What are Intensive Pronouns?

Intensive pronouns are used to add emphasis to a noun or pronoun in a sentence, drawing attention to the subject performing the action. 

They are words like "myself," "yourself," "himself," "herself," "itself," "ourselves," "yourselves," and "themselves" that highlight who is carrying out an action, often placed directly after the noun or pronoun they emphasize.

What Are Intensive Pronouns?

Intensive pronouns are pronouns that emphasize a noun or another pronoun. They include words like myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, and themselves. These pronouns are used to strengthen the meaning of the sentence by highlighting who is performing the action.

Examples of Intensive Pronouns:

  • I myself completed the project ahead of time.

  • She herself decided to take on the challenge.

  • The CEO himself presented the award.

  • The cat itself opened the door by pushing against it.

  • We ourselves built this house from scratch.

In each of these examples, the intensive pronoun is used to emphasize who is performing the action, adding extra weight to the statement.

How to Use Intensive Pronouns in a Sentence

Intensive pronouns are typically placed directly after the noun or pronoun they are emphasizing. This placement helps to clearly convey the added emphasis and ensures that the meaning is immediately understood.

Correct Usage:

  • We ourselves will handle the situation.

  • You yourself can make the decision.

  • The team themselves finished the task.

  • The president himself signed the document.

  • The children themselves cleaned up the playground.

Common Mistakes:

  1. Using Intensive Pronouns Without Adding Emphasis: Sometimes, intensive pronouns are used in a sentence where emphasis isn't needed, making the sentence sound awkward or redundant.

    • Incorrect: She herself went to the store.

    • Correct: She went to the store. (If no emphasis is needed)

  2. Misplacing Intensive Pronouns: Placing the intensive pronoun incorrectly can confuse the reader.

    • Incorrect: Himself the manager spoke.

    • Correct: The manager himself spoke.

  3. Confusing Intensive Pronouns with Reflexive Pronouns: Although they look the same, using an intensive pronoun where a reflexive pronoun is needed can change the meaning.

    • Incorrect: He completed the report himself. (This is correct if emphasis is needed, but if you're indicating he did the report on his own, it would still be correct but requires context clarification).

    • Correct: He completed the report by himself. (Reflexive, indicating he did it alone)

Difference Between Intensive and Reflexive Pronouns

While intensive and reflexive pronouns often look the same, their functions are quite different. Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and object of a sentence are the same, indicating that the subject is performing an action on itself. Intensive pronouns, on the other hand, are used solely for emphasis.

Examples of Reflexive Pronouns:

  • She prepared herself for the meeting. (Reflexive – she is doing something to herself)

  • We taught ourselves how to code. (Reflexive – we did it to ourselves)

  • He found himself in a difficult situation. (Reflexive – he is experiencing the situation personally)

Examples of Intensive Pronouns:

  • The author herself signed my book. (Intensive – emphasis on the author)

  • They themselves painted the entire house. (Intensive – emphasis on who did the painting)

  • I myself have never seen such a view. (Intensive – emphasizing the speaker's experience)

Comparative Examples:

  • Reflexive: The dog groomed itself after getting muddy.

  • Intensive: The dog itself figured out how to open the door.

In the reflexive example, the action is being performed by the subject on itself. In the intensive example, the emphasis is on the dog as the surprising subject of the action.

Practical Tips for Mastering Intensive Pronouns

To effectively master the use of intensive pronouns, consider the following strategies:

  1. Practice with Sentences: Rewrite sentences to include intensive pronouns where emphasis is needed.

    • Original: The director approved the budget.

    • With emphasis: The director himself approved the budget.

  2. Identify Intensive Pronouns in Reading: As you read, try to identify intensive pronouns and think about the emphasis they add to sentences. This can help you understand their usage in various contexts.

  3. Create Your Own Examples: Write sentences using intensive pronouns for practice. For example:

    • We ourselves decided to launch the new product line.

    • She herself created the entire presentation.

  4. Avoid Overuse: While intensive pronouns can be powerful, using them too often can make writing seem forced or overly dramatic. Use them sparingly to maintain their impact.

  5. Exercise: Rewrite Sentences: Here are some sentences to rewrite using intensive pronouns for practice:

    • Original: The scientist conducted the experiment.

    • Rewrite: The scientist herself conducted the experiment.

    • Original: The athletes won the game.

    • Rewrite: The athletes themselves won the game.

    • 6. Proofread for Clarity: After writing, review your sentences to make sure the intensive pronouns add the intended emphasis. If they don’t enhance the meaning, consider removing them.