Understanding the Meaning of ‘Ourselves’ in English A Comprehensive GuideThe word ‘ourselves’ is a common pronoun used in the English language, yet its meaning and usage may not always be clear to everyone. In this topic, we will explore the meaning of ‘ourselves,’ how it is used in sentences, and its significance in various contexts. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced English learner, this guide will provide clarity on the word ‘ourselves’ and how to use it effectively.
What Does ‘Ourselves’ Mean?
‘Ourselves’ is a reflexive pronoun, which means it refers back to the subject of the sentence. It is the plural form of the reflexive pronoun ‘myself’ and ‘yourself.’ In simple terms, ‘ourselves’ is used when the subject and the object of the sentence are the same. It refers to a group of people, including the speaker or speakers.
For example
-
‘We took care of ourselves.’
-
‘We should treat ourselves with kindness.’
In these sentences, ‘ourselves’ refers to the people who are both performing and receiving the action in the sentence.
When Do We Use ‘Ourselves’?
There are several common scenarios where ‘ourselves’ is used in English. Understanding these situations will help you use the word more accurately. Below are some key uses
1. Reflexive Action
One of the primary uses of ‘ourselves’ is in reflexive sentences, where the subject performs an action on itself.
Example
- ‘We enjoyed ourselves at the party.’ In this example, ‘we’ (the subject) is both performing and receiving the action of enjoying. ‘Ourselves’ reflects this.
2. Emphasis or Self-Identification
‘Ourselves’ can also be used for emphasis, especially when you want to highlight the subject of the sentence.
Example
- ‘We built the house ourselves.’ Here, the use of ‘ourselves’ emphasizes that no external help was involved.
3. In Negative Sentences
‘Ourselves’ is frequently used in negative sentences, especially when emphasizing a lack of action on the part of the subject.
Example
- ‘We didn’t give ourselves enough credit.’ In this case, ‘ourselves’ stresses that the subject (we) did not appreciate their own efforts.
How Is ‘Ourselves’ Different from Other Reflexive Pronouns?
‘Ourselves’ is just one of several reflexive pronouns in English. Here is a brief comparison to help you understand how it relates to other reflexive pronouns
-
Myself Used when the subject is ‘I.’
- Example ‘I did this by myself.’
-
Yourself Used when the subject is ‘you’ (singular).
- Example ‘You should believe in yourself.’
-
Himself/Herself Used when the subject is ‘he’ or ‘she.’
- Example ‘He looked at himself in the mirror.’
-
Themselves Used when the subject is ‘they.’
- Example ‘They should manage themselves better.’
‘Ourselves’ is used when the subject refers to a group of people that includes the speaker. It is the plural version of the reflexive pronoun and is used with subjects like ‘we.’
Examples of ‘Ourselves’ in Sentences
To fully understand how ‘ourselves’ functions, let’s look at some examples in different contexts.
1. Reflexive Use
-
‘We decided to treat ourselves to a nice dinner.’
-
‘The children played with themselves in the yard.’
2. Emphasizing the Subject
-
‘We organized the event ourselves.’
-
‘We painted the entire house ourselves, without hiring any help.’
3. In Negative Contexts
-
‘We shouldn’t blame ourselves for the mistake.’
-
‘We didn’t take care of ourselves properly during the trip.’
‘Ourselves’ in Different Tenses
Just like other pronouns, ‘ourselves’ can be used in different tenses to reflect when the action took place. Below are a few examples across different tenses
1. Present Tense
-
‘We look after ourselves every day.’
-
‘We remind ourselves of our goals frequently.’
2. Past Tense
-
‘We enjoyed ourselves at the concert last night.’
-
‘We helped ourselves to some snacks after the event.’
3. Future Tense
-
‘We will make sure to take care of ourselves in the future.’
-
‘We will enjoy ourselves at the beach next summer.’
‘Ourselves’ in Different Contexts
The use of ‘ourselves’ can vary depending on the situation or context. Let’s explore how this pronoun can be used in different settings.
1. In Personal Development and Well-being
‘Ourselves’ often appears in sentences related to personal care, growth, and mental health.
Example
-
‘We need to remind ourselves to stay positive.’
-
‘Taking care of ourselves is important for maintaining a healthy life.’
2. In Social Situations
‘Ourselves’ is frequently used in group settings, where the speaker and the listeners are part of the same group.
Example
-
‘We enjoyed ourselves at the party last night.’
-
‘We should start organizing events for ourselves.’
3. In Teamwork or Collaborative Efforts
In the context of working together or collaboration, ‘ourselves’ emphasizes that the action was carried out by the group.
Example
-
‘We completed the project ourselves without any outside help.’
-
‘We handled the situation ourselves.’
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using ‘Ourselves’
While ‘ourselves’ is easy to understand, some common mistakes can occur when using reflexive pronouns. Here are some tips to avoid errors
1. Incorrect Subject-Verb Agreement
Avoid using ‘ourselves’ with singular subjects. Since ‘ourselves’ refers to multiple people, ensure the subject is plural.
Incorrect ‘She looked at ourselves in the mirror.’ Correct ‘She looked at herself in the mirror.’
2. Unnecessary Use of Reflexive Pronouns
Sometimes, reflexive pronouns are incorrectly added to sentences where they are not needed. Make sure ‘ourselves’ is used only when the action is being performed by the subject on itself.
Incorrect ‘We did the homework ourselves by ourselves.’ Correct ‘We did the homework ourselves.’
‘Ourselves’ is a versatile reflexive pronoun that plays a significant role in English grammar. It helps in expressing actions performed by the subject on itself, emphasizing self-reliance, or reflecting on actions within a group. Understanding the meaning and correct usage of ‘ourselves’ will not only improve your grammatical skills but also enhance your ability to communicate effectively in English.
By using ‘ourselves’ correctly in various contexts and tenses, you can convey your ideas more clearly, whether in personal, social, or professional settings. Keep practicing, and soon using ‘ourselves’ in everyday conversation will become second nature.