Have you ever wondered whether the correct word is ourself or ourselves? These two words look almost identical, but they are not normally interchangeable in modern standard English.
For most everyday writing and speaking, the correct choice is ourselves. It is the standard reflexive pronoun used with we and us. Ourself does exist, but it has limited uses and is uncommon in modern standard English.
In everyday conversations, people often use ourselves when talking about actions that we do to or for our own group. For example, we might say, “We prepared ourselves for the presentation.”
Updated for 2026, this guide explains ourself vs ourselves, including their meanings, grammar rules, differences, examples, common mistakes, and practical uses in everyday English.
What Is Ourself vs Ourselves?
What Does “Ourselves” Mean?
Ourselves is a reflexive pronoun. It is normally used with we or us when the people performing an action are also affected by that action.
For example:
We prepared ourselves for the exam.
The people who prepared are the same people who were prepared.
Another example is:
We reminded ourselves to stay focused.
The group reminded the same group of people.
What Does “Ourself” Mean?
Ourself is a much less common form. In modern standard English, it is generally not used as the normal reflexive pronoun for “we.”
You may encounter ourself in historical, formal, dialectal, or specialized contexts. It can also appear when we refers to a single person speaking on behalf of an institution, organization, or authority.
For most learners, however, the important rule is:
Use “ourselves,” not “ourself,” when “we” refers to multiple people.
Ourself vs Ourselves: The Simple Rule
The easiest rule is:
We → ourselves
Examples:
- We enjoyed ourselves.
- We introduced ourselves.
- We taught ourselves.
- We organized ourselves.
- We congratulated ourselves.
In standard modern English, ourself should not normally replace ourselves in these sentences.
Quick Comparison
| Word | Standard Modern Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ourselves | Normal reflexive pronoun for “we” | We enjoyed ourselves. |
| ourself | Rare, specialized, historical, or nonstandard in ordinary use | Rare outside special contexts |
If you are writing an essay, email, blog post, school assignment, or social media caption, ourselves is almost always the appropriate choice.
How “Ourselves” Works in English
Ourselves as a Reflexive Pronoun
The most important function of ourselves is as a reflexive pronoun.
A reflexive pronoun refers back to the subject of the sentence.
Compare:
We introduced ourselves.
“We” is the subject, and “ourselves” refers back to “we.”
Other reflexive pronouns include:
- myself
- yourself
- himself
- herself
- itself
- yourselves
- themselves
- ourselves
Ourselves for Emphasis
Ourselves can also emphasize who performed an action.
For example:
We built the website ourselves.
This emphasizes that we built it personally rather than hiring someone else.
Another example:
We ourselves decided to change the plan.
Here, ourselves adds emphasis to “we.”
Ourselves After Certain Expressions
The word can also appear naturally after expressions involving personal effort or responsibility.
Examples include:
- help ourselves
- teach ourselves
- prepare ourselves
- introduce ourselves
- remind ourselves
- challenge ourselves
- express ourselves
- protect ourselves
Examples of “Ourselves” in Everyday Life
Preparing Ourselves
We prepared ourselves for the meeting.
The group got ready for the meeting.
Introducing Ourselves
We introduced ourselves to the new team.
Each person in the group gave their name or introduced the group.
Enjoying Ourselves
We really enjoyed ourselves at the concert.
The group had a good time.
Teaching Ourselves
We taught ourselves how to edit videos.
The people learned the skill independently.
Reminding Ourselves
We reminded ourselves to stay calm.
The group consciously encouraged itself to remain calm.
Helping Ourselves
We helped ourselves to some snacks.
The group took snacks for themselves, usually with permission.
40 Examples of Ourself vs Ourselves
The following examples show how ourselves is used naturally in modern English.
1. We Introduced Ourselves
Example: We introduced ourselves to the teacher.
The members of the group gave their names or introduced who they were.
2. We Enjoyed Ourselves
Example: We enjoyed ourselves at the party.
The sentence means that the group had a pleasant time.
3. We Prepared Ourselves
Example: We prepared ourselves for the final exam.
The group got ready for the upcoming exam.
4. We Reminded Ourselves
Example: We reminded ourselves to stay positive.
The group gave itself a reminder.
5. We Taught Ourselves
Example: We taught ourselves how to use the new software.
The group learned without relying entirely on a teacher.
