In this page there are two topics of grammar that I will focus on. The topics are
- Reflexive Pronouns
- Preposition
1. We use reflexive pronouns when subject and object are the same. For example
- she hurt herself.
- I taught myself how to play guitar.
- Sarah will draw herself on a piece of paper.
2. Besides, reflexive pronouns are also used as the object of a preposition (when object and subject are the same). For instance
- He drove here by himself.
- I wrote the letter myself.
- Ali is talking to himself.
3. Later, when we want to emphasize the subject, we use the pronouns
- Sarah baked the cake herself.
- They ate all the food themselves.
- He'll do it himself.
4. However, after feel, meet, concentrate and relax, we DO NOT use reflexive pronouns. We also DO NOT normally use them after wash, shave and dress, unless it is necessary to make it clear who does the action.
Examples:
- I find it difficult to concentrate NOT I find it difficult to concentrate myself.
- When she got up, she tried to relax NOT when she got up she tried to relax herself.
5. It is not necessary to use a reflexive pronoun when the meaning is clearly reflexive.
- He gave the present to him. NOT He gave the present to himself.
- I took my mother with me. NOT I took my mother with myself.
6. We can apply by + reflexive pronoun to mean alone.
- Hana likes to go to party by herself.
7. A reflexive possessive pronoun cannot be used.
For example like we use my or your.... own
- She did her own work NOT she did herself work
What are prepositions?
Prepositions are words that are placed before other words such as nouns, pronouns, nouns phrases or adverbs.
In this part, we are going to focus on a function of propositions which is to show place and direction.
Examples of prepositions are at, up and down
- The car turned right at the junction.
- He went up the escalator to take his file.
- We were asked to sit down.
Below is the table that consists of a list of prepositions and the examples of using them.
