0
Anonymous Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

him, himself

Military citations often end with the phrase, "....and his accomplishments reflect great credit on himself, the Army, etc." Should they not reflect on "him" rather than "himself?" What rule applies? Thank you...
  

Top answer

When the actor brings the action to himself, use the reflexive. So, you're right. When the accomplishments are doing the reflecting, the credit goes on him.

  • When the actor brings the action to himself, use the reflexive.
  • So, you're right.
  • When the accomplishments are doing the reflecting, the credit goes on him.
  • The reflector (the accomplishments) is not the same as the reflected upon.
  • " then the self suffix is correct because the reflector and the reflected upon are the same.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

1 Answers
0
When the actor brings the action to himself, use the reflexive. So, you're right. When the accomplishments are doing the reflecting, the credit goes on him. The reflector (the accomplishments) is not the same as the reflected upon. When you say "He reflected great credit on himself." then the self suffix is correct because the reflector and the reflected upon are the same.

Related Questions