Which Is Correct Ourself or Ourselves?

Which Is Correct Ourself or Ourselves?

The standard reflexive form corresponding to we and us is ourselves, as in we can only blame ourselves. The singular form ourself, first recorded in the 14th century, is sometimes used in modern English, typically where 'we' refers to people in general.

How do we use ourselves?

Ourselves is used as the object of a verb or preposition when the subject refers to the same people. We all know that when we exert ourselves our heart rate increases. You use ourselves to emphasize a first person plural subject.

Is it correct to say ourself?

Using "yourself" and "ourselves" in these contexts is incorrect. "Yourself," "ourselves," and "myself" are reflexive pronouns, correctly used when the subject/actor of the sentence and the object/recipient are the same person or group. "I see myself" is correct because I am doing the seeing and am seeing myself.

Sarah Jenkins
Author

Sarah Jenkins

Sarah Jenkins is a veteran tech journalist with over 12 years of experience covering artificial intelligence, mobile innovations, and digital ethics. Her insights have appeared in leading technology publications worldwide.