WordGarden.ioyourself
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /jɔːsˈɛlf/
US
- /ˈjɔrsɛlf/
Meanings
Pronoun
the same person as the one being addressed, used as the object
used to emphasize that the person addressed did or experienced something personally
Beyond the definition
"Yourself" isn't just another way of saying "you." It emphasizes that you are the one doing something—you are acting on yourself, thinking about yourself, or referring back to yourself. Think of it as a mirror reflecting the action right back at you.
You might tell a friend, "Treat yourself!" meaning they deserve a little reward. Or perhaps you're encouraging someone by saying, "You need to be yourself." It's also used for actions done by you, for you—like making a sandwich for yourself or teaching yourself a new skill. Sometimes it's even used for emphasis: "You did it yourself!" meaning no one else helped you.
"Yourself" is a reflexive and intensive pronoun. In simpler words, it points back to the person being spoken to, you. It does more than name that person; it shows that the action of the verb comes back to the same person.
There are a few key ways "yourself" is used:
- Reflexive: This is when someone does something to the same person being spoken to. For example, "You might cut yourself if you aren't careful with that knife." The action starts with you and comes back to you. Other examples are "You should give yourself more credit" and "Did you buy yourself a gift?"
- Intensive: Here, "yourself" adds emphasis. It highlights that you did something, or that something came directly from you. For instance, "You told me so yourself!" means the speaker heard it from you directly. Or, as the saying goes, "If you want it done right, you have to do it yourself."
- Identity and condition: "Yourself" is also common when talking about someone's usual character, behavior, or state. You might hear, "Just be yourself," or "You aren't quite yourself today."
"Yourself" isn't interchangeable with the simple word "you." It's about the action looping back, highlighting independence and personal responsibility. So next time you find yourself thinking about… well, yourself, remember that this word is all about you!
Examples
- 1
Physical safety
Be careful not to cut yourself.
- 2
Introductions
Please introduce yourself to the rest of the team.
- 3
Independence
If you want it done right, you should do it yourself.
- 4
Personal decision
You need to decide for yourself what matters most.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Natural behavior
Just be yourself when you meet them.
- 6
Self-reflection
Sometimes you have to ask yourself whether the job is still worth it.
- 7
Hospitality
Help yourself to some fruit if you're hungry.
- Phrasehelp yourself to
take some for your own use
- 8
Hospitality
Come in and make yourself at home.
- Phrasemake yourself at home
relax and feel comfortable
- 9
Polite behavior
You two can stay here, but behave yourself.
- Phrasebehave yourself
act in a calm and polite way
- 10
Self-reward
You've worked hard this week, so treat yourself to a nice dinner.
- Patterntreat yourself to + enjoyable thing
give yourself something enjoyable
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- yourselfpronoun