Reflective Pronouns Introduction
In French, reflective pronouns relate to the subject and are used with pronominal verbs. They're essential in expressing actions done to oneself, like 'je me lave' (I wash myself).
Singular Reflective Pronouns
Singular forms include 'me' or 'm'' for 'je', 'te' or 't'' for 'tu', and 'se' or 's'' for 'il/elle/on'. These pronouns precede the verb, adapting for euphony.
Plural Reflective Pronouns
Plural forms are 'nous' for 'we', 'vous' for 'you' (plural/formal), and 'se' for 'ils/elles'. Reflective pronouns match the subject in number and formality.
Position in Sentences
Reflective pronouns are placed before the conjugated verb. In compound tenses, they precede the auxiliary verb, such as 'Je me suis lavé' (I washed myself).
Imperative Mood Special Case
In imperative sentences, reflective pronouns follow the verb and are connected with a hyphen. For example: 'Lave-toi !' (Wash yourself!)
Agreement with Past Participle
In past tenses using 'être' as the auxiliary, the past participle agrees in gender and number with the reflective pronoun: 'Elles se sont lavées'.
Reflective vs. Reciprocal
Reflective pronouns can also indicate reciprocal action. 'Ils se battent' could mean 'They fight each other.' Context clarifies if the action is reflective or reciprocal.
What verbs use reflective pronouns?
Only imperative verbs
All verb forms
Pronominal verbs
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