Refining Your Grammar: Understanding Reflexive Pronouns in English
Language is a powerful tool for communication, but it can also be a source of confusion, especially when it comes to grammatical nuances. Take, for example, the sentence 'Life goes on fighting with myself.' This sentence has been a point of contention for many due to its grammatical structure. Let's explore why it is not grammatically correct and how we can make it clearer.
Why 'Life goes on fighting with myself.' is Incorrect
The sentence 'Life goes on fighting with myself.' is not grammatically correct. The issue lies in the misuse of the reflexive pronoun 'myself.' Reflexive pronouns, such as myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, and themselves, are used when the subject and object of the verb refer to the same entity. In this sentence, the subject 'Life' and the object 'myself' are not the same, causing confusion and grammatical errors.
The correct sentence would be 'Life goes on while I keep fighting with myself.' This adjustment clarifies that the subject (you) is distinct from the object (yourself), and the sentence flows more naturally.
Rearranging for Clarity
Simple rearrangements and the addition of a comma can greatly improve the clarity and correctness of the sentence. For instance:
"Life goes on while I keep fighting with myself."
Even further simplification could be:
"Life goes on while I fight with myself."
Both of these versions are more clear and adhere to the rules of English grammar.
Understanding Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns are typically used in two contexts:
When the subject and the object of the verb refer to the same entity. Example: 'She congratulated herself.' Here, the subject (she) and the object (herself) are the same person.
To emphasize an action that is done by the subject for or to the subject. Example: 'She dressed herself.' This emphasizes that she did it for herself.
In the original sentence, 'Life goes on fighting with myself,' the subject and the object are not the same. Therefore, the reflexive pronoun should not be used in this context. The correct form would be 'Life goes on fighting with me.' The verb 'fight' does not require a reflexive pronoun in this case.
Affixing a Comma
The sentence 'Life goes on fighting with myself.' is also not punctuated correctly. A comma should be added after 'on' to separate the two clauses. The correct form would be:
"Life goes on, fighting with myself."
This addition improves the flow and readability of the sentence.
Conclusion
Understanding the proper use of reflexive pronouns and correct punctuation is crucial for effective communication. By refining your grammar, you can ensure that your writing is not only correct but also engaging and clear to your readers. Remember, whether you're writing a simple sentence or a complex piece, attention to detail in language use can make a significant impact on clarity and comprehension.