Use B2-level exercises to practice reflexive and reciprocal pronouns. Get better at grammar with clear explanations and tests that focus on what you need to work on.
Reflexive and Reciprocal Pronouns Exercises
Understanding reflexive and reciprocal pronouns is essential for expressing actions clearly and naturally in English. At the B2 level, students should be able to use these structures correctly in both writing and speaking.
What Are Reflexive Pronouns?
When the subject and object of a sentence are the same person or thing, reflexive pronouns are used.
Reflexive pronouns:
- myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself
- ourselves, yourselves, themselves
Usage
When the subject = object
- She taught herself how to play the piano.
- I cut myself while cooking.
For emphasis (intensive use)
- I did it myself.
- The manager himself approved the decision.
With certain verbs (common collocations)
Some verbs are commonly paired with reflexive pronouns.:
- enjoy yourself
- behave yourself
- help yourself
- introduce yourself
Example:
- Please help yourself to some coffee.
- He introduced himself at the meeting.
What Are Reciprocal Pronouns?
Reciprocal pronouns talk about things that two or more people do together.
Reciprocal pronouns:
- each other
- one another
Usage
To show mutual actions
- They help each other with homework.
- The two companies respect one another.
What is the difference between “each other” and “one another”?
In the past:
- each other → two people
- one another → more than two people
But in modern English, they are often used the same way.
Reflexive vs Reciprocal Pronouns
It’s important to know the difference:
- She blamed herself. → (one person acting on herself)
- They blamed each other. → (two or more people blaming mutually)
- We prepared ourselves for the exam. → individual preparation
- We helped each other prepare. → mutual action
