They simply add emphasis. Intensive pronouns always end in -self (singular) or -selves (plural). The intensive pronouns are: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves.
Intensive pronouns are classified as a type of pronoun, specifically those used for emphasis. Their function is purely to add stress or highlight the noun or pronoun they refer to.
They appear immediately after the noun/pronoun they are emphasizing or at the end of the clause. They are most frequently used in declarative sentences, but can occasionally be used in interrogative sentences for rhetorical effect.
Structural Breakdown
The structure of a sentence using an intensive pronoun is relatively simple. The basic pattern involves a noun or pronoun, followed by the intensive pronoun, and then the rest of the sentence.
The intensive pronoun directly refers back to the preceding noun or pronoun. The sentence structure would still be grammatically correct even if the intensive pronoun were removed, but the emphasis would be lost.
The position of the intensive pronoun can vary slightly. It often appears immediately after the noun or pronoun it emphasizes, but it can also appear at the end of the clause for dramatic effect.
The key is that it must clearly refer back to a specific noun or pronoun in the sentence. In compound subjects or objects, the intensive pronoun emphasizes the entire group.
Here are common sentence structures using intensive pronouns:
- Noun/Pronoun + Intensive Pronoun + Verb + … (I myself baked the cake.)
- Noun/Pronoun + Verb + Object + Intensive Pronoun (He built the house himself.)
- Noun/Pronoun + Verb + Intensive Pronoun (They did it themselves.)
Types of Intensive Pronouns
While there are no distinct subtypes of intensive pronouns based on their grammatical function, they vary based on the pronoun they refer back to. The intensive pronoun must agree in number and gender with the noun or pronoun it is emphasizing.
This ensures clarity and grammatical correctness.
Singular Intensive Pronouns
Singular intensive pronouns are used to emphasize singular nouns or pronouns. These include: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself. The correct choice depends on the antecedent it refers to. For example, you would use “himself” to emphasize a male singular noun or pronoun.
Plural Intensive Pronouns
Plural intensive pronouns are used to emphasize plural nouns or pronouns. These include: ourselves, yourselves, themselves. Note the change from “-self” to “-selves” to indicate plurality. The correct choice depends on the antecedent it refers to. For example, you would use “themselves” to emphasize a plural noun or pronoun.
Examples of Intensive Pronouns
The following tables provide extensive examples of intensive pronouns used in various contexts. Each example illustrates how the intensive pronoun adds emphasis to a specific noun or pronoun.
Examples with Singular Intensive Pronouns
This table showcases the use of singular intensive pronouns, including myself, yourself, himself, herself, and itself, in different sentence structures. Each example demonstrates how the pronoun adds emphasis to a single person or thing.
| Sentence | Intensive Pronoun | Emphasized Noun/Pronoun |
|---|---|---|
| I myself saw the accident. | myself | I |
| You yourself are responsible for this mess. | yourself | You |
| He himself admitted to the crime. | himself | He |
| She herself wrote the entire novel. | herself | She |
| The cat itself opened the door. | itself | The cat |
| I will do it myself. | myself | I |
| Did you yourself witness the event? | yourself | You |
| He built the entire house himself. | himself | He |
| She decorated the cake herself. | herself | She |
| The computer fixed itself. | itself | The computer |
| I, myself, am not convinced. | myself | I |
| You, yourself, should apologize. | yourself | You |
| He, himself, is the guilty one. | himself | He |
| She, herself, made the decision. | herself | She |
| The project itself is very challenging. | itself | The project |
| I myself don’t believe it. | myself | I |
| You yourself must take responsibility. | yourself | You |
| He himself will deliver the package. | himself | He |
| She herself is a talented artist. | herself | She |
| The phone itself is waterproof. | itself | The phone |
Examples with Plural Intensive Pronouns
This table showcases the use of plural intensive pronouns, including ourselves, yourselves, and themselves, in different sentence structures. Each example demonstrates how the pronoun adds emphasis to a group of people or things.
