Intensive Pronouns

What are Intensive Pronouns?

Intensive Pronouns may have the same form as reflexive pronouns, but that does not mean that they have the same function. Intensive pronouns are used differently. Reflexive pronouns act as an object of the verb in a clause or sentence. Intensive pronouns emphasize or intensify the subject’s role in the verb’s action.

The same with Reflexive Pronouns, Intensive Pronouns are also formed by adding “-self” (singular) or “-selves” (plural) to the end of my, your, our, him, her, it, or them (including the indefinite pronoun one).

examples:

"I cleaned the classroom myself."

myself - intensive pronoun. 

In this sentence, 'myself' does not function as the direct object because that is the job of the “classroom”. 'Myself'  only functions as the intensifier. It emphasizes the subject’s role in the action “cleaned”.  It emphasizes that it is “I” alone that cleaned the classroom.

"The professor himself will be in the workshop."

himself - intensive pronoun. 

The pronoun 'himself' gives emphasis to the idea that the professor will definitely be in the workshop and not anyone else on his behalf. Just the professor himself.

More examples:

"The students cleaned the room themselves."

"Maria will cut the cake herself."

"Mom herself will make steak for me."