What Are Intensive Pronouns Definition Rules and Examples
| Intensive Pronoun | Emphasized Subject | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| myself | I | I myself completed the project. |
| yourself | You | You yourself said it. |
| himself | He | He himself fixed the car. |
| herself | She | She herself made the cake. |
| itself | It | The cat itself opened the door. |
| ourselves | We | We ourselves organized the event. |
| yourselves | You (plural) | You yourselves chose the winner. |
| themselves | They | They themselves built the house. |
Intensive Pronouns in English Grammar
Intensive pronouns are words ending in -self or -selves. They are used right after the noun or pronoun they emphasize. The main purpose of intensive pronouns is to stress that someone did something without any help from others.
Difference Between Intensive and Reflexive Pronouns
| Aspect | Intensive Pronoun | Reflexive Pronoun |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Adds emphasis | Acts as object, refers back to subject |
| Effect if removed | Sentence still makes sense | Sentence meaning changes or becomes incorrect |
| Example | I myself baked the cake. | I baked the cake myself. (Refers to who baked) |
How to Use Intensive Pronouns
Use intensive pronouns just after the noun or pronoun you want to emphasize. Remove the intensive pronoun, and the main idea of the sentence stays the same. These pronouns are not necessary for meaning—they only add strength to the subject.
Rules for Using Intensive Pronouns
- Use only for emphasis, never as the main object.
- Match the pronoun to the subject in number and gender.
- Place directly after the word being stressed.
- Do not overuse in formal writing.
Examples of Intensive Pronouns in Sentences
- The president himself attended the meeting.
- You yourself must solve the problem.
- The children themselves cleaned the classroom.
- She herself finished the assignment.
- We ourselves made the decorations.
Common Mistakes and Tips
Do not use intensive pronouns as a subject. For example, do not say, “Myself will do it,” which is incorrect. Always make sure the pronoun emphasizes the correct word. Use these forms only for adding emphasis, not as regular pronouns.
Practical Uses of Intensive Pronouns
Intensive pronouns are used in formal speeches, essays, or writing to highlight personal effort or involvement. In spoken English, they show strong feeling or surprise. Mastery helps with exam grammar questions and writing tasks.
Why Learn Intensive Pronouns With Vedantu?
At Vedantu, we simplify grammar concepts for your academic success. Intensive pronouns are part of English grammar that often appear in school exams and help in clear and impactful communication. Practice these forms to improve both writing and speaking skills.
Related Links for Further Learning
- Introduction to Pronoun – Basic types of pronouns explained.
- Pronouns Reflexive – Learn how reflexive and intensive pronouns are different.
- Demonstrative, Indefinite and Distributive Pronoun – Explore more pronoun forms in detail.
- Personal and Impersonal Pronoun – Compare with other important pronouns.
- Pronouns Interrogative – See how question pronouns are used.
- Pronouns Reciprocal – Learn about actions between two or more people.
- Basics of Grammar – Review other parts of speech for exam preparation.
- Pronouns Quiz – Test your skills with practice questions.
In summary, intensive pronouns are “-self” and “-selves” forms like myself, yourself, themselves, used to add emphasis but not to change the core meaning of a sentence. By mastering their use, you will write and speak clearer English and perform well in exams and daily communication.
FAQs on Intensive Pronouns in English Grammar
1. What is an intensive pronoun in English grammar?
An intensive pronoun is a pronoun that emphasizes a noun or another pronoun in the same sentence. It usually ends in -self or -selves and adds emphasis rather than essential meaning.
- Example: She herself completed the project.
- Example: The CEO himself announced the news.
2. What are the intensive pronouns in English?
The intensive pronouns in English are the same forms as reflexive pronouns and end in -self or -selves.
- myself
- yourself
- himself
- herself
- itself
- ourselves
- yourselves
- themselves
3. How do you use an intensive pronoun in a sentence?
An intensive pronoun is used immediately after the noun or pronoun it emphasizes to add stress or importance.
- Place it right after the subject: I myself disagree.
- Or later in the sentence for emphasis: I completed the task myself.
4. What is the difference between reflexive and intensive pronouns?
The difference is that a reflexive pronoun is necessary for the sentence’s meaning, while an intensive pronoun is only used for emphasis.
- Reflexive: She hurt herself. (Essential to meaning)
- Intensive: She herself fixed the car. (Adds emphasis only)
5. Where do intensive pronouns usually appear in a sentence?
An intensive pronoun usually appears right after the noun or pronoun it emphasizes or at the end of the clause.
- After the subject: The teacher herself explained the lesson.
- At the end: The teacher explained the lesson herself.
6. Can you remove an intensive pronoun from a sentence?
Yes, you can remove an intensive pronoun without making the sentence grammatically incorrect. The pronoun only adds emphasis and is not required for structure.
- With intensive pronoun: I myself saw the accident.
- Without it: I saw the accident.
7. Why are intensive pronouns used in English?
Intensive pronouns are used to emphasize that a specific person or thing performed an action personally. They stress importance, contrast, or personal involvement.
- Emphasis: The president himself signed the bill.
- Contrast: She herself didn’t agree, but others did.
8. What is an example of an intensive pronoun in a sentence?
An example of an intensive pronoun is: The actor himself performed the dangerous stunt. In this sentence, himself emphasizes that the actor personally performed the action.
- Another example: I baked the cake myself.
- Another example: We ourselves solved the problem.
9. What are common mistakes with intensive pronouns?
A common mistake is using an intensive pronoun incorrectly as a subject or object when it is not needed. Intensive pronouns should only be used for emphasis.
- Incorrect: Myself will call you later.
- Correct: I will call you later.
- Incorrect: Please contact John or myself.
- Correct: Please contact John or me.
10. Are intensive pronouns and emphatic pronouns the same?
Yes, intensive pronouns and emphatic pronouns are the same in English grammar. Both terms refer to pronouns ending in -self or -selves that emphasize a noun or pronoun.
- Example: The manager himself approved the plan.
