have ourselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have ourselves" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to a collective experience or action involving a group, often implying self-reflection or self-care. Example: "Sometimes, we just need to have ourselves a little fun to unwind after a long week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"We have ourselves.

The Guardian - Film

We basically have ourselves to blame".

The New York Times - Sports

We now have ourselves a series.

The Guardian - Sport

"I think we have ourselves moving in a positive direction.

The New York Times - Sports

We only have ourselves to blame for this.

The Guardian - Opinion

If they don't, we only have ourselves to blame.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Meanwhile, we've had ourselves a big adventure".

The New York Times

We've let ourselves down.

The New York Times - Sports

We have to make ourselves better.

The New York Times

Because we have informed ourselves.

The New Yorker

Should we have invited ourselves?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have ourselves to blame", ensure the context clearly indicates responsibility for a negative outcome. For example, "If we fail, we'll only have ourselves to blame."

Common error

Avoid using "have ourselves" when referring to an individual action. The phrase is inherently collective. Instead, use "have myself", "have yourself", etc., as appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have ourselves" functions as a reflexive construction, indicating that the action performed benefits or affects the subject group itself. Ludwig AI validates its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have ourselves" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression across varied contexts, from news media to scientific articles, as confirmed by Ludwig. It generally serves to express a shared experience or to emphasize collective responsibility. While its register is typically neutral, it's important to note that it always implies a collective, not individual, action. Alternatives like "treat ourselves" or "allow ourselves" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

treat ourselves

Emphasizes indulgence or special enjoyment.

indulge ourselves

Stresses the act of pampering or satisfying one's desires.

allow ourselves

Highlights permission or granting something to oneself.

give ourselves

Focuses on providing something beneficial to oneself.

afford ourselves

Indicates having the means or opportunity to do something for oneself.

let's enjoy ourselves

Specifically calls for enjoyment and relaxation.

we find ourselves

Describes a situation or state that one is currently in.

we possess

Emphasizes the ownership or control of something by a group.

we experience

Focuses on undergoing or living through something.

find peace

Focuses on reaching a state of calmness and serenity.

FAQs

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

Use "have ourselves" to indicate a shared experience or to emphasize collective responsibility. For example, "Let's "have ourselves" a good time" or "We only "have ourselves" to blame if things go wrong."

What are some alternatives to "have ourselves"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "treat ourselves", "allow ourselves", or "indulge ourselves".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "only have ourselves to blame"?

Use "only have ourselves to blame" when emphasizing that a negative outcome is solely the responsibility of the group being referred to. It suggests that no external factors are at fault.

Is it correct to say "have ourself" instead of "have ourselves"?

No, "have ourself" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""have ourselves"" when referring to a collective group. For singular, use "have myself", "have yourself", etc.