We use a reflexive pronoun when the person or thing performing the action (the subject) is also the one receiving the action (the object). Think of it as a grammar mirror reflecting the action right back to where it started.

• Example 1: I cut myself while cooking.

  • Analysis: I did the cutting (subject), and I received the cut (object).

• Example 2: The actor saw himself on the billboard.

  • Analysis: The actor is doing the seeing, and he is looking at his own image.

If the subject and object are different people, you cannot use a reflexive pronoun.

• Different people: I cut him (Object Pronoun).

• Same person: I cut myself (Reflexive Pronoun).