Understanding ‘Ourselves’: A Key IELTS Vocabulary Word
Learn about the reflexive pronoun ‘ourselves’, its meaning, usage, and common mistakes to avoid. This video covers the word’s history, antonyms, synonyms, and provides example sentences to help you use ‘ourselves’ correctly in your IELTS exam and daily English conversations.
Have you ever worked on a group project and said, We did this all by ourselves? If so, you’ve already used today’s IELTS vocabulary word.
Let’s learn more about the word ourselves.
Word type: Ourselves is a reflexive pronoun. This means it refers back to the subject of the sentence when that subject is we or us.
Meaning: Ourselves has two main uses. First, it emphasizes the subject we or us. Second, it shows that we or us is both the subject and object of an action.
Word history: The word ourselves comes from combining our and self. It has been used in English since the 14th century.
Antonyms: While ourselves doesn’t have direct antonyms, we can contrast it with other reflexive pronouns like himself, herself, itself, or themselves.
Synonyms: Ourselves doesn’t have exact synonyms, but in some contexts, you might use we or us instead.
Examples use in sentences: We built this treehouse ourselves. We need to take care of ourselves before we can help others.
Let’s treat ourselves to ice cream after finishing the exam. Common errors in use: A common mistake is using ourselves as the subject of a sentence.
For example, saying Ourselves went to the store is incorrect. The correct form would be We went to the store ourselves.
Another error is using ourselves when we or us would be more appropriate. For instance, They gave the award to John and ourselves is incorrect.
It should be They gave the award to John and us. Remember, ourselves is used to emphasize we or us, or when we or us is both the subject and object of an action.
Practice using ourselves in your own sentences to become more comfortable with this important reflexive pronoun.
It will help you express yourself more clearly and accurately in the IELTS exam and in everyday English conversations.
