Emphatic Pronouns
Read and listen to four conversations using the grammar.
Conversation 1
Man: Wow, big box. What did you
buy?
Woman: I bought myself a new
computer.
Man: Nice. What kind?
Woman: I got a new Mac.
Man: Oh, cool. That must've been
expensive.
Woman: A little, but I needed a
new one.
Man: Yeah. I've been thinking of
getting a new one myself.
Woman: You should. I find a new
computer pays for itself because it makes you much
more productive.
Man: True. Can't argue with that.
Conversation 2
Man: Why are you so down?
Woman: I did not get a promotion
from the boss.
Man: Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.
Woman: I don't think he likes me.
Man: Oh, I'm sure he likes you.
Don't be so hard on yourself.
Woman: Yeah, you're right.
Conversation 3
Man: Man, these cookies smell so
good.
Woman: Please try some.
Man: Oh, they look so good.
Woman: You better eat some before
the kids get home.
Man: Why? Will they eat them all?
Woman: Yeah, they can't help
themselves.
Man: Well, I can see why. Your
cookies are so good. Can I have two?
Woman: Help yourself.
Conversation 4
Man: I like your shirt.
Woman: Thanks. I made it myself.
Man: Really? I didn't know you
sew.
Woman: I do. I make a lot of my
own clothes.
Man: That is so cool.
Woman: It's easy. You should try
it sometime.
Man: I would if you could teach
me.
Woman: Oh, you don't need me. You
can learn how to do it yourself by watching videos
online.
Man: Okay. I'll think about it.
Thanks.
Emphatic Use and Special Cases for Reflexive Pronouns
- I made the computer with no help.
- I made the computer (all by) myself. (Emphasizes no help)
- You can learn how to do it.
- You can learn how to do it yourself. (Emphasizes no help)
- I often talk to myself. (normal reflexive pronoun)
- I bought it myself. (emphatic pronoun)
- He hates seeing himself in the mirror. (normal reflexive pronoun)
- He gave it to her himself. (emphatic pronoun)
- I live by myself.
- Don't be hard on yourself.
- It pays for itself.
- I try not to talk about myself.
- Help yourself. (Free free to have something)
- They can't help themselves. (Have no self-contol)
- Don't be hard on yourself. (Do not be overly critical)
- It pays for itself. (The savings cover the cost)
Gap Fill: Listen to the audio. Type in the correct word!