What are reflexive pronouns and how are they used?

Reflexive pronouns are a type of pronoun that refers back to the subject of a sentence. They are used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same entity. Reflexive pronouns are formed by adding "-self" or "-selves" to certain pronouns, such as "myself," "yourself," "himself," "herself," "itself," "ourselves," "yourselves," and "themselves."

Reflexive pronouns are used in various ways:

1. To emphasize the subject: Reflexive pronouns can be used to emphasize the subject of a sentence. For example, "I myself completed the project."

2. To show that an action is done by the subject to itself: Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject performs an action on itself. For example, "She cut herself while cooking."

3. To indicate reciprocal actions: Reflexive pronouns can be used to show actions that are reciprocated between two or more subjects. For example, "They introduced themselves to each other."

4. To avoid ambiguity: Reflexive pronouns are used to avoid confusion or ambiguity in a sentence. For example, "The cat washed itself" clarifies that the cat is performing the action on itself.

Overall, reflexive pronouns play a crucial role in indicating self-reference and clarifying the relationship between the subject and the object in a sentence.