Complete Grammar Syllabus (145 Units)

Grammar Mastery

Comprehensive reference, real-world IELTS band-boosting tips, clear structural formulas, and interactive short quizzes for intermediate to advanced English learners.

Reflexive Pronouns (Myself) & Possessives (A friend of mine)

Using reflexive pronouns (-self/-selves), each other vs themselves, and double possessive structures (a friend of mine, on my own).

Core Structure & Formula

Reflexive: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves

Reciprocal: each other / one another (They consulted each other)

Double Possessive: a friend of mine / a colleague of hers / a classmate of Tom's

Alone: on my own / by myself

ASubject and Object Same

Use reflexive pronouns when the subject and object refer to the exact same entity.

•Ravi introduced himself to the other delegates at the conference.

•Lena had a great semester abroad. She really enjoyed herself.

•I don't want the university to cover the fee. I'll pay for myself.

BThemselves vs. Each Other

'Themselves' means each person to himself. 'Each other' means a reciprocal exchange between two or more parties.

•The students checked themselves in the mirror before the presentation. (each checked their own reflection)

•Kim looked at Jae, and Jae looked at Kim. They looked at each other.

•The two departments don't communicate well with each other.

CA friend of mine / On my own

Natural idiomatic phrasing for personal connections and independent action.

•I'm attending a graduation on Saturday. A friend of mine is finishing her degree. (not a friend of me)

•I like living on my own. / I like living by myself. (= alone)

•He has too many deadlines of his own.

IELTS Band 7–9 Exam Impact

Enriches IELTS Speaking Part 1 and Part 2 descriptions of relationships, family members, hobbies, and personal independence.

Common Candidate Errors

✗ I met a friend of me yesterday.

✓ I met a friend of mine yesterday.

Use possessive pronoun 'mine', 'yours', 'hers', 'theirs' after 'of'.

✗ I relaxed myself on the balcony.

✓ I relaxed on the balcony.

Verbs like 'relax', 'feel', 'concentrate' do not take reflexive pronouns.

Unit 82 Interactive Short Quiz

Test your understanding with 3 verified practice exercises.

Question 1 of 3

Lena had a great semester abroad. She really enjoyed ______ .

Question 2 of 3

We met ______ at the departure gate.

Question 3 of 3

How long have you and Ben known ______ ?