A2pronoun1K

Ourselves

UK /["/ɑːˈselvz//ˌaʊəˈselvz/"]/US /["/ɑːrˈselvz//ˌaʊərˈselvz/"]/

Definition

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.

Examples

  • 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.

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

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

Synonyms

  • us
  • we
  • ours
  • personally
  • individually

Antonyms

  • themselves
  • yourself
  • himself
  • herself

Common mistakes

  • 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.'