Reflexive pronouns (itself vs. themselves)

[jian]

Test No. incompl/elem-40 "Reflexive Pronouns", question 10

Unfortunately Icarus went too near the sun and the wax on his wings melted and the feathers worked ......... free and he fell on the ground and died.

(a) itself
(b) yourselves
(c) themselves

Test No. incompl/elem-40 "Reflexive Pronouns", answer 10

Unfortunately Icarus went too near the sun and the wax on his wings melted and the feathers worked themselves free and he fell on the ground and died.

Correct answer: (c) themselves
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itself vs. themselves

jian

[Alan]

Th subject is plural - feathers and so you need to use themselves.
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Yankee]

Hi Marko

In the context of the test sentence, 'work (itself) free' basically means 'become unattached'.
.
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"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Yankee]

Hi Torsten

I would like to suggest that if individual posts are moved, the responses to those posts should be moved with them.

Thanks.
.
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"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Torsten]

That's sound advice, Amy. Many thanks. Torsten

TOEIC listening, talks: Radio commercial for an invisible dog fencing system

[Marko]

[Torsten]

Hi Marko, "the feathers worked themselves free" means the feathers fell off. Let me know if this makes sense.
Regards,
Torsten

TOEIC listening, talks: A business partner cancels an appointment by leaving a voice mail message

[Marko]

I understood what it means, but i don't understand the expression itself. I was just curious, never mind.
Thank you anyway. You too Amy.

[Mona Rmzi]

Hello Mr. Torsten,Mr. Alan,and my friends
Oh my God,really its a very sad story, I feel that I want to cry.
Mona Ramzi