Examples:

EXERCISE A.

Choose one of the following verbs and a reflexive pronoun for each sentence:

1. Be careful. The pan is very hot. Don't _____________
2. They couldn't get back into the house. They had __________________ out.
3. It isn't her fault. She really shouldn't __________________
4. What an idiot I am! I could _________________! (idiom)
5. He was lucky he didn't _________________. That was quite a bad accident.
6. I'm trying to ____________________ English but I'm not making much progress.
7. He lives on his own and spends a lot of time ________________.
8. Don't worry Mum. We can ___________________.

EXERCISE B.

Choose from the following verbs and only put in a reflexive pronoun if necessary:

1. I really ________________ well today - much better than yesterday.
2. He got out the shower and __________________before opening the door.
3. I tried to study but just couldn't _______________.
4. You're always in such a hurry. Why don't you ________________ more?
5. It was a great holiday. We really ____________________.
6. I slept in this morning and didn't have time to _____________ or have breakfast.

Other Uses

Look at these examples:

In these examples the reflexive pronoun is used to add emphasis to the subject.

EXERCISE C

Answer the following questions with the appropriate reflexive pronoun:

1. Who cut your hair? No one. I cut _______________.
2. Who told you that Mary was getting married? She ___________________.
3. Does he have a secretary to type his letters? No, he __________________.
4. Would you like me to post that letter for you? No, I'll __________________.
5. Can you get me a cup of coffee? Why don't you ___________________?

* Adapted from 'English Grammar in Use' (Raymond Murphy)