By Myself / By Yourself - Meaning Alone
A2-B1 Level
English Exercises is teacher-led by Charlie. About the teacher · How content is made
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.
Quick Rule
by + matching reflexive pronoun = alone / without help
- 1.I went to the cinema by myself.
- 2.She does not mind eating lunch by herself.
- 3.Can you carry that box by yourself?
- 4.The lights switch off by themselves at night.
- 5.We organised the party all by ourselves.
All 20 questions
Complete each sentence with the correct 'by + reflexive' form (by myself, by yourself, by himself, by herself, by itself, by ourselves, by yourselves, by themselves).
My grandmother lives _____. She's been alone since my grandfather passed away.
I went to the cinema _____ because none of my friends wanted to see the film.
Can you carry that heavy box _____, or do you need some help?
The little boy tied his shoelaces _____ for the very first time today!
We managed to find the restaurant _____ without using a map or phone.
She travelled around Japan _____ for three weeks last summer.
The children cooked dinner _____ while their parents were out.
He doesn't like eating at restaurants _____. He always invites a friend.
The gate opens and closes _____ using a sensor and a motor.
You two should try to fix the problem _____. Don't ask the teacher yet.
I prefer to study _____ rather than in a noisy group at the library.
The elderly woman walks to the shops _____ every morning despite her age.
They found their way back to the hotel _____ even though they didn't speak the local language.
My daughter is only seven, but she can already make her bed _____.
We painted the whole house _____ to save money on hiring decorators.
He sat _____ in the corner of the café, reading a book and drinking coffee.
The problem won't solve _____ — someone needs to take action.
She doesn't mind going to concerts _____ when she can't find anyone to join her.
Are you going to move all that furniture _____, or shall I call for help?
We organised the surprise party all _____. Nobody else knew about it!
Continue Practising
Continue practising with these related exercises
Basic Reflexive Pronouns - Easy
EasyChoose myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, or themselves
20 questions
Basic Reflexive Pronouns - Advanced
MediumMatch reflexives to longer subjects and common preposition phrases
20 questions
Reflexive vs Non-Reflexive - Easy
EasyLearn when English needs a reflexive pronoun and when it does not
20 questions
Reflexive vs Non-Reflexive - Intermediate
MediumPractise fixed phrases and verbs that are not reflexive in English
20 questions
Reflexive vs Non-Reflexive - Advanced
HardCheck formal verb patterns, idioms, and subtle reflexive contrasts
20 questions
Each Other vs Themselves
MediumCompare mutual actions with actions people do to themselves
20 questions