Our vs Ours
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Our | Ours | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | belonging to us | belonging to us |
| CEFR level | A1 | B1 |
| Part of speech | determiner | pronoun |
| Usage notes | Used to show that something belongs to a group that includes the speaker. It's appropriate in most contexts, both spoken and written. Avoid using in very formal writing where other possessive forms might be preferred. | Use 'ours' to show possession when referring to a group including the speaker. Avoid using it to refer to singular items; use 'my' or 'your' instead. |
Frequently asked questions: Our vs Ours
What's the difference between "Our" and "Ours"?
"Our" means: belonging to us "Ours" means: belonging to us
When should I use "Our" and "Ours"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Our" and "Ours" the same CEFR level?
"Our" is at A1, "Ours" is at B1 on the CEFR scale.