【明報專訊】Pat's aunt was hospitalised a few days ago so Pat is looking after her little cousins. Can she take good care of them?
MoMo: Hi, Pat, are you joining us for dinner tonight?
Pat: No, MoMo, I don't think so. I have to take care of my cousins Pam, Po and Pete.
MoMo: Oh, I remember Pam and Po. Last time we went shopping together. (1) They can dress themselves, can't they?
Pat: Yes, (2) Po was especially pleased with herself, but she is quite clumsy sometimes and may need my help. I have to prepare dinner for Pete too. (3) He can't feed himself.
MoMo: It sounds like a tough task. Do you need help?
Pat: It's very kind of you, but (4) I can tackle it by myself.
MoMo: Alright. (5) Take care of yourself too!
Pat: I will. (6) Enjoy yourselves at the dinner!
■English highway﹕
When the doer and the receiver of an action are the same person, we use reflexive pronouns. We use the suffix "-self" for singular reflexive pronouns and "-selves" for plural ones.
We can use reflexive pronouns after a preposition in adjective or verb phrases (example 2 and 5). Sometimes, we use the structure "by + reflexive pronoun" to mean doing the action alone without help (example 4).
◆Now you try
Circle the correct answer.
1. Can you tell me something about (you / yourself)?
2. I always solve problems on (my / myself) own.
3. Please close the door after (you / yourself).
4. Grandpa is so lonely that he often talks to (him / himself).
5. Candice would like to finish the project by (her / herself) because it is more efficient.
6. Please behave (ourselves / yourselves)! You will disturb the others.
(Answers on next text)
■Glossary
hospitalised (v) 住院
clumsy (adj) 笨手笨腳的
tackle (v) 處理
efficient (adj) 有效率的
[Smarties' Power English 第194期]
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