We’ve addressed prickly “I” versus “me” usage, but “myself” needs its own moment in the editorial spotlight. Sure, it can be egotistical or dramatic, but it’s time that “myself” is finally understood. Are you with me?
Above all else, remember that “myself” is not interchangeable with “I” or “me.”
- The painter and myself didn’t choose our palette (yikes!)
- No one went to the library with my friend and myself (no!)
Neither of these sentences is correct. If you’re not sure why, return to that “I” versus “me” refresher. Here’s what you do need to know about this tricky word—and let’s add “yourself,” “himself,” “herself,” “itself,” “ourselves,” “yourselves,” and “themselves” to this conversation too. (These are all reflexive pronouns, but I’ll whisper the grammar jargon so as not to scare you away).
Reflexive Pronouns have two functions:
- They either refer to a pronoun that was already used in the sentence (e.g., I see myself in the mirror’s reflection), or
- they add dramatic emphasis (e.g., I, myself, have caught this error more times than I can name).
That’s it.
This is one we tend to over-think and over-correct, but we need to take a step back and let “myself” and the other reflexive pronouns be themselves. It’s quite simple really. Got it?