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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Use of reflexive pronouns with transitive verbs

Hello, my name is Maria and I'm an english teacher from Greece.

I have a question regarding the use of reflexive pronouns. Which sentence is correct?

1. "If you feel lonely, get yourself a pet"

2. "If you feel lonely, get a pet for yourself"

According to the rules, a reflexive pronoun can be used after a preposition, which makes me think that the second sentence is probably correct.

But what happens with the first sentence? The rule says that when a transitive verb is used, the subject and the object of the sentence is the same. But as far as I can understand the meaning, the subject of "get" is "you" (implied) and the object is "pet"... isn't it? Can it be that "yourself" and "pet" are considered as two objects, direct and indirect?

Please help me, I'm confused!

Thanks in advance.
  

Top answer

Both sentences are fine, Maria. Your explanation is correct. Buy yourself a new hat.

  • Both sentences are fine, Maria.
  • Your explanation is correct.
  • Buy yourself a new hat.
  • They found themselves a lot of trouble
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1 Answers
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Both sentences are fine, Maria. Your explanation is correct.

Buy yourself a new hat.
They found themselves a lot of trouble

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