What Is an Intensive Pronoun?
An intensive pronoun emphasizes a preceding noun or pronoun, reinforcing the subject’s presence or action. These pronouns include “myself,” “yourself,” “himself,” “herself,” and “themselves.” For example, in “I finished the project myself,” “myself” emphasizes the subject “I.” Intensive pronouns are identical in form to reflexive pronouns but serve a different purpose. They can be removed without changing the sentence’s essential meaning.
Definition
Intensive pronouns frequently emphasize a preceding noun or pronoun in a sentence. They add emphasis but are not necessary for the sentence’s basic meaning.
For example, in the sentence ‘I myself will handle it,’ the word ‘myself’ emphasizes ‘I’ but can be removed without changing the core message. Intensive pronouns are identical in form to reflexive pronouns, such as ‘myself,’ ‘yourself,’ and ‘himself.’
However, unlike reflexive pronouns, which are essential to the sentence’s structure, intensive pronouns can be omitted without altering the sentence’s meaning. Their primary function is to add emphasis or intensity to the subject.
Identifying Intensive Pronouns
To identify an intensive pronoun, remove it from the sentence and check if the sentence still makes sense. If the sentence is still coherent, the pronoun is likely intensive. Intensive pronouns emphasize the subject without altering the sentence’s fundamental meaning. Common intensive pronouns include ‘myself,’ ‘yourself,’ ‘himself,’ ‘herself,’ and ‘themselves.’
Below is a table to help identify intensive pronouns:
| Sentence with Intensive Pronoun | Sentence without Intensive Pronoun |
|---|---|
| I myself will handle the report. | I will handle the report. |
| She herself cooked the entire meal. | She cooked the entire meal. |
| They themselves solved the problem. | They solved the problem. |
| You yourself can fix this issue. | You can fix this issue. |
Examples in Context
In various contexts, intensive pronouns can be used to add emphasis to the subject of a sentence. These pronouns provide additional clarity and emphasis.
Here are some examples:
- Personal Responsibility: ‘I myself will take care of the situation.’ This emphasizes the speaker’s commitment.
- Self-Achievement: ‘She herself completed the project.’ This highlights the individual’s effort.
- Authority Figures: ‘The manager himself made the decision.’ This stresses the direct involvement of an authority figure.
Intensive Vs. Reflexive Pronouns
While both intensive and reflexive pronouns share the same form, they serve different functions in a sentence. Reflexive pronouns are essential for meaning and structure, reflecting the action back onto the subject. Intensive pronouns, on the other hand, emphasize the subject and can be removed without altering the sentence’s core message.
| Pronoun Type | Function |
|---|---|
| Intensive | Emphasizes the subject |
| Reflexive | Reflects the action back onto the subject |
| Intensive | Can be removed without changing sentence |
| Reflexive | Essential for the sentence’s meaning |
| Example: Myself | “I did it myself.” (Intensive) |
| Example: Myself | “I hurt myself.” (Reflexive) |
Usage Tips
Emphasizing the subject effectively with intensive pronouns can add clarity and impact to your writing. To use intensive pronouns properly, consider the following tips:
- Placement: Place the intensive pronoun immediately after the noun or pronoun it emphasizes. For example, ‘The CEO herself announced the news.’
- Purpose: Use intensive pronouns to highlight the importance of the subject’s action. For instance, ‘I myself completed the report’ underscores personal involvement.
- Verification: Verify that the pronoun adds value. Remove it to see if the sentence still makes sense. If it does, the pronoun is likely intensive. For example, ‘You yourself must decide’ versus ‘You must decide.’
Common Mistakes
Despite these usage tips, common mistakes with intensive pronouns can still occur. One frequent error is using an intensive pronoun in place of a subject pronoun, such as saying, ‘John and myself went to the store,’ instead of ‘John and I went to the store.’
Another mistake is confusing reflexive and intensive pronouns. For example, ‘She herself hurt’ should be ‘She hurt herself,’ where ‘herself’ is reflexive, not intensive.
Additionally, some writers unnecessarily include intensive pronouns, leading to redundancy. For instance, ‘I personally myself believe this’ should simply be ‘I believe this.’
Emphasis Techniques
Intensive pronouns serve as powerful tools to enhance emphasis in sentences. They are used to highlight the subject, adding a layer of importance. For instance, ‘I myself completed the report’ draws attention to the fact that the speaker alone accomplished the task.
Here are three emphasis techniques using intensive pronouns:
- Repetition for Impact: ‘The CEO herself attended the meeting,’ underscores the significance of the CEO’s presence.
- Contrast for Clarity: ‘You yourself said it was impossible,’ emphasizes the speaker’s disbelief.
- Isolation for Focus: ‘He himself fixed the issue,’ isolates the subject to stress personal involvement.
Enhancing Communication
Understanding intensive pronouns not only refines grammar skills but also greatly enhances communication by adding emphasis and clarity to your messages. By using intensive pronouns, you can highlight key points and make your statements more impactful.
Here are three ways intensive pronouns enhance communication:
- Emphasis: Intensive pronouns stress the importance of the subject. For example, ‘The CEO himself announced the news.’
- Clarity: They help clarify who is performing the action. For instance, ‘She herself fixed the problem,’ leaves no doubt who is responsible.
- Engagement: Adding emphasis engages the audience more effectively. Saying ‘You yourself can make a difference’ motivates and involves the listener directly.
These elements contribute to clearer, more impactful communication.
Practical Applications
In practical use, intensive pronouns can greatly enhance the effectiveness of both written and spoken communication. They add emphasis, making statements more impactful.
For instance, saying ‘I myself completed the task’ underscores personal involvement, making the declaration stronger. In speeches, intensive pronouns can highlight key points.
For example, ‘The CEO herself announced the new policy’ draws attention to the importance of the announcement. In writing, they can clarify who is responsible for an action, as in ‘The committee members themselves approved the budget.’
Using intensive pronouns purposefully can make communication more engaging and persuasive. They help guarantee the emphasis is clear, leaving no doubt about who performed the action or holds a particular opinion.
