By myself / yourself
The expression by myself / yourself etc., is used to mean ‘alone’ or ‘without help.’
- I can solve this problem by myself. (= I can solve this problem without help.)
- She likes to spend time by herself. (= She likes to be alone.)
My own, your own etc
Reflexive pronouns do not have a possessive form. For example, we cannot say: himself’s photos or herself’s books. Instead, we use an expression with own.
- He cooks his own meals. (NOT He cooks himself’s meals.)
- She designs her own clothes. (NOT She designs herself’s clothes.)
Verbs not used with reflexives
Certain verbs are not usually used with reflexive pronouns. Examples are: wash, dress, concentrate, feel, strange and shave
- He shaves every day. (NOT He shaves himself every day.)
- Hurry! (NOT Hurry yourself!)
But reflexives are used when it is necessary to make it clear who does the action.
- The barber shaves people who don’t shave themselves. (NOT The barber shaves people who don’t shave.)
