Reflexive Pronouns: Definition and Uses (With Examples)

Reflexive Pronouns 

When the subject and object of a phrase are identical, reflexive pronouns (words ending in -self or -selves) are employed (e.g., I believe in myself). They have the ability to function as direct or indirect objects. Myself, yourself, himself, herself, oneself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, and themselves are the nine English reflexive pronouns. They are called reflexive because they turn the action done by the subject back to the subject itself.  

Examples: 

• Rose picked herself up after the setback. 

• Martha rode the bike herself all the way through. 
• Stop blaming yourself. 

PS: 

When the subject and the direct object are the same, a reflexive pronoun can be used as a direct object in a sentence. 

For example, in the sentence: May decided to reward herself with a car; May is the object of reward and, therefore, we use the reflexive pronoun herself.