Reflexives not used?

Question

Hello,While I was reading the book "Practical English Usage, 3rd edition, page 477, I came across an example, wherein the writer, Michael Swan, of worldwide fame, made a strange claim. Why strange? Because I firmly believe in this very section he's trying to explain things using decontextualized examples.He says sentence (a) below is wrong:(a) Suddenly the door opened itself.Although I believe the above sentence is less common than the version with no reflexive pronoun, I don't think it's grammatically wrong. Well, when prompted, a self-opening door opens itself. Right?What's more, I am pretty sure the sentence (b) below is perfectly grammatical. (b) The door opens itself when someone comes near it.Of course,  by "the door" the writer probably means a self-contained unit that includes the door and the opening mechanism. Otherwise, the better version sure is: The door opens when someone comes near it.That's why I say: Context is important.I would be happy if you would share your opinions with me.Thanks.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

(a) The sentence "Suddenly the door opened itself." would only be used in a horror movie, where things open by themselves.

(b) The sentence, "The door opens itself when someone comes near it." should be "The (automatic) door opens by itself when someone comes near it." The sentence "The door opens when someone comes near it." should be "The automatic door opens when someone comes near it."

CalifJim · Answer

anonymousI would be happy if you would share your opinions with me.

There may be scenarios in which a door "opens itself", but these have got to be rare compared to those more ordinary situations that Swan is probably more interested in addressing.

anonymousSuddenly the door opened itself.

I'd say The door opened and leave it at that. I don't see a need for itself. It strikes me as unidiomatic.

anonymousI don't think it's grammatically wrong.

No, I don't suppose we can claim it's actually grammatically wrong. That's why I use the word 'unidiomatic' in these cases.

anonymousThe door opens itself when someone comes near it.

Again, I'd say It opens when someone comes near it. What else can it open but itself? We may as well say that a vase fell and broke itself or that my shirt got caught on a nail and tore itself. None of these ergative verbs require a reflexive, and they become unidiomatic when the reflexive is used.

anonymousContext is important.

Yes, it is, but in a general discussion of English grammar, it's not always necessary to explore every possible context for the sake of absolute completeness. (Grammar books are already too long and complicated. )

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Thanks. But why would I have to mention (automatic)?

A door that "opens itself" has a device built into the door latch that opens the door mechanically in response to a prompt--just as a door with a pneumatic closer closes itself.

Reflexives not used?

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