Words / A1

ow-uh-SELVZ/aʊəˈselvz/

Ourselves is we doing something to us, or for emphasis: we enjoyed ourselves; we did it ourselves. Us is the object (help us). Our is possessive. By ourselves means alone, as a group.

Meaning

We, used for emphasis or when we do something to us.

Examples

• “We enjoyed ourselves at the party.”
• “We bought ourselves a new kettle.”
• “Let’s introduce ourselves.”

Good to know

verb + ourselves. by ourselves = alone (as a group). Object: us.

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