Pronounce replace nouns in sentences, helping us avoid repetition. When pronouns are formed by adding specific words or endings to other pronouns, they are called compound pronouns.Â
In this article, you will learn what compound nouns are, the types of compound pronouns, and examples of sentences using compound pronouns.
A compound pronoun is a pronoun formed by combining a personal pronoun (like my, your, him, her, it, our, them) with -self or -selves.
These pronouns have two main uses:
- Reflexive: When the subject and object are the same person/thing.
- Intensive: To add emphasis to a noun or pronoun.
Examples:
- I hurt myself while running.Â
- The president himself attended the meeting.Â
Types of Compound Pronouns
1. Reflexive Compound Pronouns
Used when the subject and object are the same person/thing.
Examples:
- I cut myself.
- She taught herself Spanish.
2. Intensive Compound Pronouns
Used to add emphasis to a noun or pronoun.
Examples:
- I will do it myself.
- The teacher herself explained the problem.
For more on reflexive form, see Reflexive Pronouns in English.
List of Compound Pronouns in English
- myself
- yourself
- himself
- herself
- itself
- ourselves
- yourselves
- themselves
How to Use Compound Pronouns in Sentences
Reflexive use:
- He blamed himself for the mistake.
- We enjoyed ourselves at the party.
Intensive use:
- I myself completed the entire project.
- The mayor herself opened the new library.
Examples of Compound Pronouns
- I hurt myself while exercising.
- Take care of yourself.
- He taught himself to paint.
- She prepared the meal by herself.
- The cat cleaned itself.
- We enjoyed ourselves during the trip.
- Please make yourselves comfortable.
- They introduced themselves to the neighbors.
- I myself fixed the computer.
- The principal herself welcomed the guests.
- The actor himself greeted his fans.
- The problem itself is not difficult.
- We ourselves will handle this matter.
- You yourselves should make the decision.
- They themselves completed the work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are compound pronouns?
pronouns formed by adding -self or -sleves to personal pronouns, used reflexively or intensively.
What is the difference between reflexive and intensive pronouns?
Reflexive pronouns show the subject acting on itself, while intensive pronouns emphasize a noun or pronoun.
Do compound pronouns change with number and person?
Yes. Singular forms end in -self, and plural forms end in -selves.
Can compound pronouns be used without a clear subject?
No, they must refer back to a subject in the same sentence.
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