Usually a pronoun replaces a noun in a sentence, but reflexive and intensive pronouns are different.
A reflexive pronoun reflects back to another noun. An intensive pronoun intensifies a noun.
Reflexive pronouns reflect back to a noun used earlier in the sentence.
These are the reflexive pronouns: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves
Here are some sentences using reflexive pronouns. Notice how a verb sits between the noun and the pronoun.
I hurt myself.
Bob taught himself how to play piano.
Marsha helped herself to some snacks.
The cat scratched itself on the wire fence.
Myself reflects back to I.
Himself reflects back to Bob.
Herself reflects back to Marsha.
Itself reflects back to the cat.
That’s why we call these pronouns the reflexive pronouns.
Notice that three of the reflexive pronouns end in -lves instead of –f.
Ourselves, themselves, and yourselves are plural reflexive pronouns.
Be sure to use them correctly.
We helped ourselves to the snacks at the party.
The boys separated themselves into two teams.
Give yourselves enough time to finish the paper.
Intensive pronouns are the same words as the reflexive pronouns, but we use them differently.
Intensive pronouns add intensity or importance to a noun.
Notice how the intensive pronoun sits right next to the noun that is being intensified.
Here are some sentences using intensive pronouns:
The president himself will speak at our graduation.
I myself will help you finish that project.
Bob himself told me he would drive the team to the game.
Himself intensifies president.
Myself intensifies I.
Himself intensifies Bob.
Remember, reflexive and intensive pronouns are the same words, but we use them differently. A reflexive pronoun follows a verb and reflects back to the person who is doing the action. An intensive pronoun follows a noun and intensifies the importance of that noun.