ours and ours alone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ours and ours alone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something belongs exclusively to a specific group or individual. Example: "This secret is ours and ours alone; we must protect it at all costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

It appears, however, that the Supreme Court has determined that only portions of a person's privacy can be protected, and over the years the judicial system has increasingly given freer reign to politicians and to the private corporations lobbying them to take and make use of what was once commonly thought to be ours and ours alone: our very most personal and private information.

Huffington Post

Our thoughts are ours and ours alone, choose happy.

Huffington Post

After all, as Torres puts it: "Atleti's successes are ours and ours alone – that makes them more real".

The Guardian - Sport

Most often, these personal chambers of refuge remain ours and ours alone. .

Huffington Post

So the duty is ours, and ours alone, to distinguish our past from our future.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The decision about when to publish our material is ours and ours alone.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

It is our decision, and ours alone.

Huffington Post

Thoughts expressed here are ours alone and do not reflect those of the American Academy of Nursing.

Huffington Post

We shared secrets and disappointments, dreams and realities, and grew a history that was ours alone.

Huffington Post

That is ours alone.

Independent

After everyone else left, the building was ours alone.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "ours and ours alone" to clearly emphasize exclusive ownership or responsibility, especially when distinguishing it from shared or public access.

Common error

Avoid using "ours and ours alone" in highly formal or academic writing. It can sound overly emphatic or even possessive, consider alternatives like "exclusively ours" or similar phrases for a more neutral tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ours and ours alone" functions as a possessive expression, emphasizing exclusive ownership or responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, as demonstrated by the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ours and ours alone" is a grammatically correct and usable expression used to emphasize exclusive ownership or responsibility. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While grammatically sound, it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal settings. Consider alternatives such as "exclusively our own" or "solely our responsibility" for a more neutral tone. The phrase's primary function is to assert and highlight unique possession, and its register is generally neutral.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exclusively our own

Emphasizes exclusivity through different wording.

belonging only to us

Rephrases the concept of belonging.

solely our responsibility

Shifts the focus to responsibility rather than ownership.

something uniquely ours

Highlights the unique aspect of possession.

entirely in our hands

Highlights control and agency.

strictly for our use

Focuses on the intended purpose of something.

our exclusive domain

Uses 'domain' to suggest a sphere of influence.

just for us and nobody else

Informal and emphasizes exclusion.

our private affair

Implies secrecy and confidentiality.

confined to our circle

Suggests limited access or knowledge.

FAQs

What does the phrase "ours and ours alone" mean?

The phrase "ours and ours alone" emphasizes that something belongs exclusively to a particular group or individual, and no one else.

How can I use "ours and ours alone" in a sentence?

You can use "ours and ours alone" to stress that something is not shared or accessible to others. For example, "This victory is "ours and ours alone"; we earned it through hard work."

What are some alternatives to saying "ours and ours alone"?

Alternatives include phrases like "exclusively our own", "solely our responsibility", or "entirely in our hands" depending on the specific context.

Is "ours and ours alone" grammatically correct?

Yes, "ours and ours alone" is grammatically correct. It is used for emphasis, to highlight exclusive possession or responsibility.