Ourself vs. Ourselves: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 4, 2023
"Ourself" is a reflexive form used for singular collective nouns, while "Ourselves" is reflexive for plural subjects, often denoting a group.
Key Differences
Ourself and Ourselves both function as reflexive pronouns, serving to emphasize or refer back to the subject of the sentence. However, "Ourself" is less common and tends to be used with singular collective nouns, implying a unified group or entity. On the other hand, "Ourselves" is widely accepted and used when referring back to a plural subject.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Reflexive pronouns are vital in English grammar, adding emphasis or indicating that an action affects the doer. Ourself, though less frequent, might be seen in contexts where collective entities, such as an organization, act as a singular body. Ourselves, in contrast, often emphasizes the actions of a group of individuals collectively.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
In everyday language, Ourselves is the term you're likely to encounter most. It's employed when the action of the subject returns to a plural antecedent, e.g., "We did it ourselves." Conversely, Ourself has a more formal or archaic feel and is seldom used in casual conversation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Some grammar purists might argue that Ourself has limited grammatical correctness and should be used sparingly. In contrast, Ourselves enjoys widespread acceptance and is applicable in numerous contexts, from casual speech to formal writing.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
It's essential to select Ourself or Ourselves based on the subject's plurality. Using them interchangeably might confuse listeners or readers and detract from clear communication.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Tone
More formal or archaic
Standard, accepted in both formal and informal contexts
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Emphasis
Emphasizes a unified group or entity
Emphasizes the actions of a group of individuals
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Grammatical Acceptance
Limited, often debated
Widely accepted, applicable in numerous contexts
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
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Ourself and Ourselves Definitions
Ourself
Used to emphasize a unified group.
The company prides ourself on inclusivity.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Ourselves
Reflexive pronoun for plural subjects.
We baked the cookies ourselves.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Ourself
Reflexive form for singular collective nouns.
The committee decided to reevaluate ourself.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
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Ourself
Formal or archaic reflexive pronoun.
The kingdom shall fend for ourself.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Ourself
Singular form indicating one united body.
The team must better ourself.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Ourselves
Plural form referring to a group's collective actions.
We want to express ourselves.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Ourself
(reflexive pronoun) royal]] or editorial we: myself (as used by a monarch, writer or speaker who is referring to themself as we).
In the present study, we will limit ourself to the simplest of cases.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2022
Ourselves
(reflexive pronoun) Us; the group including the speaker as the object of a verb or preposition when that group also is the subject.
We should keep this for ourselves.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2022
Ourself
(reflexive pronoun) The reflexive of the generic we: oneself.
We should love our neighbor as ourself.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2022
Ourselves
(emphatic) We; intensifies the subject as the group including the speaker, especially to indicate that no one else satisfies the predicate.
We did it ourselves.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2022
Ourselves
An emphasized form of the pronoun of the first person plural; - used as a subject, usually with we; also, alone in the predicate, in the nominative or the objective case.
We ourselves might distinctly number in words a great deal further then we usually do.
Safe in ourselves, while on ourselves we stand.
Unless we would denude ourself of all force.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2022
FAQs
Is "Ourself" grammatically correct?
It's debated, but it can be correct when referring to singular collective nouns.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
When should I use "Ourselves" in a sentence?
Use "Ourselves" when referring to a plural subject, like "we."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Is "Ourself" commonly used in American English?
No, "Ourself" is less common than "Ourselves."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Is "Ourselves" always reflexive?
Yes, "Ourselves" refers back to the subject in a sentence.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Can "Ourselves" add emphasis in a sentence?
Yes, "Ourselves" can emphasize actions done by a group.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Can I use "Ourselves" to highlight an action?
Yes, it can emphasize an action done by a group.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Can I use "Ourself" when talking about my company?
Yes, if referring to the company as a singular entity, but it's less common.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Are there other reflexive pronouns like "Ourselves"?
Yes, such as "myself," "yourself," "himself," and "themselves."
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Is "Ourself" modern English?
While it exists in modern English, it has a more formal or archaic tone.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Do other languages have distinctions like "Ourself" and "Ourselves"?
The distinction varies by language; not all languages differentiate as English does.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Can "Ourself" ever be used for individuals?
Typically, no. For individuals, "myself" would be appropriate.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Can "Ourself" emphasize unity?
Yes, it can emphasize the idea of a group acting as one.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Can I replace "Ourself" with "Ourselves" in a sentence?
Context matters. If referring to a plural subject, "Ourselves" is appropriate.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Which is more prevalent in books: "Ourself" or "Ourselves"?
"Ourselves" is more commonly found in literature.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Do all English speakers differentiate between "Ourself" and "Ourselves"?
While the distinction exists, usage may vary among speakers and regions.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
In which contexts might I encounter "Ourself"?
Mostly in formal writing or when referring to singular collective entities.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Is it ever wrong to use "Ourselves" instead of "Ourself"?
Context is key. If the subject is plural, "Ourselves" is the correct choice.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Which is more formal: "Ourself" or "Ourselves"?
"Ourself" often has a more formal or archaic feel.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Is "Ourself" a new word in English?
No, "Ourself" has historical roots, though its usage has changed over time.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
