Reflexive verbs and reciprocity

Esha kaur L.A2Kwiziq community member

Reflexive verbs and reciprocity

How do I distinguish between a reflexive verb where the action is happening to the subject and not to each like in reciprocity as explained here.

Asked 1 day ago
Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Esha, 

just as in English, if a statement is potentially ambiguous and unclear, the context is important. 

When the context is not given, or does not fully clarify the meaning, the speaker/writer will usually add information, or the listener will ask for it. 

It is important to know that pronominal verbs may sometimes be reciprocal or reflexive, but it is an uncommon source of confusion really, as often one or the other meaning is rare, or relatively nonsensical in a particular situation. 

Context and clarification. 

Esha kaur L. asked:

Reflexive verbs and reciprocity

How do I distinguish between a reflexive verb where the action is happening to the subject and not to each like in reciprocity as explained here.

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Clever stuff happening!