Select a verb that can be used reflexively -- that is, one that by the addition of a reflexive pronoun describes, in a grammatically correct manner, what the subject of the pronoun is doing to itself. Example infinitives of verbs that can be used in this way include "to absent," "to pride" and "to perjure." These verbs cannot be used on their own but must be used with a reflexive pronoun.
Choose the reflexive pronoun you wish to combine with one or all of these example verbs. Reflexive pronouns include "myself," "yourself," "oneself," "himself," "herself," "ourselves," "yourselves" and "themselves." The result is the combined grammar construction of verb plus pronoun. For example, "to absent oneself," "to pride themselves" or "to perjure herself."
Choose a preposition to go before the verb and its pronoun. Examples that fit with the verbs chosen in this exercise include "by," "for," "in" and "after." Your choice of preposition depends on what it is you wish to say in the second clause in the sentence you are constructing. You will notice that in adding the preposition, you need to conjugate the infinitive form of the verb (absent, pride, perjure) to the "ing" form of the verb: "by absenting oneself," "in priding themselves" and "after perjuring herself."
Complete the first and second clause in your sentence. For example, "by absenting himself from the debate" and "John avoided having to vote." There are also other verbs that may be understood to be meant reflexively without having to mention the object. Examples are "he washed (himself)," "he shaved (himself)," "she dressed (herself)." When they follow a preposition they too take on the "ing" form of the verb: "after shaving, he decided to...," "in dressing, she chose...," "by washing, he managed to..."