Ourselves vs Ourself Meaning Difference 2026

English grammar often becomes confusing when two words look almost the same but follow very different rules. One such confusing pair is “ourselves” and “ourself.” Many students, even advanced English learners, wonder whether both forms are correct or if one is a mistake. You may have seen “ourselves” used in textbooks, essays, and conversations, while “ourself” appears rarely or only in special contexts. This difference makes learners question which word is grammatically correct and when it should be used.

In everyday English, “ourselves” is the correct and commonly accepted reflexive pronoun used with the subject “we.” It helps show that an action is done by a group and directed back to the same group. On the other hand, “ourself” is not used in modern daily English and is considered incorrect in most situations. It appears only in very limited cases, such as old literary texts, royal speech, or formal legal language. Because of this, many learners misuse it or feel unsure while writing or speaking.

Understanding the difference between “ourselves” and “ourself” is important for students, teachers, writers, and anyone who wants to use correct English. Using the wrong form can make your writing sound unnatural or grammatically incorrect, especially in exams, academic writing, or professional communication. When you clearly know why “ourselves” is correct and “ourself” is generally avoided, you gain confidence and accuracy in your language use.

In this article, we will explain ourselves vs ourself in simple words, with clear rules, real-life examples, and easy tips to help you remember the difference. By the end, you will know exactly which form to use, why it is correct, and how to avoid common mistakes—making your English clearer, more natural, and grammatically strong.

What Is “Ourselves vs Ourself”? (Simple Definition)

Ourselves and ourself are forms of reflexive pronouns, which reflect the action of a subject back onto itself.

Ourselves → standard, correct reflexive pronoun for “we”
Ourself → rare, nonstandard in modern English, used only in very specific contexts

👉 In everyday English, “ourselves” is correct, and “ourself” is usually incorrect.

What Is “Ourselves”?

Definition of Ourselves

Ourselves is a plural reflexive pronoun used with the subject “we.”

We → ourselves

It shows that the subject and object are the same group of people.

Examples

We taught ourselves English.
We prepared ourselves for the exam.
We reminded ourselves to stay calm.

Explanation:
The action (teaching, preparing, reminding) comes back to the same group doing it.

What Is “Ourself”?

Definition of Ourself

Ourself is a rare and unusual form. It is not standard modern English and should generally be avoided.

It may appear in:

Old English texts
Royal or institutional speech
Legal or philosophical writing (very rarely)

In everyday conversation, essays, exams, or modern writing, “ourself” is considered incorrect.

Why “Ourselves” Is Correct and “Ourself” Is Not (In Modern English)

English reflexive pronouns follow fixed patterns:

Subject	Reflexive Pronoun
I	myself
you	yourself / yourselves
he	himself
she	herself
it	itself
we	ourselves
they	themselves

There is no standard rule that allows “ourself” for normal use.

Ourselves vs Ourself: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Ourselves	Ourself
Grammar status	Correct	Nonstandard
Used with	“We”	Rare, special cases
Common in modern English	✅ Yes	❌ No
Used in exams	✅ Yes	❌ No
Recommended for learners	✅ Always	❌ Avoid

How “Ourselves” Works in Sentences

1. Reflexive Use

The subject and object are the same.

We blamed ourselves for the mistake.
Explanation: We did the blaming to the same group.

2. Emphatic Use (For Emphasis)

We fixed the problem ourselves.
Explanation: No one else helped.

In everyday conversations, people often use “ourselves” to emphasize independence or responsibility.

Examples of “Ourselves” in Everyday Life

From real-life writing and teaching experience, these are common uses:

We taught ourselves how to cook.
We reminded ourselves to stay positive.
We enjoyed ourselves at the party.
We challenged ourselves to improve.
We introduced ourselves to the class.

Is “Ourself” Ever Correct? (Rare but Important Explanation)

Yes—but only in very limited, formal, or historical contexts.

1. Royal “We” (Monarchs)

Kings or queens sometimes say:

“We congratulate ourself on this achievement.”

Here, “we” refers to one person, so “ourself” appears.

