is not ours

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not ours" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something does not belong to the speaker or their group. Example: "This property is not ours; it belongs to the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The logic behind that circumstance is not ours to debate for that is the law as declared by our Supreme Court".

The New York Times

Another added: "Some of our colleagues are returning to Bududa because this land is not ours …we wish they can give us permanent ownership".

BMC International Health and Human Rights

"There's just one problem, most of our Capitol Complex, including the building we gather in today, is not ours," Brewer said in the speech to the Arizona Legislature.

Huffington Post

Google is not ours.

The New York Times

It is not ours to hold.

The Guardian - Books

Something like: that the world around us is not ours.

Independent

Uncertainty may be Exxon's friend, but it is not ours.

The Guardian

What weather they shall have is not ours to rule".

The Guardian

Their tragedy is not ours because their working conditions, and construction regulations, are not ours.

The New York Times

"I think she said something like, 'The bulk of the responsibility is not ours,' " Sanders said.

The New Yorker

"We've adopted him, but he is not ours per se," Negron says.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Using this phrase helps to clearly establish boundaries and disclaim responsibility, ownership, or obligation.

Common error

Avoid using "is not ours" when a more specific term is appropriate. For example, instead of saying "The mistake is not ours" consider "The mistake was made by another department" for clearer communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not ours" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes a noun or pronoun, indicating a lack of ownership, responsibility, or control. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in disclaiming ownership or obligation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not ours" is a versatile expression used to indicate a lack of ownership, responsibility, or control. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media. Alternative phrases like "does not belong to us" or "is not our responsibility" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding who or what "ours" refers to. Be cautious not to use it when a more specific term would offer greater clarity. Overall, "is not ours" is a common and acceptable phrase for establishing boundaries and disclaiming association.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we don't own it

A simpler, more direct way of expressing lack of ownership.

does not belong to us

Emphasizes the lack of ownership or belonging.

we have no claim to it

Highlights the lack of a legitimate right or title.

is not our responsibility

Highlights the absence of obligation or accountability.

it's not on us

An informal way of saying it's not our responsibility.

is beyond our control

Focuses on the inability to influence or manage something.

is not part of our domain

Suggests something is outside of our area of influence or activity.

is outside our jurisdiction

Indicates that something is not within the scope of authority.

is not attributable to us

Indicates that something cannot be credited or blamed on us.

is not our concern

Stresses a lack of interest or relevance.

FAQs

How can I use "is not ours" in a sentence?

The phrase "is not ours" is used to indicate that something does not belong to, is not the responsibility of, or is not controlled by a particular group. For example, "This land "is not ours"; it belongs to the government" or "The decision "is not ours" to make".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "is not ours"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "does not belong to us", "is not our responsibility", "is beyond our control", or "we don't own it".

When is it appropriate to use "is not ours" instead of "is not mine"?

"Is not ours" is used when referring to a group or collective ownership/responsibility, while "is not mine" is used for individual ownership/responsibility. For example, "This car "is not ours", it belongs to the company" versus "This pen "is not mine", I borrowed it from Sarah".

What is the nuance between "is not ours" and "does not belong to us"?

While similar, ""is not ours"" can sometimes imply more than just ownership; it can also suggest a lack of control or responsibility. "Does not belong to us" primarily focuses on the lack of ownership. The best phrase depends on the specific context.