themselves vs ourselves

[candice]

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #40 "Reflexive Pronouns", question 2

His father always wanted his children to look after ......... and do what they wanted.

(a) themselves
(b) ourselves
(c) herself

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #40 "Reflexive Pronouns", answer 2

His father always wanted his children to look after themselves and do what they wanted.

Correct answer: (a) themselves
_________________________

I don't think it would be themselfs can you explain it to me

candice

[Mister Micawber]

.
The pronoun must match the noun it refers to.. Here, the noun is 'his children'...'themselves'.

father always wanted his children to look after themselves
father always wanted his child to look after himself / herself
father always wanted us children to look after ourselves
father always wanted me to look after myself
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber