WordGarden.iomyself
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /maɪsˈɛlf/
US
- /ˌmaɪˈsɛlf/
Meanings
Pronoun
the same person as the speaker or writer, used as the object
used to emphasize that the speaker or writer did something personally
Beyond the definition
"Myself" might seem simple at first glance, but it's a surprisingly versatile tool in your vocabulary! As the reflexive form of "I," it is used when you are both the person performing an action and the one receiving it. Think of it as a little linguistic echo of yourself. For example, if you are clumsy in the kitchen, you might say, "I accidentally cut myself while chopping vegetables." Or, if you've been practicing a new skill, you might say, "I taught myself to play guitar."
Beyond that, it works beautifully for emphasis: "I will do it myself!" shows you're determined to handle something without help. However, you should be careful not to overcomplicate things. Many people use "myself" when a simple "me" or "I" would be better. For instance, avoid saying "between you and myself"; it is more natural and correct to say "between you and me."
"Myself" is a reflexive and intensive pronoun that refers back to the subject of a sentence, specifically when that subject is the person speaking or writing. It is formed from "my" + "-self." To use it well, it helps to understand its two primary roles:
1. Reflexive Use: This occurs when you perform an action on yourself. The action "reflects" back to you as the speaker, making you both the subject and the object of the verb.
- Example: "I bought myself a treat." (I did the buying, and I received the treat.)
- Example: "I find myself wondering what happened." (I am the one doing the wondering and the one being observed.)
2. Intensive Use: In this role, "myself" is used to add emphasis or to show that you performed an action personally or without assistance. The sentence would still make sense if you removed it, but it would lose its impact.
- Example: "I myself will handle this problem." (This emphasizes your personal determination.)
- Example: "I built this bookshelf myself." (This highlights that you did the work without help.)
Usage Note: A common mistake is using "myself" because it sounds more formal than "I" or "me." For example, it is incorrect to say, "Give the book to myself." Instead, say, "Give the book to me." Similarly, avoid constructions like "Myself and John went to the store." Always use "John and I." By keeping these distinctions in mind, you can use "myself" to add precision and flair to your English without falling into common grammatical traps!
Examples
- 1
Accidental injury
I cut myself while chopping onions.
- 2
Emphasis
I made dinner myself.
- Usage
myself can add emphasis: I did it, not someone else
- 3
Introductions
I introduced myself to the new manager.
- 4
Alone
I went to the movie by myself.
- Phraseby myself
alone
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Without help
I fixed the shelf by myself.
- Phraseby myself
without help
- 6
Having fun
I really enjoyed myself at the party.
- Phraseenjoy myself
have a good time
- 7
Self-talk
I told myself to stay calm.
- 8
Private information
I kept the news to myself until I was sure.
- Patternkeep + information to myself
not tell other people
- 9
Personal checking
I wanted to see the results for myself.
- Patternsee + result/evidence for myself
check it personally
- 10
Feeling different
I do not feel like myself today.
- Phrasenot feel like myself
feel strange, tired, sick, or emotionally different
- 11
Natural behavior
Around my closest friends, I can just be myself.
- Phrasebe myself
act naturally
- 12
Unplanned thought
Halfway through the meeting, I found myself thinking about lunch.
- Patternfind myself doing X
notice that I am doing it, often without planning to
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- myselfpronoun