Many English learners get confused between ourself or ourselves because both words look similar and come from the same root word “we.” At first glance, they seem interchangeable, but in real English usage, they are NOT used in the same way.
To remove all confusion, you only need to understand one simple idea: “ourselves” is the normal and correct modern English word, while “ourself” is rare and used only in special formal situations.”
Now let’s clearly define both.
📌 Definition of “Ourselves”
Ourselves is a reflexive pronoun used when “we” refers to more than one person.
👉 Simple meaning:
It means “we + ourselves as a group”
📌 When it is used:
We use ourselves when the action comes back to the same group.
✔ Examples:
- We enjoyed ourselves at the party.
- We prepared ourselves for the exam.
- We should believe in ourselves.
👉 In all these sentences, “we” refers to a group of people, so “ourselves” is correct.
📌 Definition of “Ourself”
Ourself is a singular reflexive pronoun used in rare and formal situations when “we” represents a single authority or institution.
👉 Simple meaning:
It means “we (as one authority or official voice)”
📌 When it is used:
It appears in:
- royal language (kings/queens)
- legal or formal documents
- institutional writing
✔ Examples:
- We bind ourself to this agreement.
- We hold ourself responsible for this decision.
👉 Here “we” does NOT mean many people. It means one authority speaking formally.
🧠 Simple Final Idea
- Ourselves = normal English (always use this in daily life)
- Ourself = rare formal use (avoid in normal writing)
Ourselves or Ourself: The Core Difference
The simplest explanation of ourself or ourselves is this:
- Ourselves = correct modern English reflexive pronoun for “we”
- Ourself = rare, old, or stylistic usage (not standard today)
In most situations, ourselves is the only grammatically correct choice.
We use ourselves when the subject “we” refers to more than one person and the object is the same group.
👉 Example:
- We taught ourselves how to code.
The word ourself is generally not used in modern standard English, except in very specific historical, poetic, or institutional contexts.
📊 Simple Comparison Table
| Feature | Ourselves | Ourself |
| Grammar status | Standard English | Old / non-standard |
| Usage today | Very common | Rare |
| Formal writing | Correct | Not accepted |
| Spoken English | Yes | No |
| Academic use | Yes | No |
| Example | We helped ourselves | We helped ourself ❌ |
Why This Confusion Exists at All
The confusion around ourself or ourselves happens for several reasons:
1. Old English Influence
Earlier English sometimes used flexible pronouns depending on formality and context.
2. “We” Can Be Singular in Some Contexts
Words like “royal we” or institutional “we” make people think a singular reflexive form like ourself should exist.
3. Informal Speech Patterns
In casual speech, people sometimes misuse ourself without realizing it.
4. Lack of Grammar Training
Many learners never get clear rules about reflexive pronouns like “ourselves.”
What “Ourselves” Really Means in Modern English
In modern grammar, ourselves is a reflexive pronoun. It refers back to the subject “we” when the subject and object are the same.
Basic Example
- We introduced ourselves to the new teacher.
Here, “we” = subject, and “ourselves” = object.
Emphatic Use
We also use ourselves for emphasis:
- We built this house ourselves.
This means “we did it, not someone else.”
Common Verbs That Pair Naturally with Ourselves
To understand ourself or ourselves better, here are common verb combinations:
- Introduce ourselves
- Blame ourselves
- Enjoy ourselves
- Prepare ourselves
- Teach ourselves
- Hurt ourselves
- Remind ourselves
These collocations always use ourselves, never ourself in modern English.
❗ Why “Ourself” Is Not Used Today
Modern English avoids it because:
✔ Clarity
“Ourselves” clearly shows plural meaning.
✔ Grammar consistency
Reflexive pronouns follow a pattern:
| Subject | Reflexive |
| I | myself |
| You | yourself |
| We | ourselves |
| They | themselves |
👉 “Ourself” does not fit this system.
✔ Global standardization
English became standardized for education and communication.
Rules for Using “Ourselves” Correctly
Here are simple grammar rules:
Rule 1: Use “ourselves” with plural “we”
- We must protect ourselves.
Rule 2: Use it when subject and object are the same
- We saw ourselves in the mirror.
Rule 3: Use it for emphasis
- We completed the project ourselves.
Rule 4: Never replace it with “ourself” in formal writing
- ❌ We enjoyed ourself at the party
- ✔ We enjoyed ourselves at the party
What Not to Do with Ourselves or Ourself
Avoid these mistakes:
- Using ourself in essays or exams
- Mixing singular and plural pronouns
- Writing “we ourself” instead of ourselves
- Using “ourself” as a casual shortcut
Even if you see ourself or ourselves online used incorrectly, always follow standard grammar rules.
