When exactly do we use a verb reflexively?

Question

Me again confused! So, I posted a question a while ago which was, "Es cómico que se hayan olvidado el ascensor." When I looked at it closely, I started to wonder why did we use "se" here with olvidar though we have an object, the elevator?

Like when you say, "Los alumnos se visten" we used it reflexively because we are not specific about what are they dressing, but we say, "Los alumnos visten pantalones." In the latter example, the verb was not used reflexively because there is an object, pantalones.

Same thing goes for, "He olvidado su número de teléfono," not "Me he olvidado su número de teléfono."

I don't know if I'm over thinking and confusing myself or if that is something confusing.

Answer 1

Hello spuny, (Excuse my English) From the sentence "Es cómico que se hayan olvidado el ascensor." I picture a building that has no elevator and we are talking about the people who forgot to put one up there.

I have to say that if you say "Es cómico que hayan olvidado el ascensor." whithout 'SE', it is totally fine. Everybody will understand you because the alternative would be synonym of "it's is funny that they did not bring the elevator with them", like if it was a pie or a bottle of wine for a dinner. Improbable.

Well, I think that "Es cómico que se hayan olvidado el ascensor." is short for "Es cómico que se hayan olvidado de poner el ascensor." and that 'SE' that troubles you is in fact a way to (I dont know if this is the word) depersonalize. We do not know who forgot that.

For example:

ENG: It is said that..

ESP: Se dice que..

On the other hand, "He olvidado su número de teléfono," and "Me he olvidado su número de teléfono." are basically equivalent. But the first one (means literally "I forgot his/her number") is more correct.

Again, it depends on the context, as always. The difference would be hard to see even for a native speaker like me. So.. maybe you are over thinking. But this is never a bad thing when it comes to learn.

I hope that this will help.

¡Saludos!.

That was perfect! Thank you! - spuny, Aug 14, 2013

You're welcome. :) - 003492fc, Aug 14, 2013

Your explanation is easy to understand atxeko...thank you. - 0095ca4c, Aug 14, 2013

Best answer - absolutely! :D - Findy, Aug 14, 2013

It doesn't look like you need any help with your English. In the answers I have seen here and on other posts, your English is flawless. - rac1, Aug 14, 2013

Answer 2

Hola, spuny, and welcome! Try listening to this lesson here on SD: Reflexive Verbs and The Morning Routine

I don't know how those blue underlined things are in my post. I didn't put it there, so don't click on it. I did put in the Reflexive Verbs... lesson link. - Findy, Aug 13, 2013

I see no blue underlined things. - rac1, Aug 14, 2013

Thank you Findy! That helped also. - spuny, Aug 14, 2013

Hi Findy...I don't see any underlining either. - 0095ca4c, Aug 14, 2013

Yes, it was on my computer (a few people here have it). It's a virus. I got rid of it. - Findy, Aug 14, 2013