myself - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
myself Word Meanings
- used for emphasis to refer to the speaker
- the speaker's own self
- to indicate a focus on the speaker alone
myself Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
myself Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/maɪˈsɛlf/
US
/maɪˈsɛlf/
myself Word Etymology
my = of me, self = one's own person. Origin: Old English → English. Imagine looking in a mirror and seeing only yourself, emphasizing your individuality.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
First I reach forward, grip the edge of the box, and pull it toward myself. A tremor runs through my wrist, so I adjust my grip and set my shoulders to steady the move. I pause, feeling the effort, and tell myself I did it myself, a small claim that makes the moment mine. That move—this little push of focus on my own effort—shows how we use myself in real talk to mark who did the work.
Real Context
myself is a reflexive pronoun used to refer back to the speaker and to add emphasis. It appears after verbs (I did it myself), after prepositions (by myself), or after a clause to show responsibility or personal involvement (I baked the cake myself). It cannot be used as the subject of a sentence; use I as the subject, not myself. In informal speech, people sometimes overuse myself in places where only I is correct, or use it in front of other pronouns (myself and you), which is wrong. Learning to place myself correctly helps clarify who did what and prevents awkward sentences.
Usage Reminders
- Remember: never use myself as the subject; use I. Place myself after the verb or after a preposition for emphasis. Reserve for emphasis or clear responsibility. Do not pair myself with other pronouns as a compound subject. Distinguish I did it myself from I did it by myself. Practice both with and without emphasis. Avoid overusing in formal writing.
Common Misconceptions
- Using myself as a subject (incorrect: Myself went to the store).
- Treating myself as the direct object (I met myself at the mirror).
- Using myself after conjunctions with other pronouns (myself and you).
- Forgetting to use I, not me, after forms of be (It is I, not It is myself).
- Confusing 'by myself' with 'myself' alone in all positions.
Thinking Differences
English uses fixed reflexive forms for emphasis and to mark responsibility. Other languages may rely on adverbs, noun phrases, or different pronouns to convey emphasis, which can make learners overemphasize or misplace the reflexive in English.
Learning Tips
- Identify when to use I vs. myself; practice with subject vs. emphasis cases.
- Place myself after the verb for emphasis (I did it myself).
- Use by myself after a preposition to show independence (by myself).
- Contrast I did it myself vs I did it by myself to feel the nuance.
- Avoid using myself with other pronouns in compound subjects.
- Read and listen for native usage in context.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'myself' used correctly?
A.I hurt me myself.
B.My friend and myself studied together.
C.Myself went to the park.
D.Myself dog is so cute.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is the opposite of 'myself'?
A.Himself
B.Themselves
C.Itself
D.Yourself
Step 4: Opposite Words
Can you give a real-life example of when you would use the word 'myself'?
A.Cooking dinner
B.Writing a book
C.Introducing yourself to someone new
D.Fixing a leaky faucet
Step 5: Mastery
Reflect on the importance of using 'myself' correctly in sentences and then create a sentence using the word 'myself'.
A.Good job
B.I need help
C.I understand
D.Thanks
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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