HomeGrammarReflexive Pronouns ExercisesReflexive vs Non-Reflexive Verbs - Easy

Reflexive vs Non-Reflexive Verbs - Easy

A2 Level

The practice targets a common problem: some English verbs need a reflexive pronoun, but many verbs that are reflexive in other languages do not need one in English. You complete each sentence with a reflexive form such as myself, yourself, or herself, or you choose the version with no reflexive. The question is always about meaning: does the subject do the action to the same person?

English normally says He shaves, The children dressed, She felt tired, We relaxed, and They got dressed without a reflexive pronoun. However, verbs such as enjoy, hurt, cut, and teach need a reflexive in this route when the subject and object are the same. The sentence set includes both types, so you can stop translating from another language and build the English pattern directly. The options may show a dash or a plain verb form, but the final answer should sound like normal English. That contrast is the main skill being tested here.

Quick Rule

use a reflexive only when English needs the action to return to the subject

  • 1.She enjoyed herself at the birthday party.
  • 2.He shaves every morning before work.
  • 3.Do not cut yourself with that knife.
  • 4.The children dressed quickly and went to school.
  • 5.I taught myself to play the piano.