Many people search for ourselves or ourself because these two words look very similar, but only one is correct in standard English.
The confusion often happens when people talk or write about a group, a team, a company, or even themselves in a polite way.
You may hear ourself in speech, songs, or informal writing, so it can feel right.
But English grammar follows clear rules for reflexive pronouns.
Learners of English, students, and even native speakers often struggle with this pair. They wonder if ourself is a British form, an American form, or just an informal option.
Others ask if it can be used when speaking on behalf of a group or an organization.
This article explains ourselves or ourself in a clear and simple way.
You will learn which word is correct, why the mistake happens, and how to use the correct form in emails, news, social media, and formal writing.
By the end, you will feel confident using ourselves correctly every time.
Ourselves or Ourself – Quick Answer
✅ Ourselves is the correct reflexive pronoun
❌ Ourself is non-standard and incorrect in modern English
Examples:
- Correct: We prepared ourselves for the test.
- Incorrect: We prepared ourself for the test.
Simple rule:
If the subject is we, the reflexive pronoun is ourselves.
The Origin of Ourselves or Ourself
The word ourselves comes from Middle English and follows a clear pattern in English grammar. Reflexive pronouns are formed using -self or -selves.
Singular reflexive pronouns:
- myself
- yourself
- himself
- herself
- itself
Plural reflexive pronouns:
- ourselves
- yourselves
- themselves
The word ourself appeared rarely in very old English and royal speech, where kings used we to refer to themselves. This is called the royal we.
However, this usage is outdated and not part of modern standard English.
Today:
- Ourselves = correct and standard
- Ourself = outdated, rare, and incorrect in normal writing
British English vs American English Spelling
There is no spelling difference between British and American English for this word.
Both use ourselves.
| Feature | British English | American English |
| Correct form | ourselves | ourselves |
| Incorrect form | ourself | ourself |
| Used in writing | Yes | Yes |
| Used in speech | Yes | Yes |
| Accepted by grammar rules | Yes | Yes |
Important:
Ourself is not correct in either variety.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
No matter who you are writing for, the answer is the same.
- 🇺🇸 US audience: Use ourselves
- 🇬🇧 UK / Commonwealth: Use ourselves
- 🌍 Global English: Use ourselves
Only use ourself if you are quoting very old texts or historical speech. In modern English, always choose ourselves.
Common Mistakes with Ourselves or Ourself
1. Using ourself with we
❌ We blame ourself.
✅ We blame ourselves.
2. Confusing singular and plural
❌ We should help ourself.
✅ We should help ourselves.
3. Using ourself in formal writing
❌ We prepared ourself for change.
✅ We prepared ourselves for change.
4. Thinking ourself is British English
❌ British English uses ourself
✅ British English uses ourselves
5. Copying spoken mistakes into writing
❌ Let’s enjoy ourself
✅ Let’s enjoy ourselves
Ourselves or Ourself in Everyday Examples
Emails
- We will handle this matter ourselves.
- Please allow us to introduce ourselves.
News
- The team found themselves in trouble.
- The company described itself, not ourself.
Social Media
- We treated ourselves today.
- Let’s challenge ourselves!
Formal Writing
- We consider ourselves responsible.
- The organization sees itself as a leader.
Education
- We tested ourselves before the exam.
Ourselves or Ourself – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search data shows that ourselves or ourself is a common grammar question.
Why people search:
- Grammar confusion
- ESL learning
- Business writing
- Group or company language
Popular regions:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- India
- Pakistan
- Canada
- Australia
Search intent:
- Is ourself correct?
- Ourselves vs ourself
- Reflexive pronouns explanation
Search trends clearly show ourselves is the correct and widely used form.
Comparison Table: Ourselves vs Ourself
| Feature | Ourselves | Ourself |
| Correct English | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Reflexive pronoun | Yes | No |
| Used with we | Yes | No |
| Formal writing | Accepted | Not accepted |
| British English | Correct | Incorrect |
| American English | Correct | Incorrect |
| Modern usage | Common | Rare / outdated |
FAQs
1. Is ourself a real word?
It exists historically but is not correct in modern English.
2. What is the correct reflexive pronoun for we?
The correct form is ourselves.
3. Is ourself used in British English?
No. British English also uses ourselves.
4. Can companies say we see ourself?
No. The correct form is we see ourselves.
5. Why do people say ourself?
Because of habit, dialect, or misunderstanding of grammar rules.
6. Is ourselves singular or plural?
It is plural, used with we.
7. How can I remember the correct word?
If you say we, always use ourselves.
Conclusion
The confusion between ourselves or ourself is common, but the rule is simple.
Ourselves is the correct reflexive pronoun in modern English. Ourself is outdated and should not be used in everyday writing or speaking.
There is no difference between British and American English on this point.
No matter your audience or location, ourselves is always the safe and correct choice.
Using the correct reflexive pronoun improves your grammar, clarity, and professionalism.
Remember this simple rule:
If the subject is we, the reflexive pronoun is ourselves.
I’m Debbie Young, a writer passionate about clear communication and correct English. I create practical articles on grammar, spelling, and word usage to help readers avoid common mistakes and write with confidence.