| Sentence | Intensive Pronoun | Emphasized Noun/Pronoun |
|---|---|---|
| We ourselves organized the party. | ourselves | We |
| You yourselves are to blame for this. | yourselves | You |
| They themselves witnessed the accident. | themselves | They |
| We can handle the situation ourselves. | ourselves | We |
| Did you yourselves bake these cookies? | yourselves | You |
| The students completed the project themselves. | themselves | The students |
| We, ourselves, are responsible for our actions. | ourselves | We |
| You, yourselves, should consider the consequences. | yourselves | You |
| They, themselves, admitted to the mistake. | themselves | They |
| We fixed the car ourselves. | ourselves | We |
| You should ask yourselves that question. | yourselves | You |
| The children made the costumes themselves. | themselves | The children |
| We ourselves are responsible for our success. | ourselves | We |
| You yourselves must decide what to do. | yourselves | You |
| They themselves paid for the damages. | themselves | They |
| We ourselves saw the entire performance. | ourselves | We |
| You yourselves should know better. | yourselves | You |
| The birds built the nest themselves. | themselves | The birds |
| We painted the house ourselves. | ourselves | We |
| You yourselves need to clean this mess. | yourselves | You |
| The team designed the robot themselves. | themselves | The team |
Comparison of Reflexive and Intensive Pronouns
This table highlights the key differences between reflexive and intensive pronouns through example sentences. Reflexive pronouns are essential to the sentence’s meaning, while intensive pronouns merely add emphasis and can be removed without affecting the sentence’s core meaning.
| Sentence with Reflexive Pronoun | Sentence with Intensive Pronoun | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| I hurt myself. | I myself hurt him. | Reflexive: “myself” is the object of the verb “hurt.” Intensive: “myself” emphasizes “I.” |
| You should believe in yourself. | You yourself should believe it. | Reflexive: “yourself” is the object of the preposition “in.” Intensive: “yourself” emphasizes “You.” |
| He blamed himself for the mistake. | He himself made the mistake. | Reflexive: “himself” is the object of the verb “blamed.” Intensive: “himself” emphasizes “He.” |
| She bought herself a new car. | She herself fixed the car. | Reflexive: “herself” is the indirect object of the verb “bought.” Intensive: “herself” emphasizes “She.” |
| The dog scratched itself. | The dog itself opened the gate. | Reflexive: “itself” is the object of the verb “scratched.” Intensive: “itself” emphasizes “The dog.” |
| We helped ourselves to the food. | We ourselves cooked the food. | Reflexive: “ourselves” is the object of the verb “helped.” Intensive: “ourselves” emphasizes “We.” |
| You should protect yourselves. | You yourselves are responsible. | Reflexive: “yourselves” is the object of the verb “protect.” Intensive: “yourselves” emphasizes “You.” |
| They defended themselves bravely. | They themselves wrote the letter. | Reflexive: “themselves” is the object of the verb “defended.” Intensive: “themselves” emphasizes “They.” |
| I taught myself to play the guitar. | I myself will handle the situation. | Reflexive: “myself” is the object of the verb “taught.” Intensive: “myself” emphasizes “I.” |
| You are deceiving yourself. | You yourself are the problem. | Reflexive: “yourself” is the object of the verb “deceiving.” Intensive: “yourself” emphasizes “You.” |
Examples with Emphasis at the End of the Clause
This table illustrates how intensive pronouns can be placed at the end of the clause for added emphasis or a more dramatic effect. While the meaning remains the same, the placement can shift the focus slightly.
| Sentence | Intensive Pronoun | Emphasized Noun/Pronoun |
|---|---|---|
| I baked the cake myself. | myself | I |
| You are responsible for this mess yourself. | yourself | You |
| He admitted to the crime himself. | himself | He |
| She wrote the entire novel herself. | herself | She |
| The cat opened the door itself. | itself | The cat |
| We organized the party ourselves. | ourselves | We |
| You are to blame for this yourselves. | yourselves | You |
| They witnessed the accident themselves. | themselves | They |
| I will fix it myself. | myself | I |
| You should clean it yourself. | yourself | You |
| He built the house himself. | himself | He |
| She designed the dress herself. | herself | She |
| The machine repaired itself. | itself | The machine |
| We completed the project ourselves. | ourselves | We |
| You should ask them yourselves. | yourselves | You |
| They decorated the room themselves. | themselves | They |
| I saw it happen myself. | myself | I |
| You heard it yourself. | yourself | You |
| He confirmed it himself. | himself | He |
| She said it herself. | herself | She |
Usage Rules for Intensive Pronouns
The correct usage of intensive pronouns involves several key rules. These rules ensure that the pronoun agrees with its antecedent and that it is used appropriately for emphasis.
