Herself

Definition

The word 'herself' is a reflexive pronoun used to refer back to the subject of a sentence when the subject is female. It emphasizes that the action performed by the subject is directed towards her own person, highlighting self-involvement or self-referentiality. This term showcases how pronouns can shift focus in a sentence, adding clarity and emphasis to the action being described.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Herself' can be used for emphasis, often to stress that a female subject is performing an action independently.
2. 'Herself' is different from other pronouns as it is specifically used for females, while its counterparts like 'himself' and 'itself' serve male or neutral subjects respectively.
3. In sentences, 'herself' usually appears after verbs or prepositions, indicating that the action is directed back to the subject.
4. 'Herself' can also appear in constructions involving reflexive verbs, emphasizing the action taken by the subject.
5. The use of 'herself' can enhance clarity in sentences where the female subject and object might be confused without this pronoun.

Review Questions

• How does 'herself' function differently than standard pronouns in a sentence?
  • 'Herself' operates as a reflexive pronoun, which means it directly connects back to the female subject performing an action. Unlike standard pronouns that simply replace nouns, reflexive pronouns like 'herself' highlight that the action is performed on the same entity that initiated it. This usage provides clarity and emphasizes self-involvement in actions.
• Discuss how the use of 'herself' can change the meaning of a sentence compared to using a regular pronoun.
  • Using 'herself' introduces a reflexive quality that distinguishes between actions done to oneself versus those done by someone else. For instance, in the sentence 'She made dinner herself,' the emphasis is on her individual effort without assistance. If we simply used 'she,' it could suggest that others were involved, losing that focus on her self-sufficiency. Thus, 'herself' significantly alters interpretation by stressing personal agency.
• Evaluate the role of reflexive pronouns like 'herself' in enhancing narrative voice and character development within literary texts.
  • 'Herself' serves a crucial role in narrative voice by allowing authors to convey introspection and self-reliance in their characters. By using reflexive pronouns, writers can create a deeper connection between characters and their actions, revealing motivations and personal growth. For example, when a character reflects on their choices using 'herself,' it provides insight into their internal struggles and resolutions. This technique enriches character development and fosters reader engagement by illustrating complex emotions and self-awareness.

Related terms

Reflexive Pronouns: Pronouns that refer back to the subject of the sentence and indicate that the subject performs an action on itself.

Pronoun: A word that takes the place of a noun, often used to avoid repetition and simplify sentences.

Subject: The noun or pronoun that performs the action of the verb in a sentence, indicating who or what the sentence is about.