👉 This is not used in modern daily English.

2. Legal or Institutional Writing

Sometimes an organization speaks as a single unit:

“The company reserves the right to defend ourself.”

Even here, many modern editors prefer “ourselves.”

Ourselves vs Ourself for Students (Exam Rule)

✅ Always use “ourselves.”
❌ Never use “ourself” in exams, essays, or assignments.

Exam Tip:
If the subject is “we”, the reflexive pronoun is “ourselves.”

Common Mistakes People Make With Ourselves vs Ourself

❌ Mistake 1:

We will prepare ourself.

✔ Correct:

We will prepare ourselves.

❌ Mistake 2:

We enjoyed ourself.

✔ Correct:

We enjoyed ourselves.

❌ Mistake 3:

We taught ourself English.

✔ Correct:

We taught ourselves English.

How to Remember the Difference

👉 If the subject is plural (we), the reflexive must also be plural (ourselves).

Think:

Myself → Ourselves
Yourself → Yourselves

Ourselves vs Related Concepts

Ourselves vs Each Other

Phrase	Meaning
ourselves	same people acting on themselves
each other	people acting on one another

Example:

We blamed ourselves. (same group)
We blamed each other. (one blamed another)

How to Use “Ourselves” Correctly in Writing

Step-by-Step Guide

Identify the subject → we
Ask: Does the action return to the subject?
If yes → use ourselves

40 Common Examples of “Ourselves” (With Meanings & Short Explanations)

We taught ourselves English.
We learned without teachers.
We blamed ourselves.
We accepted responsibility.
We prepared ourselves mentally.
We got ready.
We enjoyed ourselves.
We had fun.
We introduced ourselves.
We gave our names.
We challenged ourselves.
We pushed our limits.
We reminded ourselves to study.
We didn’t forget.
We motivated ourselves.
We encouraged ourselves.
We protected ourselves.
We stayed safe.
We expressed ourselves clearly.
We communicated well.
We found ourselves lost.
Unexpected situation.
We proved ourselves capable.
Showed ability.
We trained ourselves daily.
Self-practice.
We corrected ourselves.
Fixed our mistake.
We limited ourselves.
Set boundaries.
We pushed ourselves harder.
Extra effort.
We trusted ourselves.
Self-belief.
We defended ourselves.
Protection.
We organized ourselves.
Planning.
We prepared ourselves emotionally.
Mental readiness.
We introduced ourselves politely.
We disciplined ourselves.
We enjoyed ourselves immensely.
We committed ourselves fully.
We challenged ourselves creatively.
We allowed ourselves rest.
We pushed ourselves too far.
We expressed ourselves through writing.
We blamed ourselves unfairly.
We prepared ourselves for change.
We encouraged ourselves daily.
We helped ourselves improve.
We adapted ourselves quickly.
We reminded ourselves again.
We motivated ourselves naturally.
We trained ourselves online.
We found ourselves smiling.
We promised ourselves success.
We developed ourselves professionally.
We enjoyed ourselves together.

FAQs: Ourselves vs Ourself

1. Is “ourself” grammatically correct?

Only in rare, formal, or historical contexts. Avoid it in modern English.

2. Which is correct: we enjoyed ourself or ourselves?

✔ We enjoyed ourselves (correct)

3. Can I use “ourself” in exams?

❌ No. Always use ourselves.

4. Why do some books use “ourself”?

They reflect old, royal, or legal language styles.

5. Is “ourselves” singular or plural?

Plural—because it refers to “we.”

Conclusion

To sum it up clearly:
“Ourselves” is the correct, standard, and recommended form in modern English.
“Ourself” is rare, outdated, and should be avoided by learners.

From classroom writing to daily conversation, essays, emails, and exams, using “ourselves” correctly improves clarity, confidence, and grammatical accuracy. If you remember one rule, remember this: plural subjects need plural reflexive pronouns.

Updated for 2026, this guide reflects real classroom experience, modern usage, and exam-safe rules. Practice using ourselves in sentences, and you’ll never feel confused again.