In English, the words “ourself” and “ourselves” are both reflexive pronouns, but they are used in different contexts. Understanding when to use each can help you communicate more effectively. Here’s a breakdown of the difference and when to use each one.
“Ourself” – A Singular, Archaic Form
The word “ourself” is the reflexive form of the pronoun “we” used in the singular. This usage is largely considered archaic or old-fashioned and is now rarely seen in modern English. You might encounter it in historical texts, older literature, or even in certain religious or poetic contexts.
For example, in some religious or formal writing, you may come across sentences like:
- “If ourself were in need, we would call for help.”
- “We must treat ourself with kindness.”
However, this usage is so infrequent in contemporary English that it is typically regarded as incorrect or overly formal in everyday speech or writing.
“Ourselves” – The Common Reflexive Pronoun
In modern English, the correct reflexive pronoun for “we” in both singular and plural contexts is “ourselves.” This form is used to refer back to the subject of the sentence (we) and can be used in both formal and informal speech. It is the standard reflexive form used in contemporary English.
Examples of proper usage include:
- “We looked at ourselves in the mirror.” (plural, most common usage)
- “We blamed ourselves for the mistake.” (plural)
- “We asked ourselves why this had happened.” (plural)
- “We should take care of ourselves.” (plural)
The key takeaway is that “ourselves” is the reflexive form used when you are talking about a group that includes you.
Important Points to Remember:
- Use “ourselves” for all instances of reflexive pronouns referring to “we.” Even if you’re talking about a singular collective group (e.g., “our team” or “our family”), you should still use “ourselves” rather than “ourself.”
- “Ourself” is not commonly used in modern English and is often found in older writings or specific religious and poetic contexts.
- Avoid “ourself” in casual speech or writing. It may sound stilted or incorrect, unless you’re aiming for a historical or stylistic tone.
Conclusion
While both “ourself” and “ourselves” are reflexive pronouns, “ourselves” is the form that should be used in most contexts today. “Ourself” is an outdated form that rarely appears outside of specific or archaic contexts. For clarity and correctness in contemporary English, always opt for “ourselves” when referring back to the subject “we.”
By understanding these nuances, you’ll ensure that your language is both grammatically correct and in line with modern usage.
sweety or sweetie
sweetie or sweety
myself or my self
cacoon or cocoon
sweatie
sustain vs substain
unloyal or disloyal
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awaiting vs pending
gauging interest
good bye or goodbye
night time or nighttime
fairer or more fair
pending vs awaiting
ect or etc
persue
time has flown by
assistants vs assistance
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me as well meaning
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brief vs debrief
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substain vs sustain
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well received
awaiting or pending
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i as well
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an ma or a ma
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have come or have came
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an or a unique
are also welcomed
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informational vs informative
envision vs invision
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gage interest meaning
persuing
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to gauge interest
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plural of gas
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currently waiting for approval!
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الفرق بين sweet و sweetie
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feeling nostalgic
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ect of etc
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comma after e.g.
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disloyal vs unloyal
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sweety meaning
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feel vs felt
an unique or a unique
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become and became different
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gauging or gaging
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comma after e.g
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disloyal or unloyal which one is correct
all are welcomed or all are welcome
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is ect or etc
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she hasn’t or haven’t
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take effect or affect
e.g. comma
sweety
does e.g. need a comma
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addenda plural
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gas plural
we are looking forward to seeing you
family plural
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families or familys
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nighttime or nightime
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adapter or adaptor
ect oder etc
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how to use ect.
become became
what does etc stand for
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persye
early to mid next week
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persue spelling
to take effect
anyone who have or has
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assistance and assistant
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addenda and addendum
mid-week or midweek
hasn’t or haven’t
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had have
i.e. comma after
plural for addendum
segway word definition
is it inpatient or impatient
waiting approval or awaiting approval
pursue vs persue meaning
is me as well grammatically correct
time has flown by so fast
sweetie sweety
gluing or glueing uk
anyone have
addendum and addenda
segway segue
felt or feel
plural of family
time has flown by or flew by
myself ou my self
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