our guts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "our guts" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to one's physical or emotional intuition or instincts. Example: "Despite my rational mind telling me to stay away, our guts told us to trust him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They hate our guts.

The New Yorker

But actually it's to do with our guts.

The Guardian

Our guts tell us that this market is very big.

The Guardian - Tech

From there, they might head down to our guts.

The New Yorker

Thanksgiving kicks off the whole shebang, with the poor turkeys sacrificing their necks for our guts.

The New Yorker

And the people who really are well off hate our guts.

The New York Times

"We're going to bust our guts to make it happen," says Lumsden.

The Guardian

He says they were "loved and respected" by other inmates, but "the predators hated our guts".

The Guardian

Them hating our guts is about as old as us wanting to put them into sandwiches.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

According to new research, this could all be because of the microbes in our guts.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We've spilled our guts on everything," said the author and television personality Barbara Howar.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience. In formal writing, using "our intuition" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "our guts" in contexts where a literal description of the digestive system is expected, as this can lead to confusion. Choose more precise anatomical terms when discussing physical health.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "our guts" functions as a noun phrase, where "our" is a possessive pronoun modifying the noun "guts". It can refer literally to the digestive system or figuratively to intuition, as illustrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "our guts" is grammatically correct and very common in the English language. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally used to refer to one's physical or emotional intuition or instincts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, its register varies from neutral to informal, depending on whether it's used literally or figuratively. While "our guts" can effectively convey a sense of instinct or deep feeling, it's essential to consider the audience and context to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives like "our intuition" or "our instincts" may be more suitable in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

our gut feelings

Emphasizes instinctive and emotional response rather than intellect or reasoning.

our intuition

Replaces the literal reference to the digestive system with a focus on instinctive knowledge or feeling.

our instincts

Similar to 'intuition', but emphasizes a more primal or inherent sense of knowing.

our visceral feelings

Focuses on the intense, often unspoken sensations experienced deep within the body.

our inner selves

Shifts the focus to the deeper aspects of one's being, encompassing emotions and core beliefs.

our resolve

Highlights the determination and strength of character, rather than physical or instinctive aspects.

our fortitude

Similar to resolve, but carries a stronger connotation of resilience and endurance in the face of adversity.

our courage

Emphasizes bravery and willingness to face challenges, rather than internal feelings or physical health.

our bellies

More literal reference to the abdomen, potentially referring to hunger or discomfort.

our stomachs

Similar to 'bellies', a more straightforward reference to the digestive organ.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "our guts"?

The phrase "our guts" can refer literally to our digestive systems, or figuratively to our intuition or instincts. The meaning depends on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "our guts" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "our guts" in writing when you want to convey a sense of intuition, instinct, or a deep-seated feeling. However, avoid it in formal or scientific writing where precision is key.

What are some alternatives to saying "our guts"?

You can use alternatives like "our intuition", "our instincts", or "our gut feelings" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "our guts"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Our" is a possessive pronoun, and "guts" is a noun. The phrase is commonly used in both literal and figurative senses.