what are reflexive verbs i need help

Question

what are reflexive verbs? help!

Answer 1

A verb is reflexive when the subject and the object are the same.

I wash myself. subject: I verb: wash object: myself

Since the subject and object are the same, the verb is reflexive.

I wash the car. subject: I verb: wash object: car

Since the subject and object are different, the verb is not reflexive.

Here's another example of how a verb can be either reflexive or non-reflexive.

I scratch myself. subject: I verb: scratch object: myself

Since the subject and object are the same, the verb is reflexive.

I scratch the dog. subject: I verb: scratch object: dog

Since the subject and object are different, the verb is not reflexive.

When a verb is reflexive, the infinitive ends in "se."

lavar to wash (non-reflexive)

lavarse to wash oneself (reflexive)

rascar to scratch (non-reflexive)

rascarse to scratch oneself (reflexive)

thanks that kinda helped - aganerd, Dec 11, 2010

Strictly speakeing, the verb is not reflexive but the construction is. The verb is ¨"used" reflexively. There are no verbs that are inherently reflexive. - samdie, Dec 11, 2010

Answer 2

For additional study and for other readers of this thread, Span¡shD!ct has a Reference page giving some explanation of what is referred to for teaching pusrposes as "Reflexive" verbs. You will find the reference page here ----> Reflexive Verbs.

 

Also, Lesson 2.5 is an introduction to the use of these verbs. You can find Lesson 2.5 here ----> Lesson 2.5.

Muchos saludos/Best regards,

Moe