• Linguistics and Language -> Grammar and Syntax

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How can reflexive pronouns enhance the overall coherence of a written piece?

Edison Lorens

Reflexive pronouns play a crucial role in enhancing the overall coherence of a written piece. These pronouns are self-referential, as they refer back to the subject of the sentence. Reflexive pronouns are formed by adding '-self' or '-selves' to the end of a personal pronoun, such as 'myself', 'yourself', 'himself', 'herself', 'itself', 'ourselves', 'yourselves', and 'themselves'. In this essay, I will discuss how reflexive pronouns can enhance the coherence of a written piece.

Firstly, reflexive pronouns help to clarify the meaning of a sentence. By referring back to the subject of the sentence, it becomes clear who is doing the action. For example, consider the sentence "John saw himself in the mirror". The use of the reflexive pronoun 'himself' clarifies that John was the one who saw himself in the mirror, rather than someone else seeing him in the mirror. Without the reflexive pronoun, the sentence could be interpreted in different ways, which would diminish the coherence of the overall written piece.

Secondly, reflexive pronouns can help to maintain a consistent tone throughout a written piece. By using reflexive pronouns, the writer can avoid using personal pronouns that may come across as too casual or informal. For example, instead of saying "I found myself lost in the city", the writer could say "One may find oneself lost in the city". The use of the reflexive pronoun 'oneself' maintains a formal tone, which is appropriate for certain types of writing such as academic or professional documents.

Thirdly, reflexive pronouns can be used to emphasize the subject of a sentence. By using a reflexive pronoun, the writer draws attention to the subject and highlights their importance in the sentence. For example, consider the sentence "The CEO himself made the announcement". The use of the reflexive pronoun 'himself' emphasizes the importance of the CEO in making the announcement, rather than someone else making it on their behalf.

Lastly, reflexive pronouns can help to create a sense of connection between the subject and the action of the sentence. By referring back to the subject, the sentence becomes more personal and intimate. For example, consider the sentence "I bought myself a new bicycle". The use of the reflexive pronoun 'myself' creates a sense of connection between the subject (I) and the action (buying a new bicycle). This intimacy can make the writing more engaging and compelling for the reader.

In conclusion, reflexive pronouns are a critical component of written coherence. They help to clarify the meaning of a sentence, maintain a consistent tone, emphasize the subject, and create a sense of connection between the subject and the action. As such, writers should strive to use reflexive pronouns effectively and appropriately, ensuring that their writing is clear, professional, and engaging.