Reflexive vs Non-Reflexive Verbs - Advanced
B1 Level
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The sentences are more formal and contextual than the easier routes, so you need to read for meaning. She conducts herself professionally means she behaves in a professional way, while the negotiations progressed smoothly simply describes development over time and does not need themselves. This practice is useful for B1 learners who already know the forms but still add reflexives to verbs where English uses a plain intransitive verb. It also highlights idioms with devote and throw, where the reflexive is part of the phrase. Check the whole expression before deciding.
Quick Rule
choose a reflexive for self-directed meaning; choose no reflexive for complete intransitive verbs
- 1.She conducts herself with great professionalism.
- 2.The children did not adapt to the cold weather.
- 3.He reminded himself not to check his phone.
- 4.The patient recovered slowly after the operation.
- 5.She threw herself into the new project.
All 20 questions
Complete each sentence with the correct reflexive pronoun OR type '-' if no reflexive is needed. Pay close attention to meaning and context.
Despite the difficult circumstances, she always conducts _____ with great professionalism. (herself / -)
The children _____ to the cold weather surprisingly quickly. (adapted themselves / adapted)
He had to remind _____ not to check his phone during the interview. (himself / -)
The company _____ to the new market regulations without much difficulty. (adjusted itself / adjusted)
She devoted _____ entirely to her medical research for the past decade. (herself / -)
The meeting _____ much longer than anyone had expected. (lasted itself / lasted)
I couldn't bring _____ to tell her the bad news about her application. (myself / -)
We _____ about the new policy changes during the coffee break. (worried ourselves / worried)
The politician distanced _____ from the controversial comments made by his colleague. (himself / -)
She _____ all afternoon about what to wear to the formal event. (hesitated herself / hesitated)
The witness contradicted _____ several times during the court hearing. (himself / -)
The volunteers _____ tirelessly for the local community project last weekend. (worked themselves / worked)
She resigned _____ to the fact that the project would be delayed. (herself / -)
The patient _____ remarkably well after the complex surgery. (recovered himself / recovered)
You should avail _____ of the free training courses offered by the company. (yourself / -)
The economy _____ significantly since the government introduced the new reforms. (improved itself / improved)
He prided _____ on never having missed a single day of work in twenty years. (himself / -)
The negotiations _____ smoothly despite the initial disagreements between the parties. (progressed themselves / progressed)
She threw _____ into the new project with incredible energy and determination. (herself / -)
The students _____ about the unfair marking on the final examination. (protested themselves / protested)
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