us - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
us Word Meanings
- referring to ourselves as a group
- the speaker and one or more others
- indicating a collective identity
us Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
us Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/əs/
US
/ʌs/
us Word Etymology
Root: 'us' is derived from the Old English 'ūs', distinguishing the self. Origin: Old English → Proto-Germanic → Indo-European. Memory image: Imagine a group of friends standing together, confidently saying 'It’s us!' as they point to themselves.
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
First I shift my attention from myself to the room, and I pull us together as one team. I move my lips to speak, and the room seems to tighten around us, as if everyone is listening. I feel a small push and pull between ego and belonging, and I adjust my tone to fit us, not just me. What I say then carries the group with it, a natural turn from I to we.
Real Context
us is the object form of we, used when the speaker and others are the recipient or focus of an action, or when identifying the group in a sentence following a copular verb. It appears after prepositions too, as in give it to us, with us, or by us. In casual speech, you often hear 'It’s us' after a linking verb to identify the group, while 'It’s we' is rare and typically reserved for formal contexts. English treats us as a plural pronoun that binds the speaker to the group, carrying a sense of shared belonging. A memorable image is a circle of friends standing together, pointing to themselves and saying 'It’s us!'
Usage Reminders
- Use us after verbs/prepositions: give it to us, with us, by us.
- After a linking verb, it's usually 'It’s us' to identify the group (not 'It's we' in casual speech).
- Remember us is the object form of we, not a subject.
- Don't confuse us with our/ours, which show possession.
- When the subject is the group, use we or our for the subject and us for the object.
- Visualize a group standing together and saying 'It’s us!' to cue the meaning.
Common Misconceptions
- Confusing us with we; mixing up subject vs object forms.
- Thinking 'It is we' is the normal everyday choice after a linking verb.
- Using us after a subject-only clause (e. g., 'Us went to the store').
- Using us to express possession (think our/ours instead).
- Translating directly from non-English languages that don’t mark case in the same way.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker (meta, keep short)
Learning Tips
- Practice 'us' after verbs and prepositions with real objects.
- Memorize common phrases: give it to us, with us, by us.
- Use 'It’s us' casually to identify the group after linking verbs.
- Keep 'us' as object; reserve 'we' for subjects.
- Avoid translating word-for-word from your language.
- Visualize a group pointing to themselves when you hear 'It’s us!'.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'us' used correctly?
A.She gave us a book.
B.Us are going to the park.
C.They invited we to the party.
D.You and us are friends.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following words is similar to 'us'?
A.He
B.Me
C.All
D.Them
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'us'?
A.Them
B.You
C.Everyone
D.Nobody
Step 5: Mastery
Imagine a group of friends planning a trip together. How would they use the word 'us' in their conversation?
A.To refer to an inanimate object
B.To refer to someone who is not part of the group
C.To refer to a pet
D.To refer to themselves collectively
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