6. We Organized Ourselves
Example: We organized ourselves into three teams.
The people arranged themselves into groups.
7. We Congratulated Ourselves
Example: We congratulated ourselves after completing the project.
The group recognized its own achievement.
8. We Challenged Ourselves
Example: We challenged ourselves to finish the project early.
The group created a difficult goal for itself.
9. We Expressed Ourselves
Example: We expressed ourselves through music.
The group communicated thoughts or feelings creatively.
10. We Protected Ourselves
Example: We protected ourselves from the heavy rain.
The people took action to stay safe and dry.
11. We Helped Ourselves
Example: We helped ourselves to some fruit.
The group took fruit for itself, usually with permission.
12. We Asked Ourselves
Example: We asked ourselves whether the decision was correct.
The group considered the question internally.
13. We Forgave Ourselves
Example: We forgave ourselves for making a small mistake.
The group stopped blaming itself for the mistake.
14. We Blamed Ourselves
Example: We blamed ourselves for missing the deadline.
The group accepted responsibility for the problem.
15. We Controlled Ourselves
Example: We controlled ourselves during the argument.
The group managed its emotions or behavior.
16. We Looked After Ourselves
Example: We need to look after ourselves during the busy season.
The group needs to take care of its own well-being.
17. We Found Ourselves
Example: We found ourselves discussing the same problem again.
The phrase means the group unexpectedly ended up in that situation.
18. We Enjoyed Ourselves Online
Example: We enjoyed ourselves during the online game.
The group had fun while playing together.
19. We Introduced Ourselves Online
Example: We introduced ourselves in the group chat.
The members explained who they were.
20. We Prepared Ourselves Mentally
Example: We prepared ourselves mentally for the challenge.
The group became mentally ready for a difficult situation.
21. We Told Ourselves the Truth
Example: We finally told ourselves the truth.
The group honestly acknowledged reality.
22. We Kept Ourselves Busy
Example: We kept ourselves busy during the weekend.
The group found activities to avoid being idle.
23. We Made Ourselves Comfortable
Example: We made ourselves comfortable before the movie started.
The group arranged things so everyone could relax.
24. We Made Ourselves Clear
Example: We made ourselves clear during the discussion.
The group communicated its ideas clearly.
25. We Reminded Ourselves of the Goal
Example: We reminded ourselves of the main goal.
The group focused again on what it wanted to accomplish.
26. We Trusted Ourselves
Example: We trusted ourselves to make the right decision.
The group had confidence in its own judgment.
27. We Tested Ourselves
Example: We tested ourselves with a difficult quiz.
The group used the quiz to measure its knowledge.
28. We Pushed Ourselves
Example: We pushed ourselves to finish the assignment.
The group made a strong effort to complete the work.
29. We Asked Ourselves Why
Example: We asked ourselves why the plan had failed.
The group thought carefully about the reason.
30. We Motivated Ourselves
Example: We motivated ourselves to keep working.
The group encouraged itself to continue.
31. We Defended Ourselves
Example: We defended ourselves against the unfair criticism.
The group responded to criticism or protected its position.
32. We Expressed Ourselves Creatively
Example: We expressed ourselves through painting.
Art provided a way for the group to communicate feelings and ideas.
33. We Promised Ourselves
Example: We promised ourselves that we would try again.
The group made a commitment to itself.
34. We Reminded Ourselves to Practice
Example: We reminded ourselves to practice English every day.
The group encouraged itself to maintain a useful habit.
35. We Challenged Ourselves With New Ideas
Example: We challenged ourselves with new writing techniques.
The group deliberately tried something more difficult or unfamiliar.
36. We Found Ourselves in a Difficult Situation
Example: We found ourselves in a difficult situation.
The group unexpectedly became involved in a challenging circumstance.
37. We Kept Ourselves Motivated
Example: We kept ourselves motivated throughout the project.
The group maintained its enthusiasm and effort.
38. We Gave Ourselves More Time
Example: We gave ourselves another week to finish the work.
The group allowed itself additional time.
39. We Corrected Ourselves
Example: We corrected ourselves after noticing the mistake.
The group recognized and fixed its own error.
40. We Were Proud of Ourselves
Example: We were proud of ourselves after completing the challenge.
The group felt satisfaction about its achievement.
Is “Ourself” Ever Correct?
