Grammar Rhymes for Kids (and Adults): Pronouns (2)

We are on a slippery slope

When people push the envelope

When speaking English. Look below,

And you'll see what I mean to show.

 

"Who has ever seen an elf?"

"Luna, Richard, and myself."

Hearing that, I wonder why

"Myself" is used instead of "I."

 

When "myself" is used that way,

People, much to my dismay,

Forget that "I" will do the trick

And think the word "myself" sounds slick.

 

"I SEE myself" makes perfect sense.

And "I MYSELF can do it." Hence,

Here's a thought that should be stressed:

Use "myself" where it's used best.

 

"Please inform my office aide

OR myself." Well, I'm afraid

That when I see or hear that, it

Causes me to have a fit.

 

Please replace "myself" with "me."

"Myself" does not belong there. See?

ONLY I am able to

Inform MYSELF--not they, not you.

 

"Please inform…me" is what's meant.

Again, some folks circumvent

What's right with that which I suspect

They feel sounds perfectly correct.

 

"Tom and myself were asked to lead."

That sounds very odd indeed,

For doesn't "myself" sound awkward to you

When a simple "I" would do?

When speakers are a bit confused,
Words can sometimes be misused.
The following examples might
Provide a sense of what sounds right:

 

"Help yourselves to lunch," we hear.

And "Do not let yourself show fear."

"She bought herself a brand new fan."

"He himself designed the plan."

 

Reflexive pronouns they are called--

Intensive, too, and I'm enthralled

When English speakers are aware

Of using pronouns with great care.

 

-by Bob B (7-13-22)

Reviews

[Cherrie]

Absolutely wonderful, if I do say so myself 😊

[Shannon]

Alright; this is awesome. Not much else that I can say about it other than thank you for posting.

[Bob B]

Thank you for reading it.