A2pronoun 1K

Ourselves

🇬🇧 UK /["/ɑːˈselvz//ˌaʊəˈselvz/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ɑːrˈselvz//ˌaʊərˈselvz/"]/

Meaning of Ourselves

the reflexive form of we; used when you and another person or other people together cause and are affected by an action

In simple words: We (people) by our own action or choices.

Ourselves in a sentence

• We shouldn't blame ourselves for what happened.
• Let's just relax and enjoy ourselves.
• We'd like to see it for ourselves.
• We've often thought of going there ourselves.
• The only people there were ourselves.
• We had the pool all to ourselves.

How to use Ourselves

Use 'ourselves' when referring back to a group including the speaker. It's more common in reflective or self-referential contexts. Avoid in overly formal writing.

Grammar pattern

pronoun

Memory hint

Sounds like 'our-cells' — imagine our group in our own cells, thinking for ourselves.

Related words

Collocations with Ourselves

• find ourselves
• believe in ourselves
• challenge ourselves
• enjoy ourselves
• remind ourselves

Synonyms for Ourselves

• us
• we
• ours
• personally
• individually

Opposites of Ourselves

• themselves
• yourself
• himself
• herself

Common mistakes with Ourselves

• Using 'ourself' instead of 'ourselves'.
• Confusing with 'themselves' or 'yourself' when speaking about a different group.
• Incorrect subject-verb agreement, e.g., 'We saw ourselves' instead of 'Us saw ourselves.'

Frequently asked questions about Ourselves

What does Ourselves mean?

We (people) by our own action or choices.

What is the definition of Ourselves?

the reflexive form of we; used when you and another person or other people together cause and are affected by an action

How do you use Ourselves in a sentence?

We shouldn't blame ourselves for what happened.

Can you give another example of Ourselves?

Let's just relax and enjoy ourselves.

What are synonyms for Ourselves?

Common alternatives include us, we, ours, personally, individually.

What is the opposite of Ourselves?

Opposite meanings include themselves, yourself, himself, herself.

What words go with Ourselves?

It commonly pairs with find ourselves, believe in ourselves, challenge ourselves, enjoy ourselves, remind ourselves.

What are common mistakes when using Ourselves?

Using 'ourself' instead of 'ourselves'. Confusing with 'themselves' or 'yourself' when speaking about a different group. Incorrect subject-verb agreement, e.g., 'We saw ourselves' instead of 'Us saw ourselves.'

How do you pronounce Ourselves?

US: /["/ɑːrˈselvz//ˌaʊərˈselvz/"]/, UK: /["/ɑːˈselvz//ˌaʊəˈselvz/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Ourselves?

Use 'ourselves' when referring back to a group including the speaker. It's more common in reflective or self-referential contexts. Avoid in overly formal writing.

What CEFR level is Ourselves?

"Ourselves" is at A2 level on the CEFR scale.