Include Me and Educate Myself: Exploring the Universe

Correct Use Of Reflexive Pronouns: Subject And Object Are The Same Or For Emphasis

Reflexive pronouns are an important aspect of grammar, particularly when considering the correct use of pronouns in relation to the subject and object of a sentence. Reflexive pronouns are compounds of a personal pronoun and -self/selves, such as myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, and themselves.

The correct use of reflexive pronouns is crucial in instances where the subject and object of a sentence are the same. For example, “I hurt myself while playing sports.” In this sentence, “I” is both the subject and the object of the action, and therefore “myself” is the appropriate reflexive pronoun to use.

Furthermore, reflexive pronouns can be used for emphasis. This is seen in sentences like “I, myself, am responsible for the success of this project.” Here, “myself” adds emphasis to the speaker’s role in the achievement.

“Myself” Is Not Limited To Lower Educated Or Low Social Status Individuals

There is a common misconception that the use of “myself” instead of “I” or “me” is limited to individuals with lower education or lower social status. However, this is a misunderstanding.

Even educated elites may use “myself” in phrases like “including me” or “myself included.”

It is important to recognize that language is complex and diverse, and the use of “myself” in certain contexts can be a matter of personal style or emphasis. The choice to use “myself” instead of “I” or “me” does not necessarily indicate a lack of education or social standing.

Even Educated Elites Use “Myself” In Phrases Like “Including Me” Or “Myself Included”

Contrary to popular belief, “myself” is not exclusively used by individuals with lower education levels. Even educated elites employ “myself” in phrases like “including me” or “myself included.” These expressions are commonly used to emphasize the inclusion of the speaker in a specific group or context.

For example, a renowned professor might say, “In this seminar, we will discuss various topics including me,” or a well-respected author might state, “The panel will consist of a diverse group of individuals, myself included.”

The use of “myself” in these instances is not indicative of a lack of education or social standing. Instead, it illustrates the versatility and adaptability of language, as well as the importance of personal style and emphasis in communication.

Increase In Incorrect Use Of “Myself” Since The 1960s

Although the use of “myself” in phrases like “including me” or “myself included” has become more prevalent in recent years, it is essential to note that its incorrect use has also increased since the 1960s.

Improper usage of reflexive pronouns can be observed when individuals inappropriately substitute “myself” for “me” or “I.” For instance, saying “The invitation was sent to John and myself” instead of “The invitation was sent to John and me” is an incorrect use of the reflexive pronoun.

It is important to maintain grammatical accuracy and avoid these incorrect formations. Clear comprehension of the correct use of reflexive pronouns is crucial for effective communication and ensuring the integrity of language.

The Author’s Preference: Avoiding “Including Myself” But Accepting “Myself Included” In Less Formal Speech

As the author of this article, I confess to having a personal preference regarding the use of reflexive pronouns. While I avoid using the phrase “including myself,” I find no issue with the expression “myself included” in less formal speech.

The reason behind my choice lies in the correct use of reflexive pronouns. In the phrase “including myself,” the subject and object are not the same, making it an incorrect usage.

However, in the phrase “myself included,” the subject (myself) and object (included) are indeed the same.

This preference is subjective and may vary among individuals. It is, nonetheless, essential to acknowledge and respect the diversity in language usage.

Proper Use Of “Including Myself” Requires Subject And Object To Be The Same

To use the phrase “including myself” correctly, it is crucial for the subject and object of the sentence to be the same. This means that the speaker, who is the subject, must also be included in the group or action mentioned.

For example, consider the sentence: “We will celebrate the achievements of all the team members, including myself.” Here, the subject (we) and the object (myself) are the same, making the usage of “myself” appropriate.

However, it is vital to ensure that the reflexive pronoun is used correctly. The phrase “including myself” should not be used when the subject and object differ, as this would be an incorrect application of the reflexive pronoun.

“Myself” In Certain Contexts Is Illogical But Idiomatic

In certain contexts, the use of “myself” may appear illogical from a strict grammatical perspective. However, idiomatic expressions often defy logical analysis and are an intrinsic part of language usage.

For instance, expressions like “I did it myself” or “I myself witnessed the event” might seem somewhat redundant. After all, the pronoun “I” alone would suffice to convey the meaning.

Nevertheless, these idiomatic phrases have become deeply ingrained in our language, providing emphasis and depth to our expressions.

The illogical but idiomatic usage of “myself” highlights the ever-evolving nature of language and the importance of understanding and accepting these linguistic nuances.

Examples Of Proper Usage: “Including Me” And “Including Myself”

To illustrate the proper usage of reflexive pronouns, let us examine two examples: “including me” and “including myself.”

1. “Including me”:

2. The project team consisted of various professionals, including me.

3. They celebrated the success of the organization, including me. – Please consider everyone’s opinions, including me.

4. “Including myself”:

5. We all participated in the fundraising campaign, including myself.

6. The event will be attended by esteemed guests, including myself. – The survey covers a wide range of demographics, including myself.

These examples demonstrate the correct use of reflexive pronouns in phrases where the subject and object are the same. “Including me” and “including myself” serve to emphasize the inclusion of the speaker in the given context.

It is essential to adhere to these proper usage guidelines and maintain grammatical accuracy in our communication. By doing so, we ensure effective and clear expression while respecting the integrity of language.