our two

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "our two" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to two people or items that belong to the speaker and another person. Example: "I think our two ideas could really complement each other in this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We had our two creators.

The New York Times

"The same with our two.

The New York Times - Sports

Seems interested mainly in our two girls.

The New Yorker

Our two bodies straining with desire.

The New Yorker

We'd had our two weeks.

The New York Times

Our two children were born.

The New York Times

"Our two daughters are circumcised.

The Guardian

"Our two cents is music.

The New York Times

Our two worlds have collided".

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Our two-year-old still wide awake.

The Guardian - Books

"WAAAAH!" yelled Poppet, our two-year-old.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "our two" to clearly indicate a pair of items or people that are jointly associated with or owned by the speaker and another individual. Ensure the context makes the relationship clear.

Common error

Avoid using "our two" when referring to items or people that are individually owned or associated. Clarify the possessive relationship to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "our two" functions primarily as a determiner phrase, specifying quantity and possession. It modifies a noun to indicate that there are two of something that belong to or are associated with both the speaker and another person, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

17%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "our two" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a pair of items, people, or ideas that belong to or are associated with both the speaker and another individual. According to Ludwig, it is most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it’s important to ensure that the possessive relationship is clear to avoid confusion. Alternatives such as "the two of us" or "both of ours" can be used for emphasis or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the two of us

Emphasizes the individuals involved rather than the items or entities.

both of ours

Highlights the shared ownership or connection to the things being referred to.

the pair we own

Explicitly states the ownership of the duo, adding a layer of emphasis.

our couple

Focuses on a pair that forms a unit, often used for people but adaptable to other contexts.

the duo belonging to us

Formal and explicit, this variant underscores the possessive relationship.

our brace

Uses 'brace' to specify a pair, adding a slightly archaic or formal tone.

the dyad we possess

A more academic or technical way to describe a pair that is owned or controlled.

the set of two we have

Simple and direct, focusing on the quantity and possession.

our twosome

Informal and friendly, suitable for referring to a pair of people in a relationship.

the brace of ours

Similar to 'our brace' but emphasizes the possessive aspect more.

FAQs

How can I use "our two" in a sentence?

Use "our two" to refer to a pair of items, people, or concepts that both you and someone else have a connection to. For example, "our two countries" or "our two children".

What's a more formal way to say "our two"?

While "our two" is generally acceptable, you can use "both of ours" to emphasize shared ownership in a more formal setting.

Is it correct to say "us two" instead of "our two"?

"Us two" is a pronoun, so its grammar differs from "our two", which is an adjective modifying a noun. "The two of us" is a valid alternative.

When should I avoid using "our two"?

Avoid using "our two" if the items or entities are not jointly connected or owned. For instance, if you and another person each have distinct opinions, it would be inaccurate to refer to "our two opinions" if they are not shared.