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ourselves vs by ourselves

Both 'ourselves' and 'by ourselves' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Ourselves' is a reflexive pronoun used to refer back to the subject of the sentence, while 'by ourselves' indicates that something is done without the help or presence of others.

Last updated: March 27, 2024

ourselves

The word 'ourselves' is a reflexive pronoun used to refer back to the subject of the sentence.

Use 'ourselves' when you want to refer back to the subject of the sentence or emphasize that the action is done by the same group of people.

Examples:

  • We did it ourselves.
  • They built the house themselves.

Alternatives:

  • myself
  • yourself
  • himself
  • herself
  • themselves

by ourselves

'By ourselves' is used to indicate that something is done without the help or presence of others.

Use 'by ourselves' when you want to emphasize that an action is done independently or without assistance from others.

Examples:

  • We completed the project by ourselves.
  • The children played by themselves in the park.

Alternatives:

  • alone
  • independently
  • without help
  • solo

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