By Myself / By Yourself - Meaning Alone

By + reflexive pronoun means alone, without other people, or without help. The practice uses forms such as by myself, by yourself, by himself, by herself, by itself, by ourselves, by yourselves, and by themselves. The reflexive still has to match the subject: I takes by myself, she takes by herself, and we takes by ourselves.

The sentences show both main meanings. Sometimes the person is physically alone, as in living, eating lunch, or going to a concert by herself. Sometimes the meaning is "without help", as in tying shoelaces, fixing something, finding a restaurant, or organising a party by ourselves. The word all can strengthen the meaning: all by myself means completely alone or completely without assistance. Questions may ask whether help is needed, so the subject clue matters in every blank and final correct answer. Be especially careful with you, because by yourself is singular and by yourselves is plural.