among ourselves

USAGE SUMMARY

"among ourselves" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to the group of people that the speaker is speaking to or participating with. Example: We can keep this information among ourselves so that it stays confidential.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The solidarity among ourselves.

The New York Times

With Tito and among ourselves.

The New York Times

"We settle our problems among ourselves.

The New York Times

We have discussions among ourselves".

The New York Times

Even among ourselves, we lie.

The New Yorker

We are squabbling among ourselves.

The Guardian

"We're hopelessly at a loss among ourselves".

The New Yorker

We didn't talk about it among ourselves.

The New York Times

But then we expats argue among ourselves.

The New York Times

We'll be discussing things among ourselves.

The Guardian - Sport

Among ourselves, we talk like that.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "among ourselves" to indicate a shared understanding or discussion within a specific group, fostering a sense of camaraderie and confidentiality. It's appropriate when the information or sentiment being conveyed is meant to stay within that group.

Common error

Avoid using "among ourselves" in highly formal or official communications where a more objective or impersonal tone is required. In such settings, opt for phrases like "internally" or "within the team" to maintain professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "among ourselves" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that an action, discussion, or understanding is confined to a specific group. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "among ourselves" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate that something is shared or discussed within a specific group. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal contexts. More formal settings may benefit from alternatives like "internally" or "within the team". The phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Science, reflecting its broad applicability. Be mindful of the context to ensure the phrase aligns with the desired tone and level of formality, fostering clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just between ourselves

Adds emphasis on keeping something secret within the group, unlike the more neutral "among ourselves".

between us

Focuses on secrecy or confidentiality between two people, while "among ourselves" implies a larger group.

confidentially

Emphasizes the secrecy of the information shared, whereas "among ourselves" focuses on the shared nature within the group.

within our group

More explicitly specifies the group being referred to, making it less idiomatic than "among ourselves".

between you and me

Highlights that the information should only be known by the speaker and listener, whereas "among ourselves" implies a larger group of people

in private

Highlights the privacy of the discussion, unlike "among ourselves" which emphasizes the group.

in our inner circle

Suggests a select and trusted group, adding a layer of exclusivity not present in "among ourselves".

internally

Focuses on communication within an organization or system, unlike "among ourselves" which is more personal.

off the record

Indicates that something is not intended for public knowledge and it changes the context compared to "among ourselves".

within these walls

Emphasizes the physical confinement or limited scope of the discussion, unlike the more general "among ourselves".

FAQs

What does "among ourselves" mean?

The phrase "among ourselves" means within a specific group of people, implying a shared understanding, discussion, or agreement that is intended to remain private or internal to that group.

How can I use "among ourselves" in a sentence?

You can use "among ourselves" to indicate that something is being said or done within a particular group. For example, "We can be honest among ourselves because we trust each other."

What are some alternatives to saying "among ourselves"?

Some alternatives to "among ourselves" include "between us", "in private", or "confidentially", depending on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is it appropriate to use "among ourselves" in formal writing?

While "among ourselves" is grammatically correct, it is generally more suitable for informal or semi-formal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more neutral alternatives like "internally" or "within the team" to maintain a professional tone.