This is where the topic becomes more interesting.
Ourself With “We” Referring to One Person
In unusual contexts, ourself can occur when we is used by a single person in an institutional or authoritative sense.
For example, a monarch or other authority might historically use we to refer to themselves. In such a context, ourself may appear.
However, this is not normal everyday English.
Modern writers should generally avoid this form unless the context specifically requires it.
Historical or Literary Usage
Older texts may contain ourself. Historical English does not always follow the patterns of modern standard English.
If you encounter ourself in an old book or formal historical text, it does not necessarily mean the writer made a grammatical mistake.
Dialectal Usage
Some varieties of English may use ourself in ways that differ from standard modern grammar.
However, students learning standard written English should use ourselves when referring to we.
Ourself vs Ourselves: Comparison Table
| Feature | Ourself | Ourselves |
|---|---|---|
| Modern standard English | Rare | Standard |
| Refers to “we” | Unusual/specialized | Yes |
| Everyday conversation | Rare | Very common |
| Academic writing | Usually avoid | Correct |
| Essays | Usually avoid | Correct |
| Social media | Unusual | Natural |
| Historical writing | Can appear | Also possible |
| Normal reflexive pronoun for “we” | No | Yes |
The practical answer for students is simple:
When “we” needs a reflexive pronoun, use “ourselves.”
Ourselves vs Other Reflexive Pronouns
Understanding ourselves becomes easier when you compare it with other reflexive pronouns.
| Subject | Reflexive Pronoun | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I | myself | I taught myself. |
| You | yourself | You taught yourself. |
| He | himself | He taught himself. |
| She | herself | She taught herself. |
| It | itself | It moved itself. |
| We | ourselves | We taught ourselves. |
| You | yourselves | You taught yourselves. |
| They | themselves | They taught themselves. |
Notice the pattern:
We → ourselves
This is the standard grammatical pairing.
How to Use “Ourselves” Correctly
Step 1: Find the Subject
Look for we.
We prepared ourselves.
The subject is “we.”
Step 2: Ask Who Is Affected
If the action comes back to the same people represented by “we,” use ourselves.
We congratulated ourselves.
The group congratulated the same people who performed the action.
Step 3: Use Ourselves for Emphasis When Appropriate
You can also use ourselves to emphasize personal involvement.
We ourselves designed the website.
This emphasizes that the group personally designed it.
Step 4: Avoid “Ourself” in Normal Modern Writing
If you are writing an essay, article, school assignment, business message, or everyday post, ourselves is almost always the appropriate form.
Common Mistakes People Make With Ourself vs Ourselves
Mistake 1: Using “Ourself” Instead of “Ourselves”
Incorrect:
We taught ourself English.
Correct:
We taught ourselves English.
Because “we” is plural, the normal reflexive pronoun is ourselves.
Mistake 2: Thinking “Ourself” Is the Singular Form of “Ourselves”
This is a common misunderstanding.
Ourselves is not simply a plural version of a normal everyday word “ourself.”
The standard reflexive pronoun corresponding to we is ourselves.
Mistake 3: Confusing Ourselves With Us
Compare:
They gave us the instructions.
“Us” is an object pronoun.
We gave ourselves the instructions.
“Ourselves” is reflexive because it refers back to “we.”
Mistake 4: Using Ourselves When the Subject Is Not We
Incorrect:
They prepared ourselves.
Correct:
They prepared themselves.
The reflexive pronoun must agree with the subject.
Mistake 5: Confusing Ourselves With Our
Our is a possessive determiner.
Our project is finished.
Ourselves is a reflexive pronoun.
We completed the project ourselves.
Ourselves in Different Writing Styles
In Academic Essays
Ourselves is completely normal when grammatically appropriate.
We should challenge ourselves to examine the evidence carefully.
In Creative Writing
The word can help writers create a reflective or personal tone.
We searched for answers but found ourselves asking new questions.
In Poems
Ourselves can emphasize identity and shared experience.
We carry stories within ourselves.
In Social Media Captions
Proud of ourselves for reaching this goal!
This sounds natural and conversational.
In Everyday Conversation
We bought ourselves some snacks.
This is a normal use of the reflexive pronoun.
From real-life writing experience, ourselves is particularly useful when the sentence focuses on group identity, shared effort, personal responsibility, or something done for the benefit of the same group.
