Intensive pronouns use reflexive pronouns to add emphasis to the subject of the

sentence. The intensive/reflexive pronouns are myself, yourself, himself, herself,

itself, ourselves, yourselves and themselves. You'll usually find the intensive
pronoun right after the noun or pronoun it's modifying, but not necessarily.
What Is an Intensive Pronoun?
An intensive pronoun is almost identical to a reflexive pronoun. It is defined as a
pronoun that ends in self or selves and places emphasis on its antecedent by
referring back to another noun or pronoun used earlier in the sentence. For this
reason, intensive pronouns are sometimes called emphatic pronouns.
Reflexive vs. Intensive Pronouns
You can tell the difference between a reflexive pronoun and an intensive pronoun
easily: Intensive pronouns arent essential to a sentences basic meaning.
Understanding this basic difference will help to prevent you from confusing the two.
Both intensive and reflexive pronouns end in the suffix self or selves, however
reflexive pronouns are always objects that refer to a sentences subject. The
following example shows a reflexive pronoun in action:
Jim made himself coffee.
Without the reflexive pronoun himself, it would be impossible for the reader to know
who Jim made coffee for.
In the next example, himself is used as an intensive pronoun. The reader would be
able to understand the sentences complete meaning without this pronoun, but it
serves to add emphasis:
Jim made coffee for the king himself.
Here, himself refers to the king rather than to Jim. The reader is meant to be
impressed that Jim made coffee for the king.
Common Intensive Pronouns
The following list contains the most commonly used examples of intensive
pronouns.
Himself
Herself
Yourself
Themselves
Ourselves
Intensive pronouns might not be necessary, but they serve the important function of
making your writing more interesting as well as more meaningful, particularly in
formal situations. Use them sparingly to ensure that the emphasis they provide isnt
lost.
Intensive Pronoun Examples
Intensive pronouns are used to add emphasis to statements. In the following
examples, the intensive pronouns have been italicized for ease of identification.
Jesse wondered aloud whether he himself was the only one seeing what was
happening.
Maria knew that she herself could make a positive impact on the world, if only she
put her mind to it.
You yourself can easily transform your body: All it takes is a proper diet and plenty
of exercise.
The team knew that they themselves were responsible for playing their best.
We ourselves are the ones who make the greatest impact upon the world we live in.
Intensive Pronoun Exercises
Choose the correct intensive pronoun to fill the blank in each sentence.

We built a garden shed by ______________.

Myself
Ourselves
Themselves
Himself
Jordan made _____________ a sandwich, complete with pickles.
Ourselves
Yourself
Himself
Themselves
Im a little nervous about walking by _____________ after dark.
Myself
Ourselves
Themselves
Herself