Is this the correct way to use the reflexive?

Question

Quiero tomar un curso para ayudarme a prepararme para el examen.

I know that isn't a good sentence but I would like to know if I used the reflexive correctly. Gracias

Answer 1

The usage of reflexive verbs is ok. But, your sentence sounds wrong because in Spanish we must always avoid duplicating patterns or words in the same sentence. I suggest you to do it like this: "Quiero tomar un curso que ayude a prepararme para el exámen."

Answer 2

but sometimes the verb is always reflexive. Me gusta...

Gustar is not a reflexive verb. - Eddy, Feb 17, 2012

Me gusta. Me=me, gusta=pleases me. Not reflexive as Eddy said. Just because me and se are in a sentence does not mean reflexive. They each have their separate meaning. I hope this helps! - kdrinning, Feb 17, 2012

That's perfect! Thank you very much! - andyhewitt12, Feb 17, 2012

Answer 3

A verb is considered reflexive when the subject and the object are the same. Also when a verb is reflexive, the infinitive ends in "se." In your example it does not.

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.

Hi Eddy, just wanted to say you have a great way to ecplain things. Thanks a lot for the info you provided me with concerning the uses of verbs Ser and Estar. Regards MArlee. - Marlee-Maria, Feb 17, 2012