our - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
our Word Meanings
- belonging to us
- used to refer to something owned by us
- denotes a shared relationship or identity
our Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
our Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/aʊə/
US
/aʊɚ/
our Word Etymology
Root: our; Historical origin: Old English 'ūre' → Modern English; Memory image: Imagine a group of friends holding hands and saying, 'This is our adventure together.'
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I move my chair closer and pull the jacket toward us. The fabric settles between us, and a warm line of light says this is our space. I adjust where we sit, hold the edge, and keep the feeling of belonging together. With every little shift and set it feels less like mine and more like ours.
Real Context
Our is a possessive determiner used before a noun to show that something belongs to the speaker and others. It always comes before the noun, as in our car, our team, or our house. It can also stand as a possessive pronoun when the noun is understood, as in the car is ours. Use our to include the speaker and at least one other person; if you want to talk about something that belongs only to the speaker, you would say mine or my own. When writing, pay attention to subject-verb agreement not affected by our form. Remember that our implies shared ownership, not personal ownership.
Usage Reminders
- Pay attention to pre-noun position
- Use our with plural or collective ownership
- If the owner is the speaker only, use mine or my own
- Omit apostrophe s in our (not ouros)
- Use ours when replacing the noun with a pronoun
- Check that related verbs agree with the subject, not with our form
Common Misconceptions
- Our and mine are not interchangeable; ours is the possessive pronoun form.
- Do not place our after the noun in most cases; it must come before the noun.
- Confuse our with your or their; remember it includes the speaker and others.
- For a single owner, use mine or my own, not our.
- When the noun is uncountable, the construction can still use our before the noun (our water) but be mindful of context.
Thinking Differences
English often marks ownership with a determiner before the noun (our car) and a pronoun (ours) when the noun is omitted. Other languages may rely more on pronouns or post-nominal possessives, or adjust agreement with gender/number differently. Learners may misplace our or mix it with your/their, or forget to adjust the form when the noun changes in number.
Learning Tips
- Practice with common pairs (our/your, ours/yours) to hear the contrast.
- Use a mix of before-noun and pronoun forms in sentences to feel the difference.
- Create group-owned examples to reinforce inclusive ownership.
- Read aloud to hear the rhythm of our before the noun.
- Pay attention to contexts where replacing with ours is natural.
- Review mistakes by checking who the ownership includes.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'our'?
A.Belonging to us
B.Belonging to them
C.Belonging to me
D.Belonging to him
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'our' used correctly?
A.She is coming to him party.
B.She is coming to our party.
C.She is coming to she party.
D.She is coming to your party.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following words is similar to 'our'?
A.My
B.Their
C.Your
D.His
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'our'?
A.His
B.Your
C.Her
D.Their
Step 5: Mastery
In a family setting, how would you use the word 'our'?
A.You went on a vacation with friends.
B.Our family went on a vacation together.
C.They went on a vacation separately.
D.I went on a vacation alone.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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