Understanding these rules will help you avoid common errors and use intensive pronouns effectively.
- Agreement in Number and Gender: The intensive pronoun must agree in number and gender with the noun or pronoun it emphasizes. For example, use “himself” for a male singular noun and “themselves” for a plural noun.
- Placement: Intensive pronouns can be placed immediately after the noun/pronoun they emphasize or at the end of the clause. The placement depends on the desired emphasis and flow of the sentence.
- Not Essential to Meaning: Intensive pronouns are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. The sentence should still be grammatically correct and understandable without the intensive pronoun.
- Distinction from Reflexive Pronouns: Do not confuse intensive pronouns with reflexive pronouns. Reflexive pronouns are essential to the meaning of the sentence and function as the object of a verb or preposition.
- Emphasis: Use intensive pronouns to add emphasis or highlight a specific noun or pronoun. Avoid overuse, as it can make your writing sound repetitive or unnatural.
Exceptions and Special Cases
There are few exceptions to the rules governing intensive pronouns. However, it’s important to note that in some informal contexts, the rules may be relaxed slightly.
But, adhering to the above rules will ensure clear and correct use of intensive pronouns in most formal and academic writing.
Common Mistakes with Intensive Pronouns
Several common mistakes occur when using intensive pronouns. Recognizing these errors and understanding how to correct them will improve your writing and speaking skills.
Below are some of the most frequent mistakes.
- Confusing with Reflexive Pronouns: This is the most common mistake. Remember that reflexive pronouns are essential to the sentence, while intensive pronouns are not.
- Incorrect Agreement: Using the wrong form of the intensive pronoun (e.g., “hisself” instead of “himself”). Always ensure the intensive pronoun agrees in number and gender with its antecedent.
- Unnecessary Use: Overusing intensive pronouns can make your writing sound awkward. Use them sparingly for emphasis only when needed.
- Misplacement: Placing the intensive pronoun in a way that creates ambiguity or confusion. Ensure it clearly refers to the intended noun or pronoun.
Here are examples of common mistakes and their corrections:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| I hurt myself. I myself am tired. | I hurt myself. I am tired myself. | In the first sentence, “myself” is reflexive. In the second corrected sentence, “myself” is intensive and emphasizes “I.” |
| He hisself did it. | He himself did it. | “Hisself” is not a correct form. The correct intensive pronoun is “himself.” |
| I myself, myself, went to the store. | I myself went to the store. | Using “myself” twice is unnecessary and sounds awkward. |
| The book itself, I liked it. | I liked the book itself. | The placement of “itself” is awkward. Placing it after “book” is clearer. |
| We seen the movie ourselves. | We saw the movie ourselves. | “Seen” is incorrect. The past tense of “see” is “saw”. |
| They thinked they could do it themselves. | They thought they could do it themselves. | “Thinked” is an incorrect verb form. The correct past tense is “thought.” |
Practice Exercises
These practice exercises will help you reinforce your understanding of intensive pronouns. Complete each sentence with the appropriate intensive pronoun.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Instructions: Fill in the blank with the correct intensive pronoun.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| I _________ will take care of the problem. | myself |
| You _________ need to apologize for your behavior. | yourself |
| He _________ built the entire treehouse. | himself |
| She _________ designed the beautiful dress. | herself |
| The computer _________ fixed the error. | itself |
| We _________ organized the charity event. | ourselves |
| You _________ are responsible for cleaning up. | yourselves |
| They _________ admitted to the mistake. | themselves |
| I _________ witnessed the accident. | myself |
| You _________ should know the answer. | yourself |
Exercise 2: Identify Intensive Pronouns
Instructions: Identify the intensive pronoun in each sentence. If the sentence does not contain an intensive pronoun, write “None.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| I myself baked the cookies. | myself |
| He hurt himself. | None |
| She herself wrote the letter. | herself |
| They completed the project themselves. | themselves |
| We enjoyed the party. | None |
| You yourselves are invited. | yourselves |
| The cat cleaned itself. | None |
| I will do it. | None |
| The car itself is very expensive. | itself |
| We ourselves are to blame. | ourselves |
Exercise 3: Rewrite for Emphasis
Instructions: Rewrite each sentence, adding an intensive pronoun to emphasize the underlined word or pronoun.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| I made the dinner. | I myself made the dinner. |
| You should apologize. | You yourself should apologize. |
| He fixed the car. | He himself fixed the car. |
| She painted the portrait. | She herself painted the portrait. |
| The dog opened the gate. | The dog itself opened the gate. |
| We built the house. | We ourselves built the house. |
| You have to clean this mess. | You yourselves have to clean this mess. |
| They saw the accident. | They themselves saw the accident. |
| I will take care of it. | I myself will take care of it. |
| You must decide what to do. | You yourself must decide what to do. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding the nuances and subtle uses of intensive pronouns can further refine your command of English. This includes exploring their rhetorical effects and their role in complex sentence structures.
