Reflexive and Intensive Pronouns

Caravaggio’s Narcissus

Does the misuse of the first-person-singular intensive pronoun arise from a deep-seated need to emphasize the ego in a linguistic sort of narcissism? 


Perhaps. But even one’s unfortunate childhood and psychological misfortunes must not be allowed to impinge on correct usage! Ms. Picky has been reflecting on the abuse of intensive and reflexive pronouns . . . and she doesn’t like what she sees. . . . .

Correct Reflexive Use

A singular pronoun that ends in “self,” e.g., myself, himself, and yourself (or the plural themselves) is a reflexive/intensive pronoun

Such a pronoun is being used reflexively when it is both:

1. Being used as the object of the verb or the preposition in a sentence or clause, and 

2. Is the same person or entity as the subject of that sentence or clause:

Clarence burned himself.

Boris wanted to hear it for himself.

They wanted to do it by themselves.

Correct Intensive Use

Such a pronoun is being used intensively when it is used to emphasize or intensify a noun or pronoun that is the subject of the sentence, to make a point:

Portia was able to solve the problem herself.

(The literal meaning of “Portia was able to solve the problem herself” is no different from “Portia was able to solve the problem,” but the use of the intensive pronoun carries with it an implication that is far more complex: in this example, that Portia had considered, or asked, someone else to solve the problem, but that, in the end, she had solved the problem on her own. The sentence is saying more than just that she solved the problem; it is saying that she solved it without outside help.)

I myself was the one who questioned the solution.

(Here the implication of the intensive pronoun might be something like: “Sure, it was my solution, but then I realized it was flawed, and so I questioned my own solution.” The “myself” emphasizes to the listener that “I” was not simply questioning the solution, but that I was questioning my own solution, which is more significant than if I were questioning someone else’s solution.)

So far, so good. No one seems to have a problem with these usages. But, for some reason, when the subject or object of the verb or preposition is compound, some people decide to use an intensive/reflexive pronoun in a way that is neither intensive nor reflective. Why complicate things, when the correct usage is actually the simpler one?

Incorrect Reflexive/Intensive Use

Correct:

The information was only for Phelps and me.

Incorrect:

The invitation was only for Phelps and myself.

Correct:

My colleague and I are going to attend that conference.

Abominably Incorrect:

My colleague and myself are going to attend that conference.

(This last is abominably incorrect, because “myself,” in addition to being used incorrectly vis à vis its being a reflexive/intensive pronoun, is also being used incorrectly as a subject, since is in the objective case!)

Remember: the reflexive/intensive form is reserved for when:

1.    The subject of the sentence or clause is the same as the object of the verb or preposition, or

2.    One is seeking to emphasize or intensify the pronoun to make a point.

If neither of these situations exists, then the simple, nonreflexive/nonintensive pronoun is the one that is called for.  

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Bulletin Board

To E.L.:

You are correct in suspecting that “Leave me alone” is not correct usage. In an effort that might be compared to trying stem the ocean’s tide, Ms. Picky will draw the distinction—one that is fast becoming extinct—between the words “leave” and “let,” specifically in the construction “Leave/let me alone.”

Leave means depart, while let means allow, or permit.

If Annabel says to Horatio, “Please leave,” she is saying, “Please depart from me,”  or “Go away.” If, on the other hand, she is trying to work, and Horatio keeps interrupting her, and she says, “Please let me alone,” she is not asking Horatio to leave and might still love him dearly; she is simply asking that he stop disturbing her. If, however, Annabel says, “Please leave me alone,” poor Horatio cannot know whether Annabel wants him to leave her—or simply to stop disturbing her!

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