Extract:
Select the word that makes the following sentence grammatically correct.
Mary Ann gave __________ credit for studying so hard and passing the test.
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A
oneself
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B
itself
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C
herself
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D
themselves
The word "herself" makes the sentence grammatically correct by providing the reflexive pronoun matching the third-person singular feminine subject "Mary Ann."
A) oneself
"Oneself" matches indefinite pronoun "one"—incorrect person to match named subject "Mary Ann." Reflexive pronouns must agree with their antecedents in person, number, and gender.
B) itself
"Itself" matches neuter third-person singular—incorrect gender for person "Mary Ann." Reflexives for people require personal pronouns, not neuter forms.
C) herself
"Herself" is third-person singular feminine reflexive pronoun correctly matching subject "Mary Ann." Reflexive pronouns are required when subject and object refer to the same person performing and receiving the action.
D) themselves
"Themselves" is plural reflexive—incorrect number to match singular subject "Mary Ann." Pronoun number must correspond to antecedent number.
Conclusion
Reflexive pronouns must match their antecedents in person, number, and gender. Singular feminine subject "Mary Ann" performing an action upon herself requires singular feminine reflexive "herself"—not indefinite, neuter, or plural alternatives.