English

A reflexive verb is a verb used with a reflexive pronoun to link the action of the verb to the subject of the verb. We use reflexive pronouns, words that end in -self or -selves, to show that the action of the verb is done to the subject. As with other grammar terms we’ve seen in this tutorial, the word reflexive gives us a clue that the action of the verb is “reflected” back to the subject. In other words, the subject is both the doer and the receiver of the action. Here are some examples that illustrate this concept:

  • I burn myself on the stove often. 
  • We congratulated ourselves on a job well done. 
  • Can you do that yourself?

Resources:

Last revised on July 1, 2019.