One advanced topic is the use of intensive pronouns for rhetorical emphasis. Skilled writers and speakers use them to create a sense of drama or conviction.
The placement of the intensive pronoun can also affect the emphasis. Placing it at the end of the clause often creates a stronger impact.
Another advanced topic is the use of intensive pronouns in subordinate clauses. While less common, they can be used effectively to emphasize a particular element within the clause.
However, care must be taken to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about intensive pronouns, along with detailed answers to help clarify any remaining confusion.
- What is the difference between an intensive pronoun and a reflexive pronoun?
Intensive pronouns add emphasis to a noun or pronoun and are not essential to the sentence’s meaning. Reflexive pronouns, on the other hand, are essential and refer back to the subject of the sentence when the subject is also the object. For example, “I myself saw the accident” (intensive) vs. “I hurt myself” (reflexive).
- Can I use an intensive pronoun in every sentence?
While grammatically correct, using intensive pronouns in every sentence is not recommended. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and unnatural. Use them sparingly for emphasis only when necessary.
- Does the intensive pronoun always have to come right after the noun or pronoun it emphasizes?
No, the intensive pronoun can be placed either immediately after the noun/pronoun it emphasizes or at the end of the clause. The placement depends on the desired emphasis and flow of the sentence. For example, “I myself will do it” or “I will do it myself.”
- What happens if I use the wrong intensive pronoun?
Using the wrong intensive pronoun can lead to grammatical errors and confusion. Ensure that the intensive pronoun agrees in number and gender with the noun or pronoun it emphasizes. For example, use “himself” for a male singular noun and “themselves” for a plural noun.
- Are intensive pronouns used in formal writing?
Yes, intensive pronouns are appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, in formal writing, it’s especially important to use them correctly and avoid overuse. They should be used to add emphasis in a clear and concise manner.
- Can I use intensive pronouns in questions?
Yes, intensive pronouns can be used in questions, although it is less common. It is most often used in questions where you want to express surprise or disbelief. For example, “Did you yourself see that?”
- Is it ever acceptable to omit the noun or pronoun that the intensive pronoun refers to?
No, it is not acceptable. The intensive pronoun must always have a clear antecedent (the noun or pronoun it refers to) in the sentence. Omitting the antecedent would make the sentence grammatically incorrect and confusing.
- How can I improve my use of intensive pronouns?
Practice is key to improving your use of intensive pronouns. Review the rules and examples provided in this guide, and complete the practice exercises. Pay attention to how intensive pronouns are used in well-written texts, and try incorporating them into your own writing.
Conclusion
Intensive pronouns are a valuable tool for adding emphasis and precision to your writing and speech. By understanding their definition, structure, usage rules, and common mistakes, you can effectively incorporate them into your communication.
Remember to distinguish them from reflexive pronouns, ensure agreement with their antecedents, and use them sparingly for maximum impact. Consistent practice and attention to detail will solidify your understanding and mastery of intensive pronouns.
By mastering intensive pronouns, you can significantly enhance your ability to express yourself clearly and persuasively. Continue to practice and explore the nuances of English grammar to further refine your communication skills.
With dedication and effort, you can confidently use intensive pronouns to add emphasis and impact to your writing and speech.
Leave a Reply