When To Use Yourself In A Sentence

Updated May 2, 2023

When to Use "Yourself" in a Sentence

Have you ever wondered when to use the word "yourself" in a sentence? It may seem simple, but there are specific situations where this reflexive pronoun is appropriate. In this article, we will explore the various contexts in which "yourself" should be used, providing you with a clear understanding of its correct usage.

Understanding Reflexive Pronouns

Before delving into the usage of "yourself," let's first understand the concept of reflexive pronouns. A reflexive pronoun is used when the subject and the object of a sentence refer to the same person or thing. These pronouns are formed by adding the suffix "-self" to the personal pronouns. In the case of the second-person singular pronoun "you," the reflexive form is "yourself."

1. Emphasizing Personal Actions

One common use of "yourself" is to emphasize personal actions in a sentence. For example:

Did you paint the entire room yourself? Here, "yourself" emphasizes that the subject (you) personally performed the action of painting the room.
You can fix the issue yourself. In this case, "yourself" emphasizes that the subject (you) has the ability or agency to fix the issue without external help.

2. Reflexive Verb Actions

Reflexive pronouns are often used with reflexive verbs, where the subject acts upon itself. For instance:

You should ask yourself why you feel that way. Here, "yourself" is used as the object of the verb "ask," showing that the subject (you) is both the one asking and the one being asked.
She hurt herself while playing basketball. In this example, "herself" serves as the object of the verb "hurt," indicating that the subject (she) caused harm to herself.

3. Indirect Reflexive Pronouns

Sometimes, "yourself" can be used indirectly to indicate someone else's actions affecting the subject. Here's an example:

You will find yourself surrounded by supportive friends. In this sentence, "yourself" is used to express that the subject (you) will be in a situation where others (supportive friends) surround them.

4. Intensifying or Giving Advice

"Yourself" can also be used to intensify or give advice in a sentence. Consider the following examples:

Treat yourself to a relaxing spa day. In this case, "yourself" emphasizes that the subject (you) should do something nice for their own well-being.
Believe in yourself, and you can achieve anything. Here, "yourself" is used to encourage the subject (you) and boost their self-confidence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "yourself" is a reflexive pronoun used in various contexts to indicate that the subject and object of a sentence refer to the same person. Whether it is emphasizing personal actions, accompanying reflexive verbs, indicating indirect actions, or intensifying/advising, understanding the appropriate usage of "yourself" can greatly enhance your communication skills. By applying this knowledge, you can ensure that your sentences are clear, precise, and grammatically correct. So, go ahead and use "yourself" confidently in your writing and speech!

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