Intensive Pronoun Lesson: Definition, Usage, and Examples

Lesson Overview

• What Is an Intensive Pronoun?
• Use of Intensive Pronouns in Sentences
• Common Mistakes With Intensive Pronouns
• Difference Between Intensive Pronouns and Reflexive Pronouns
• Examples of Intensive Pronouns
• Intensive Pronouns Assessment

We already know pronouns replace nouns, like using "she" instead of "Maria." But did you know some pronouns add extra emphasis? That's where intensive pronouns come in!

These special pronouns highlight who is performing the action, amplifying their role in the sentence. Intensive pronouns create clarity and strengthen a writer's voice.

What Is an Intensive Pronoun?

An intensive pronoun is a type of pronoun that emphasizes its antecedent (the noun or pronoun it refers to). It ends in "-self" or "-selves" and typically appears immediately after the antecedent it modifies.

Unlike reflexive pronouns, which are essential to the meaning of a sentence, intensive pronouns can be removed without altering the sentence's core meaning. They simply add emphasis.

Example:

In this use of intensive pronouns in a sentence, "himself" intensifies "president," highlighting that the president, and no one else, performed the action.

Use of Intensive Pronouns in Sentences

Understanding the functions and placement of intensive pronouns in sentences allow for clearer and more impactful communication.  

Function:

1. The primary function is to intensify the noun or pronoun they refer to. This highlights the subject's role in the action.
   • Example: "I myself cooked this entire meal." (Emphasizes personal effort)
     
2. They can create a contrast, distinguishing the subject from others or highlighting an unexpected action.
   • Example: "The students themselves organized the fundraiser." (Implies the students did it without teacher help)
     
3. Intensive pronouns can convey strong emotions like pride, determination, or disbelief.
   • Example: "She will succeed herself!" (Expresses strong belief in her ability)

Placement:

1. Immediately after the antecedent - This is the most common placement, directly reinforcing the subject.
   • Example: "The author herself will be signing books."
     
2. At the end of the sentence- This placement can create a different kind of emphasis, often highlighting an unexpected or noteworthy action.
   • Example: "He built the entire house himself!"
     
3. Separated from the antecedent - For stylistic effect, the pronoun can be separated by a short phrase, adding a dramatic pause.
   • Example: "The captain, himself a skilled navigator, guided the ship through the storm."
     
4. Before the antecedent (less common) - This creates a more dramatic effect, often used for stylistic purposes.
   • Example: "Himself, the king, declared war."

Take This Quiz :

Pronouns: Types, Antecedents and Using Pronouns Correctly! Quiz

Common Mistakes With Intensive Pronouns

While intensive pronouns can add flair and emphasis to writing, they are also a source of common errors. Understanding these pitfalls is essential for using them correctly and effectively.

1. Confusion with Reflexive Pronouns:

This is the most frequent mistake. We often use intensive pronouns where reflexive pronouns are required, or vice versa. 

• Incorrect: "He treated himself to a new car himself." (The first "himself" is reflexive, the second is incorrect and unnecessary)
• Correct: "He treated himself to a new car." (Only the reflexive pronoun is needed) 
  

2. Unnecessary Use of Intensive Pronouns :

Using intensive pronouns too frequently can make writing sound awkward, forced, or even pretentious. They should be used strategically for emphasis, not as a matter of habit.  

• Incorrect: "I myself personally believe that this is the best solution." (The word "personally" already adds emphasis, making "myself" redundant.)
• Correct: "I believe that this is the best solution." or "I myself believe that this is the best solution." (Use sparingly)
  

3. Incorrect Pronoun Agreement:

Intensive pronouns must agree in person and number with their antecedents. Errors in subject-verb agreement can create confusion and weaken the sentence.

• Incorrect: "The team itself are responsible for their performance." (The antecedent "team" is singular, so the intensive pronoun should be "itself.")
• Correct: "The team itself is responsible for its performance."
  

4. Misplaced Intensive Pronouns:

While placement is flexible to some degree, placing an intensive pronoun too far from its antecedent can create ambiguity or make the sentence difficult to read.

• Incorrect: "The manager, after a long meeting, himself announced the new policy." (Is it the meeting that announced the policy?)
• Correct: "The manager himself, after a long meeting, announced the new policy." or "The manager himself announced the new policy after a long meeting."
  

5. Using Intensive Pronouns as Subjects or Objects:

Intensive pronouns should never function as the subject or object of a verb. This is a fundamental grammatical error.

• Incorrect: "Myself and John went to the store." (Intensive pronouns cannot be subjects.)
• Correct: "John and I went to the store."

Take This Quiz :

Types of Pronoun Quiz With Answers

Difference Between Intensive Pronouns and Reflexive Pronouns

Intensive and reflexive pronouns often cause confusion due to their similar forms. However, they serve distinct grammatical functions and play different roles in sentence construction.

Take This Quiz :

Pronouns Test Quiz With Answers

Examples of Intensive Pronouns

1. The CEO herself negotiated the deal. 
2. He painted the entire mural himself, without any assistance. 
3. We, ourselves, are responsible for this project's success. 
4. She saw the famous actor himself walking down the street. 
5. The children decorated the classroom themselves for the party.

Take This Quiz :

English Grammar Pronoun Quiz Questions And Answers

Intensive Pronouns Assessment

Exercise 1: In each sentence, identify the intensive pronoun and underline it. If there is no intensive pronoun, write "none."

1. I myself saw the entire performance.
2. He built the house himself.
3. She looked at herself in the mirror.
4. They themselves are responsible for the project's success.
5. We went to the park.
6. The cat itself opened the cupboard.
7. You can do it yourself.

Answer Key:

1. myself
2. himself
3. none (reflexive)
4. themselves
5. none
6. itself
7. Yourself
   

Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks with the appropriate intensive pronoun.

1. The queen _______________ addressed the nation.
2. I _______________ am going to finish this report tonight.
3. They _______________ organized the entire event.
4. He _______________ fixed the broken computer.
5. She _______________ designed the beautiful dress.
6. We _______________ cleaned the entire house.
7. You _______________ should be proud of your accomplishments.

Answer Key:

1. herself
2. myself
3. themselves
4. himself
5. herself
6. ourselves
7. Yourself