What “Ourself” Actually Means
Now let’s understand the rare case of ourself.
Although outdated, ourself historically appeared in English when “we” referred to a single powerful entity or collective identity.
This includes:
- Royal speech (monarchs)
- Institutional or editorial “we”
- Old English literature
The Royal We: Where “Ourself” Comes From
In royal language, a king or queen may refer to themselves as “we” instead of “I.” This is called the royal we.
In such cases, ourself was sometimes used instead of “ourselves.”
Example
- We hereby appoint this council to serve ourself.
This usage is extremely rare today but historically important.
Editorial and Institutional “We”
Another place where ourself or ourselves confusion appears is institutional writing.
Organizations sometimes use “we” to represent a single company or authority.
Examples
- We believe in serving our customers.
- We take responsibility for our decisions.
In older formal writing, ourself could appear in such contexts, but modern English avoids it entirely.
Historical Usage of “Ourself” in English Texts
Historically, ourself appeared in:
- Medieval English documents
- Royal decrees
- Religious texts
- Formal proclamations
Where it appeared most
- British monarchy records
- Early English translations of Latin texts
- Legal and administrative writings
However, over time, grammar evolved toward clarity and consistency, replacing ourself or ourselves confusion with standard forms.
Why Modern English Avoids “Ourself”
Modern English avoids ourself for three main reasons:
1. Clarity
“Ourselves” clearly indicates plurality, while ourself is ambiguous.
2. Standardization
Grammar rules were simplified for education and global communication.
3. Consistency
All reflexive pronouns follow a clear pattern:
- I → myself
- You → yourself
- We → ourselves
- They → themselves
There is no standard place for ourself in this system.
Real Examples in Context
Let’s see how ourself or ourselves works in real sentences.
Correct Use of “Ourselves”
- We should trust ourselves more.
- We made this decision ourselves.
- We reminded ourselves of the deadline.
Correct but Rare Use of “Ourself”
- The monarch referred to ourself in the proclamation. (historical)
- The editorial voice expressed ourself in older writings. (archaic)
Incorrect Use
- We enjoyed ourself at the party. ❌
- We prepared ourself for the exam. ❌
Common Grammar Myths—Debunked
Let’s clear up confusion about ourself or ourselves.
Myth 1: “Ourself is always incorrect”
Not entirely true. It is outdated, but it exists in historical and special contexts.
Myth 2: “Ourselves can be singular”
Incorrect. Ourselves is always plural in modern English.
Myth 3: “They are interchangeable”
False. In standard grammar, only ourselves is acceptable.
How to Choose the Right Word Every Time
When deciding between ourself or ourselves, use this quick method:
Step 1: Ask the subject
Is the subject “we”? → Yes
Step 2: Check context
Is it modern writing? → Yes
Step 3: Choose form
✔ Use ourselves
Editing Test for Writers
Before publishing, ask:
- Did I use “ourselves” correctly?
- Did I accidentally write “ourself”?
- Is the sentence clear and standard?
If yes, your grammar is correct.
Style Guide Reality Check
All major style guides and modern English references agree:
- Cambridge English prefers “ourselves”
- Oxford usage standardizes “ourselves”
- Academic writing rejects “ourself” except in historical mention
So in practical writing, ourselves always wins the choice between ourself or ourselves.
Practical Tips for Writers
Here are simple tips to avoid mistakes:
- Memorize reflexive pronouns list
- Always double-check “we → ourselves”
- Avoid copying informal internet usage
- Read your sentence aloud
- Use grammar tools for editing
These habits will eliminate confusion around ourself or ourselves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it ourself or ourselves in correct English?
The correct modern form is ourselves. “Ourself” is outdated and rarely used.
2. When should I use ourselves?
Use ourselves when “we” refers to a group and the action reflects back on the same group.
3. Is ourself ever correct?
Only in historical, poetic, or royal contexts. In everyday English, it is not standard.
4. Can ourselves be singular?
No. Ourselves is always plural in modern grammar.
5. Why do people still use ourself online?
Because of informal writing, typing errors, or misunderstanding of grammar rules.
6. What is the difference between ourself or ourselves in simple terms?
- Ourselves = correct modern plural form
- Ourself = outdated or non-standard usage
Final Thoughts
The debate around ourself or ourselves is actually simple once you understand modern grammar rules. While ourself has historical roots, it no longer belongs in standard English writing. On the other hand, ourselves is the correct, clear, and widely accepted form used in everyday communication.
If you remember just one rule, make it this:
👉 Always use ourselves in modern English.
That single habit will instantly improve your grammar accuracy and writing confidence.
