As a language expert with a deep understanding of grammar and linguistic nuances, I am often asked about various grammatical concepts. One such concept that often comes up is that of intensive pronouns. Intensive pronouns, also known as reflexive pronouns when they refer back to the subject of the sentence, serve a unique function in English. They are used to emphasize the subject or the antecedent of a sentence, which means they highlight the person or thing that is performing the action.

Let's delve into the details of what constitutes an intensive pronoun and how they are used in English.

### Definition and Function

Intensive pronouns are a subset of reflexive pronouns that are used to emphasize the subject of a sentence. They are not used as the object of a verb or preposition but are placed immediately after the noun or pronoun they modify to add emphasis.

### Usage

The use of intensive pronouns can add a layer of meaning to a sentence, making it clear that the subject is performing the action on itself or is the one experiencing the action. This is particularly useful in sentences where the subject's role might otherwise be ambiguous.

### Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the use of intensive pronouns:


1. He himself wrote the report. (The emphasis is on the fact that he, not someone else, wrote the report.)

2. She herself will decide what to do next. (The sentence emphasizes that she, and no one else, will make the decision.)

3. The team themselves were surprised by their victory. (This emphasizes that it was the team members themselves who were surprised, not someone else.)

4. I myself have never seen such a beautiful sunset. (The speaker is emphasizing that they personally have not seen such a sunset.)

### List of Intensive Pronouns

The list of intensive pronouns includes:

- myself
- yourself
- himself
- herself
- itself
- ourselves
- yourselves
- themselves

These pronouns correspond to different subjects and objects in the sentence, ensuring that the emphasis is correctly placed.

### When Not to Use Intensive Pronouns

It's important to note that intensive pronouns are not always necessary and can sometimes sound redundant or awkward if overused. For instance, saying "I myself went to the store" might be seen as unnecessary since "I went to the store" is clear enough on its own. However, in cases where emphasis is needed, they are invaluable.

### Conclusion

Understanding the use of intensive pronouns can greatly enhance one's ability to express themselves in English. They are a powerful tool for adding emphasis and clarity to sentences. By knowing when and how to use them, speakers and writers can ensure their message is conveyed with the intended weight and precision.

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Intensive pronouns are used to add emphasis to the subject or antecedent of the sentence. You'll usually find the intensive pronoun right after the noun or pronoun it's modifying, but not necessarily. The intensive/reflexive pronouns include myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves.read more >>