Ourselves vs Related Concepts
Ourselves vs Us
Us is an object pronoun.
She invited us.
Ourselves is reflexive.
We invited ourselves.
Ourselves vs Our
Our shows possession.
Our house is nearby.
Ourselves refers back to the people represented by “we.”
We painted the house ourselves.
Ourselves vs Themselves
Use ourselves with we.
We helped ourselves.
Use themselves with they.
They helped themselves.
Ourselves vs Yourself
Use ourselves with we.
We should prepare ourselves.
Use yourself with singular you.
You should prepare yourself.
For plural you, use yourselves:
You should prepare yourselves.
How Writers Can Use “Ourselves” Creatively
Writers can use ourselves for more than basic grammar. It can help express identity, reflection, responsibility, and shared experience.
In an Essay
We should remind ourselves that progress takes time.
This creates a thoughtful and inclusive tone.
In a Story
We found ourselves walking through an unfamiliar city after sunset.
The phrase creates a sense that the characters unexpectedly ended up somewhere.
In a Poem
We discover ourselves in the stories we tell.
Here, ourselves contributes to a reflective theme about identity.
In a Caption
Sometimes we just need to remind ourselves how far we’ve come.
This works naturally as an encouraging social media message.
In Daily Conversation
We should give ourselves a break.
The sentence expresses the idea that the group should allow itself time to rest.
Internal Links to Related English Topics
If you are publishing this article on an English-learning or grammar website, useful internal links could include:
- Reflexive Pronouns in English
- Myself vs Me: What’s the Difference?
- Yourself vs Yourselves
- Us vs We: Correct Usage
- Theirself vs Themselves
- Common English Grammar Mistakes
- Pronouns and Their Types
- Subject and Object Pronouns
- Commonly Confused English Words
These related topics can help readers understand pronouns more completely while creating a stronger internal linking structure for your website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “ourself” grammatically correct?
Ourself exists in limited and specialized uses, including some historical, dialectal, and institutional contexts. However, it is not the normal reflexive pronoun used with we in modern standard English.
Which is correct: ourself or ourselves?
For normal modern English, ourselves is correct when referring to we.
Example:
We prepared ourselves for the test.
Can I say “we did it ourself”?
No, not in standard modern English. The natural form is:
We did it ourselves.
Is “ourselves” singular or plural?
Ourselves is the reflexive pronoun associated with the plural subject we.
We enjoyed ourselves.
What is the difference between ourselves and us?
Us is an object pronoun, while ourselves is a reflexive pronoun or an emphatic form.
Compare:
They helped us.
and
We helped ourselves.
Quick Grammar Cheat Sheet
Remember these key patterns:
- We → ourselves
- They → themselves
- I → myself
- You → yourself/yourselves
- He → himself
- She → herself
- It → itself
Correct
- We introduced ourselves.
- We prepared ourselves.
- We enjoyed ourselves.
- We taught ourselves.
- We challenged ourselves.
- We reminded ourselves.
- We congratulated ourselves.
Usually Incorrect in Standard Modern English
- We introduced ourself.
- We prepared ourself.
- We enjoyed ourself.
- We taught ourself.
The standard choice is ourselves.
Why Learning This Difference Matters
Understanding ourself vs ourselves helps English learners avoid a small but noticeable grammar error.
Students may encounter reflexive pronouns in:
- Grammar tests
- School essays
- Reading exercises
- Academic writing
- Creative writing
- Everyday conversations
- Professional communication
- Social media posts
For writers, using the correct reflexive pronoun also makes sentences sound more natural and polished.
Instead of:
We need to remind ourself of the goal.
write:
We need to remind ourselves of the goal.
The second sentence is the standard form expected by modern English readers.
Conclusion
The difference between ourself vs ourselves is mainly about standard modern usage. Ourselves is the normal reflexive pronoun used with we, as in “We prepared ourselves” or “We enjoyed ourselves.”
Ourself is rare and may appear in historical, dialectal, or specialized contexts, but it should generally not be used as a replacement for ourselves in everyday standard English.
Updated for 2026, the easiest rule to remember is: we → ourselves. When you are writing an essay, story, caption, email, or everyday sentence and need a reflexive pronoun for “we,” choose ourselves. With a little practice, this distinction becomes automatic.
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