Tim made me do this! Just kidding, Tim.

You may feel that this subject is a huge yawn, but it will be well worth
the time it takes to read.

A recent search on Tweeters revealed that about 20% of all the uses of
the word "myself" were in error. However, that means that 80% of
Tweeters already have its proper usage down pat.

It should be remembered that posts to Tweeters live forever in the ether
that is the internet and, thus, the use of improper grammar reflects
poorly on Tweeterdom forever. Most Tweeters will agree that proper use
of our language is important. This is not nitpicking.

There is one error that people frequently make when using the reflexive
pronoun form. This error is the inappropriate use of a "self" pronoun
where a simple pronoun is called for.

The word "myself" is known as a reflexive pronoun. When should we not
use the word?

"Myself" should not be used as a substitute for the personal object
pronoun "me." This is a common mistake, as in the following examples:

Incorrect:
-- The ABA board of directors invited myself to speak at the next annual
convention.

Correct:
-- The ABA board of directors invited me to speak at the next annual
convention.

(The pronoun "me" is the object of the verb "invited," but since the
subject is "the ABA board," not "I," the object of the verb is not the
same as the subject of the verb, and therefore the reflexive pronoun is
not needed.)

Incorrect:
--John and myself can carry most of the equipment.

Correct:
--John and I can carry most of the equipment.

Incorrect:
--This is a matter that concerns only you and himself.
--This is a matter that concerns only you and myself.
--This is a matter that concerns only him and yourself.

Correct:
--This is a matter that concerns only you and him.
--This is a matter that concerns only you and me.
--This is a matter that concerns only him and you.


When someone uses a "self" pronoun where a simple pronoun is called for,
it is almost always because he/she mistakenly thinks the reflexive form
sounds more "elegant." It doesn't. Memorize this (self-evident!)
principle: Incorrect usage is never more elegant than correct usage.

Generally speaking, it is best not to put on airs. That rule applies
also to the way we use language. More often than not, when someone tries
to add "elegance" to his spoken or written style, he ends up sounding
pretentious. Even worse, he may end up sounding ignorant--precisely the
opposite of the effect he is hoping to produce!

So, when should you use the word, "myself?" The golden rule is that you
should only use "myself" if the word "I" comes before it in the same
sentence. When this is the case, the word is used in the following
situations:

Firstly, when the subject and object of the sentence are the same:

I know myself.
I saw myself in the mirror.

Secondly, when you want to emphasize, or call more attention to the
subject of the sentence:

I did the job myself. (Nobody helped me).
I ate all the cake myself. (Nobody else ate any).

The use of the other reflexive pronouns yourself, himself, herself,
ourselves, yourselves and themselves in relation to their subject and
object pronouns is the same.

By now most of you are well aware of my hang-up on the proper use of
grammar and syntax. And, by the way, I don't claim to be perfect MYSELF!

My apologies for bringing this up. But I couldn't help MYSELF. ;)

My thanks to Tina Blu of homestead.com, whom I quoted.

S c o t t R a y
Yakima, WA
Mryakima at nwinfo.net