"when you can't do that yourself" vs "when you yourself can't do that"

Question

"when you can't do that yourself" vs "when you yourself can't do that"

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different structures. The first phrase 'when you yourself can't do that' emphasizes the pronoun 'yourself' and is more common in informal speech. The second phrase 'when you can't do that yourself' places the pronoun 'yourself' at the end of the sentence and is more formal. The choice between them depends on the desired emphasis and formality of the context.

Last Updated: March 17, 2024

This phrase is used in a more formal context to indicate the inability of the person being addressed to do something, with the emphasis on 'yourself' at the end of the sentence.

Examples:

When you can't do that yourself, it's time to seek assistance.
It's important to know your limits and ask for help when you can't do that yourself.
When you can't solve the problem yourself, it's wise to involve others.

Alternatives:

when you yourself can't do that
when you are unable to do that yourself
when you can't do that on your own
when you are incapable of doing that yourself
when you lack the ability to do that yourself

This phrase is used to emphasize the pronoun 'yourself' in a situation where the speaker is highlighting the inability of the person being addressed to do something.

Examples:

When you yourself can't do that, how can you expect others to do it?
It's important to recognize when you yourself can't handle a situation and seek help.
When you yourself can't solve the problem, it's time to ask for assistance.

Alternatives:

when you can't do that yourself
when you are unable to do that yourself
when you can't do that on your own
when you are incapable of doing that yourself
when you lack the ability to do that yourself

Answer 1

when you can't do that yourself

This phrase is correct and more formal, placing the pronoun 'yourself' at the end of the sentence.

Answer 2

when you yourself can't do that

This phrase is correct and commonly used in informal speech to emphasize the pronoun 'yourself'.

"when you can't do that yourself" vs "when you yourself can't do that"

when you can't do that yourself

when you yourself can't do that

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