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"Reflexive only" verbs


English can use a lot of verbs in a reflexive context. Even ones that usually are used intransitively.



I laugh myself silly.



However, it seems like there are very few – perhaps no – verbs that ONLY work in a reflexive context.


Are there any?



Answer



Following are verbs that, according to the Cambridge Grammar of the English Language (p1488), have "a reflexive as the only (or virtually the only) type of object permitted":



absent (from), avail (of), busy, comport, ingratiate



Collins Cobuild English Grammar (p146) adds:



pride, content



calling them "true reflexive verbs" that "must be used with a reflexive pronoun".


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