Intensive pronouns: Definition, examples, and usage rules

“He himself finished the puzzle”

At first glance, that sentence looks like it has an extra word. If you remove “himself,” the sentence still makes sense: “He finished the puzzle.” So why is it there?

That extra word is an intensive pronoun. These pronouns are used to add emphasis to a noun or pronoun that has already been mentioned. In this guide, we will break down how to use them correctly and how to tell them apart from their “twin,” the reflexive pronoun.

What is an intensive pronoun?

An intensive pronoun is a word ending in -self or -selves that serves to “intensify” a noun or pronoun. They act as a spotlight, drawing extra attention to the person or thing performing an action.

List of intensive pronouns

• Myself (singular)
• Yourself (singular)
• Himself, herself, itself (singular)
• Ourselves (plural)
• Yourselves (plural)
• Themselves (plural)

The “omission test”

The easiest way to identify an intensive pronoun is to try and remove it. Because they are only used for emphasis, the sentence will remain grammatically correct without them.

• With pronoun: I myself saw the ghost.
• Without pronoun: I saw the ghost. (The meaning is the same, just less dramatic.)

How to use intensive pronouns in a sentence

There are two common ways to place an intensive pronoun. Both are grammatically correct, but they change the “rhythm” of your writing.

1. Immediately after the noun

Placing the pronoun directly after the subject provides the strongest emphasis.

• Example: “The queen herself signed the decree.”

2. At the end of a clause

This is a more common, conversational way to use intensive pronouns.

• Example: “The queen signed the decree herself.”

Intensive vs. reflexive pronouns: What is the difference?

This is the most common point of confusion. Intensive and reflexive pronouns look identical (both end in -self), but they serve entirely different grammatical purposes.

Common examples of intensive pronouns

• Herself: “She herself organized the entire charity auction.”
• Himself: “The CEO himself answered my email.”
• Itself: “The oven itself was clean, but the kitchen was a mess.”
• Ourselves: “We ourselves are responsible for our success.”
• Themselves: “The players themselves admitted they didn’t practice enough.”

Frequently asked questions about intensive pronouns

Summary of key takeaways

• Intensive pronouns end in -self or -selves.
• They emphasize a noun or pronoun already in the sentence.
• They are non-essential; the sentence remains complete if you remove them.
• They are different from reflexive pronouns, which are required for the sentence to make sense.

Video: Reflexive vs intensive pronouns

Conclusion: Master the art of emphasis

Using intensive pronouns is one of the simplest ways to add clarity and punch to your writing. Whether you are highlighting that “the CEO himself signed the check” or “you yourselves finished the project,” these words provide the spotlight your subjects deserve.

The golden rule to remember? If you can remove the -self word and the sentence still makes sense, you’ve successfully used an intensive pronoun. If the sentence falls apart, you’re likely looking at a reflexive pronoun.

Join the conversation

Now that you’ve mastered the difference, we want to hear from you!

• Test your skills: Can you write a sentence using “themselves” as an intensive pronoun in the comments below?
• Ask a question: Is there a specific sentence that has you confused? Drop it in the comments, and our team will help you break it down.
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