PAGE 239
186 Reflexive pronouns etc
2 Reflexive pronouns a
We use a reflexive pronoun as object or complement when it refers to the same thing as the subject. I fell over and hurt myself. Van Gogh painted himself lots of times. We suddenly found ourselves in the middle of a hostile crowd. The company's directors have given themselves a big pay rise. Marion didn't look herself/her usual self. We use me, him etc only if it means something different from the subject. Van Gogh painted himself. (a picture of Van Gogh) Van Gogh painted him. (a picture of someone else) NOTE
a We can also use a reflexive pronoun in a sub clause. We saw the woman fall and hurt herself. Giving themselves a pay rise wasn't very diplomatic of the directors. b Myself is sometimes an alternative to me. You should get in touch either with Peter or myself.
b
After a preposition we sometimes use me, you etc and sometimes myself, yourself etc. We use me, you etc after a preposition of place when it is clear that the pronoun must refer to the subject. I didn't have my driving licence with me. My mother likes all the family around her. Sometimes we use a reflexive to make the meaning clear. I bought these chocolates for myself. ( n o t for someone else) Vincent has a very high opinion of himself. ( n o t of someone else) We also use myself etc rather than me etc after a prepositional verb, e.g. believe in. If you're going to succeed in life, you must believe in yourself. We're old enough to look after ourselves. NOTE By yourse/f means 'alone'. • 174(6c)
c
There are some idiomatic uses of a verb + reflexive pronoun. I hope you enjoy yourself. (= have a good time) Did the children behave themselves? (= behave well) Can we just help ourselves? (= take e.g. food)
d
Some verbs taking a reflexive pronoun in other languages do not do so in English. We'll have to get up early. Won't you sit down? I feel so helpless. He can't remember what happened. Such verbs are afford, approach, complain, concentrate, feel + adjective, get up, hurry (up), lie down, relax, remember, rest, sit down, stand up, wake up, wonder, worry.
e
These verbs do not usually take a reflexive pronoun: wash, bath, shave, (un)dress and change (your clothes). Tom dressed quickly and went down to breakfast. NOTE
a We can use a reflexive pronoun when the action is difficult. The old man was unable to dress himself. My back was very painful, but I managed to get myself dressed.