own

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "own" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about possession and to express characteristics that are unique to someone or something. For example, "I finally bought my own car."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His own good, either physical or moral, is not a sufficient warrant".

The New York Times

It's kind of in its own little bubble.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Perhaps even more worrying to Mr. Assad, his military has come to rely more heavily on equipment designed for a major battle with a foreign enemy, namely Israel, rather than a protracted civil conflict with his own people.

The New York Times

The federal appeals court in Atlanta ordered that the execution should be delayed for at least 30 days, while a Georgia court of appeals imposed its own stay to give the courts more time to consider the propriety of the single lethal injection as a method of killing.

The Guardian

"When the UK plays an active leading role in Europe we can achieve enormous things which we simply could not on our own," Clarke said.

The Guardian

What will today's decision mean for these whale hunts being carried out on our own doorstep?

The Guardian - Opinion

In the second day of hearings on Tuesday, the judges described the two-year-old law as fundamentally changing the relationship between the individual and the government, giving Congress virtually unlimited power to force people to buy products for their own good.

The Guardian

By pursuing his own interest he frequently promotes that of the society more effectually than when he really intends to promote it.

The Economist

It stopped, and was immediately followed by a voice remarking her own thoughts.

The Economist

Suddenly, you're on your own.

The New York Times

A winner always remembers that his own survival is more important than maintaining the integrity of the democratic process.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like ideas or feelings, "own" can add a sense of personal connection or responsibility. For example, "I need to own my mistakes."

Common error

In highly formal contexts, consider using synonyms like "possess" or "hold" to avoid sounding colloquial. While "own" is generally acceptable, varying your vocabulary can enhance the sophistication of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "own" is as a verb indicating possession or acknowledgment. It can also function as an adjective to emphasize belonging or personal connection, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "own" is a versatile term used to express possession, belonging, or acknowledgment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and applicable across diverse contexts. With a frequency of "very common", "own" appears frequently in news, business, and general communication. While generally neutral, remember to opt for synonyms in highly formal settings to maintain a sophisticated tone. When writing, ensure "own" clearly indicates the relationship of possession or belonging to avoid ambiguity. Use it to express personal connection or accountability, as demonstrated in the provided examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to possess

A more formal synonym for "own", indicating legal or rightful ownership.

have possession of

Focuses on the act of possessing something, similar to "own" but more descriptive.

hold title to

Emphasizes legal ownership, a specific aspect of "own".

be responsible for

Highlights accountability, a consequence of ownership.

lay claim to

Implies asserting ownership, adding a layer of active declaration.

profess

To admit openly or declare something, relating to owning up to something.

confess to

Implies admitting something, often a fault or mistake, connecting to the 'admit' sense of "own".

acknowledge

Focuses on recognizing or accepting something as true or valid, related to admitting or conceding.

admit

Suggests conceding a point or truth, mirroring the 'admit' meaning of "own".

be in charge of

Highlights the aspect of control and management associated with ownership.

FAQs

How can I use "own" in a sentence?

You can use "own" to indicate possession, such as "I own a car", or to acknowledge something, like "I own that I made a mistake". It can also emphasize belonging, as in "my own house".

What does it mean to "own" something?

To "own" something means to have the legal right to possess it. It can also mean to acknowledge responsibility for something.

What are some synonyms for "own" when referring to possession?

Alternatives include "possess", "have", or "hold title to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "my own self"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "my own self" can sound redundant. It's usually better to simply say "myself" or "my own [thing]" to emphasize personal connection or belonging.