Explain the concept of reflexive pronouns.

Reflexive pronouns are a type of pronoun that are used when the subject and the object of a sentence refer to the same person or thing. They are formed by adding the suffix "-self" (singular) or "-selves" (plural) to certain pronouns. The purpose of reflexive pronouns is to reflect back to the subject of the sentence, emphasizing that the action is being performed by the subject onto itself.

For example, in the sentence "I hurt myself while playing basketball," the reflexive pronoun "myself" is used to show that the subject "I" is both the doer and the receiver of the action "hurt." Without the reflexive pronoun, the sentence would simply be "I hurt while playing basketball," which does not convey the same meaning.

Reflexive pronouns can also be used for emphasis or to intensify the action. For instance, in the sentence "She herself completed the entire project," the reflexive pronoun "herself" emphasizes that she personally completed the project without any assistance.

It is important to note that reflexive pronouns can only be used when the subject and the object of the sentence refer to the same person or thing. If they do not, then a different type of pronoun, such as an intensive pronoun or a personal pronoun, should be used instead.