Lesson 3: Reflexive and Intensive Pronouns; Demonstrative Pronouns, and Interrogative Pronouns

Definition

A reflexive pronoun refers to the subject and functions as a complement or the object of a preposition. An intensive pronoun emphasizes a noun or another pronoun.

Explanation

Think of it this way: a reflexive pronoun (like myself or herself) is essential because it reflects the action back to the subject. The sentence needs it to make sense! An intensive pronoun is like a cheerleader; it just adds excitement and emphasis. You can remove it, and the sentence's main point stays the same.

Examples

• The dog groomed itself by the fireplace. [This is a reflexive pronoun. The action (groomed) reflects from the subject (dog) back to itself. The sentence wouldn't make sense without it.]
• Maria told herself to stay calm before the test. [Herself is a reflexive pronoun because it is the indirect object receiving the action from the subject, 'Maria'.]
• The children themselves organized the school fundraiser. [This is an intensive pronoun because 'themselves' only emphasizes 'children'. The sentence still works perfectly without it: The children organized the school fundraiser.]

Definition

A demonstrative pronoun points out a person, a place, a thing, or an idea. An interrogative pronoun introduces a question.

Explanation

These pronouns have special jobs! A demonstrative pronoun is like pointing with your words. You use it to show exactly what you're talking about, like 'This is my pencil' or 'Those are my shoes.' An interrogative pronoun is a 'question word' that always starts a question, like 'Who is coming?' or 'What happened?'

Examples

• These are the cookies I baked for the party. [The pronoun These points out a specific thing (the cookies), so it's a demonstrative pronoun.]
• What is the capital of Australia? [The pronoun What is used to begin a question, so it's an interrogative pronoun.]
• I can't believe you saw that in the sky! [That points to a specific thing (what was seen in the sky), making it a demonstrative pronoun.]
• Whose jacket is on the playground swing? [Whose introduces a question about ownership, so it is an interrogative pronoun.]