do it ourselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do it ourselves" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a task or activity that you and others will complete without outside help. Example: "Instead of hiring a contractor, we decided to do it ourselves and save some money."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The new food movement is still labeled as Do It Yourself, but it's really Do It Ourselves.

The New York Times - Magazine

We must do it ourselves.

The New York Times

"We should do it ourselves".

The New York Times - Science

We can just do it ourselves".

The New York Times

We've got to do it ourselves".

The New York Times - Sports

We can each do it ourselves.

The New York Times

"We decided to do it ourselves".

The New Yorker

We just do it ourselves.

The New York Times - Magazine

We can do it ourselves".

The New York Times

We can't do it ourselves".

The New York Times

"They'll say, 'Let's do it ourselves.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "do it ourselves", ensure that the context clearly indicates the group or entity that is taking responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "do it ourselves" when the action actually requires external expertise. Be realistic about the skills and resources available within the group.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do it ourselves" functions as a declarative statement indicating an intention or decision to undertake a task or activity without external assistance. According to Ludwig, this phrase is perfectly usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "do it ourselves" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that conveys an intention to handle a task without external help. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, most prominently in news and media, suggesting broad applicability. When considering alternatives, options like "handle it ourselves" or "take care of it ourselves" can provide nuanced expressions of the same core idea. As such, writers can confidently employ "do it ourselves" in diverse scenarios to emphasize self-reliance and internal capability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

handle it ourselves

Focuses on managing or dealing with something directly.

take care of it ourselves

Emphasizes the responsibility and attention given to the task.

do it on our own

Highlights independence and self-reliance.

accomplish it ourselves

Stresses the successful completion of the task by the group.

execute it ourselves

Implies a more formal and planned approach to carrying out the task.

undertake it ourselves

Suggests a commitment to begin and carry through with the task.

see to it ourselves

Highlights the responsibility to ensure the task is properly completed.

manage it internally

Focuses on keeping the task within the organization or group.

self-manage the project

Highlights the group is responsible for handling and managing themselves.

own the process

Highlights taking full responsibility for handling the process.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "do it ourselves" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, you could use phrases like "handle it ourselves" or "undertake it ourselves" to maintain a professional tone.

What does "do it ourselves" imply about the situation?

It suggests a decision to take direct action without relying on external help, often implying a sense of independence or necessity.

Is there a difference between "do it ourselves" and "do it on our own"?

While similar, "do it ourselves" emphasizes a collective effort, whereas "do it on our own" can highlight individual or group independence from external entities.

When is it appropriate to use "do it ourselves"?

It's appropriate when you want to express that a task will be completed by a specific group without external assistance, highlighting self-reliance and internal capability.