What Is the Difference between Reflexive and Intensive?

Reflexive and intensive pronouns are an often-confused group as they do look similar, but they have different functions in a sentence. By way of a reflexive pronoun definition, these pronouns are used when the subject is also the object of the action. As for the intensive pronoun definition, we use the intensive pronoun definition to put stress on the subject. For a more in-depth look at what an intensive pronoun is, it is a pronoun which we use to put emphasis on defining the intensive pronoun it refers to. By understanding these differences, you will see an improvement in your grammar, which in turn will make your writing clearer.

What Are Reflexive and Intensive Pronouns?

Reflexive and intensive pronouns do at times take the same forms, which are self or -selves, for example, myself, herself, and ourselves. If you are looking for reflexive pronouns examples, you might say, "She prepared herself for the exam," where 'herself' reflects back to the subject. Intensive pronouns examples include, "The manager herself approved the project," where 'herself' simply adds emphasis to who approved the project. The difference between reflexive and intensive pronouns lies in their function: while reflexive pronouns play the role of the subject to which the action is being done, intensive pronouns put stress on a point which is already established and, in many cases, may be left out of the sentence without changing its basic meaning. While they may look the same, their function in a sentence is quite different. Correct use of each type is what clarifies and precisely defines the meaning of what is being communicated.

Understanding Reflexive Pronouns: Definition and Examples

Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject of the sentence is performing an action on itself. For example, in the phrase “He blamed himself for the mistake,” we see the reflexive use of himself. Understanding the reflexive and intensive pronouns can help clarify their usage in sentences. These pronouns are basic in which we use to indicate that a certain action is done to the subject by the subject itself. In discussions of reflexive vs intensive pronouns, it is important to remember that without reflexive pronouns, a sentence may lose its meaning. Also, note that the subject and object must agree when you use reflexive pronouns.

What Are Intensive Pronouns? Definition and Usage?

Intensive pronoun definition refers to pronouns that put a focus on a particular noun or pronoun in the sentence, but are not required for the sentence to make sense. In turn, what we see is that what we call the reflexive pronoun definition is required in a sentence when the subject and object are the same; out of it, the sentence’s meaning may be unclear. For example, in reflexive pronouns examples the phrase “She prepared herself for the meeting. For intensive pronouns, an example would be “The president herself approved the plan,” which is used to put stress on who did what. Without the intensive pronoun, the basic meaning of the sentence is the same. Also, they tend to come right after the word they are putting an emphasis on. Mainly, they are used to add weight or clarification.

Key Differences between Reflexive and Intensive Pronouns

Reflexive vs intensive pronouns can at times be confusing as they do look the same yet perform different functions in a sentence. To better grasp the reflexive and intensive pronouns is to see what role each one plays, which in turn will help you to use them properly as they are meant to be used, which in turn will improve your writing.

Function in a Sentence

Reflexive pronouns play a role in that they report the action back to the subject, which is the doer of that action. As for intensive pronouns, they put stress on a point, which is to say, they reinforce what is being said, but they are not essential to the structure of the sentence.

Example Usage

A very common type of reflexive use is in the phrase "She prepared herself", where it is integral that herself be included. As for intensive use, we see in the sentence "She herself prepared the meal", which in this case puts stress on the doer of the action.

Placement and Necessity

Reflexive pronouns are typically right after the verb and are required for clarity. Intensive pronouns will follow the word they emphasise, which is also at times optional in a sentence.

When to Use Reflexive Pronouns in Sentences?

Use of reflexive pronouns occurs when the subject and object are the same person or thing in essay writing. For example, in “I taught myself French” and “They enjoyed themselves at the party. Also, if by removing the pronoun, the meaning of the sentence changes, then it is reflexive. Also, make sure the pronoun refers back to the subject. Reflexive pronouns play a key role in the clarity and intent of a sentence.

At What Point Do You Use Intensive Pronouns in a Sentence?

Reflexive and intensive pronouns, which may look the same, are a point of confusion. They do look similar, but play different roles in a sentence. As to the Reflexive pronoun definition, it is a pronoun which is used when the subject is also the object of the action. As for intensive pronoun definition, intensive pronouns are used to put stress on the subject. If you are to define an intensive pronoun, it is a word which puts stress on a noun or another pronoun in the sentence. Grasping these differences will improve your grammar and make your writing clearer.

Sure to Avoid with Reflexive and Intensive Pronouns

Reflexive and intensive pronouns that are very much the same in form cause many grammar errors. To avoid these mistakes, improve your study of how they should be used in context and go over reflexive pronouns example, which will better put into perspective their right use.

Misusing Reflexive Pronouns as Objects

A typical error is to use reflexive pronouns for what should be a regular object pronoun. For example, “Please contact me” is incorrect, instead, it should be “Please contact me.

Unnecessary Use of Intensive Pronouns

Intensive pronouns at times are out of place, which in turn produces awkward or redundant sentences. Looking at intensive pronouns examples may help you determine when to use them, only when the subject stress is required.

Incorrect Placement of Pronouns

Proper use of reflexive and intensive pronouns is what will improve the clarity of your sentences. By the difference between reflexive and intensive pronouns of these types of pronouns, you'll be able to use them correctly and also avoid which may confuse the reader of your sentences’ true meaning.

Examples of Reflexive and Intensive Pronouns in Use

Reflexive and intensive pronouns may seem the same, but in fact they have different functions in a sentence. To clarify which is which, let's look at some examples.

Reflexive Pronoun Example

In that she did it out she went to do it, which is to say she was the subject that performed the action and also the one it was performed to. Removing the self would change the meaning, which makes it an essential element of the sentence.

Intensive Pronoun Example

In “She did the whole project”, the use of herself is removed, which in turn takes away some of the stress. The sentence is still grammatically right, but loses impact.

Same Form, Different Function

In each of the examples, the word appears but plays different roles. Reflexive is for meaning, while intensive in these cases is used to stress the subject.

How to Identify Reflexive vs. Intensive Pronouns Easily?

Ask which parts of the sentence the pronoun is essential to; if the sentence still works without the pronoun, it is reflexive. To define an intensive pronoun, remember it is used just for stress or to put emphasis on something. The difference between reflexive and intensive pronouns often comes down to function—reflexive is required for meaning, while intensive is used for emphasis. Also, pay attention to placement; intensive pronouns tend to follow right after the word they are emphasising. When considering reflexive vs intensive pronouns, you may try out the quick test of leaving out the pronoun from the sentence if it still works out fine, the pronoun is intensive. As with most skills, practice will improve your ability to tell the difference.

Conclusion

Understanding the reflexive and intensive pronouns will improve your writing to a great degree. Although they may look the same, the rules of their use are very different. Use reflexive pronouns for actions that are done to the subject itself and intensives for emphasis. Assignment In Need can help you master these grammar rules with clear explanations and practical examples.