Reflexive pronouns

Question:

What are the rules for using reflexive pronouns? Can you tell me if the reflexive pronoun is used correctly in this sentence?

• Submit the report to John and myself.

Answer:

Reflexive pronouns are compounds made from certain personal pronouns (e.g. him, her, our) and -self or selves.

The Gregg Reference Manual (2003) explains that they are used in two specific cases:

• To reflect the action expressed by the verb back to the subject. For example,
  • He found himself surrounded by nothing but wilderness.
  • They were given enough work to satisfy themselves.
• To emphasize a noun or pronoun in the same sentence. For example,
  • The students themselves created the teacher of the year award. I will speak to them myself.

However, as a general rule, reflexive pronouns should not be overused for emphasis:

• I myself am personally responsible for the project.

Here the adverb personally provides the emphasis so that the reflexive pronoun myself is redundant.

And finally, do not use reflexive pronouns unless the noun or pronoun referred to appears in the same sentence. For example,

• She bought the tickets for John and us (not ourselves).
• He and I (not He and myself) will take care of the reservations.