Ownself vs Oneself: How Are These Words Connected?

Are you confused about when to use “ownself” or “oneself”? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. These two words can be tricky to differentiate, but fear not, we’re here to help.

We should clarify which of the two words is proper to use. The answer is that both “ownself” and “oneself” are correct, but “oneself” is more commonly used in modern English.

Now, let’s break down the meanings of each word. “Ownself” is a reflexive pronoun that emphasizes the subject’s ownership or possession of something. For example, “I did it all by my ownself.” On the other hand, “oneself” is also a reflexive pronoun, but it emphasizes the subject’s individuality or identity. For example, “One should always be true to oneself.”

In this article, we’ll explore the nuances between these two words and how to use them effectively in your writing.

Define Ownself

Ownself is a colloquial term that originated from Singlish, a creole language spoken in Singapore. It is a combination of the words “own” and “self” and is used to refer to oneself in a possessive manner. This term is commonly used in informal settings and is not considered standard English.

Define Oneself

Oneself is a pronoun used to refer to the person speaking or writing. It is a reflexive pronoun that is used to emphasize that the action being performed is done by the same person who is speaking or writing. It is considered a standard English pronoun and is used in both formal and informal settings.

Here is a table that summarizes the differences between ownself and oneself:

Term	Usage	Formality
Ownself	Colloquial, informal	Not considered standard English
Oneself	Standard English	Used in both formal and informal settings

It is important to note that the use of ownself is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It is only used in informal settings and is not appropriate for formal writing or professional communication.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the correct pronoun to use in a sentence can be tricky, especially when it comes to the words “ownself” and “oneself”. In this section, we will explore the proper usage of these words in a sentence.

How To Use Ownself In A Sentence

The word “ownself” is a nonstandard English pronoun that is commonly used in some dialects. It is often used in place of “myself”, “yourself”, or “himself/herself”, but it is not considered standard English and should be avoided in formal writing.

Here are some examples of how to use “ownself” in a sentence:

• I cut ownself while I was cooking dinner.
• He fixed the car ownself instead of taking it to a mechanic.
• She taught ownself how to play the guitar.

While these sentences are grammatically correct, it is important to note that using “ownself” instead of “myself”, “yourself”, or “himself/herself” can make your writing appear unprofessional.

How To Use Oneself In A Sentence

The word “oneself” is a reflexive pronoun that is used to refer back to the subject of a sentence. It is the correct and standard English pronoun to use in formal writing.

Here are some examples of how to use “oneself” in a sentence:

• One should always take care of oneself.
• The best way to improve oneself is through education.
• She reminded herself to pick up milk on the way home.

Using “oneself” instead of “ownself” can make your writing appear more professional and polished. It is important to choose the correct pronoun in order to convey your message clearly and effectively.

More Examples Of Ownself & Oneself Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide more examples of how to use ownself and oneself in a sentence. By using these examples, you will be able to understand the context in which these words are used and how to use them correctly in your own writing.

Examples Of Using Ownself In A Sentence

• John taught himself how to play the guitar.
• She cooked the meal all by herself.
• He cut himself while shaving this morning.
• The cat groomed itself after eating.
• The child tied his own shoes for the first time.
• The athlete pushed herself to the limit during the race.
• The artist painted the portrait all by himself.
• The student challenged himself to get an A on the test.
• The hiker carried his own backpack up the mountain.
• The entrepreneur started her own business from scratch.

As you can see from these examples, ownself is used to refer to an action that is performed by oneself, without the help of others. It is often used to indicate self-reliance or independence.

Examples Of Using Oneself In A Sentence

• One must be true to oneself in order to be happy.
• He blamed himself for the mistake.
• She reminded herself to stay calm in the face of adversity.
• The politician presented herself as a champion of the people.
• The writer expressed herself through her poetry.
• The actor immersed himself in the character he was playing.
• The professor challenged herself to write a book in a year.
• The therapist encouraged her patients to be kind to themselves.
• The musician lost herself in the music.
• The scientist devoted herself to finding a cure for cancer.

Oneself, on the other hand, is used to refer to the individual as a whole. It is often used in a more abstract sense, to refer to one’s thoughts, feelings, or identity. It can also be used to indicate reflection or introspection.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using ownself and oneself, many people tend to use them interchangeably without realizing that they are not the same. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using Ownself Instead Of Oneself

One of the most common mistakes people make is using ownself instead of oneself. While both words are reflexive pronouns, ownself is considered non-standard English and should be avoided in formal writing or speech.

For example, instead of saying “One should take care of ownself,” it is more appropriate to say “One should take care of oneself.”

Using Oneself As A Subject Pronoun

Another common mistake is using oneself as a subject pronoun. Oneself is a reflexive pronoun and should only be used when the subject and object of a sentence refer to the same person or thing.

For example, instead of saying “Oneself should always strive to be better,” it is more appropriate to say “One should always strive to be better.”

Using Ownself In The Wrong Context

Finally, using ownself in the wrong context is another common mistake. Ownself is typically used in informal speech or writing and is not appropriate in formal situations.

For example, instead of saying “I need to take care of my ownself,” it is more appropriate to say “I need to take care of myself.”

Tips To Avoid Making These Mistakes

To avoid making these mistakes, it is important to be familiar with the proper usage of reflexive pronouns. Here are some tips:

• Use oneself instead of ownself in formal writing or speech
• Use oneself only as a reflexive pronoun
• Avoid using ownself in formal situations

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between “ownself” and “oneself”, context plays a crucial role. The context in which these words are used can determine which one is more appropriate. Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “ownself” and “oneself” might change:

1. Formal Writing

In formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports, “oneself” is the preferred choice. It is considered more professional and grammatically correct. For example:

“One should always strive to improve oneself in order to achieve success.”

2. Informal Writing

On the other hand, in informal writing, such as personal blogs or social media posts, “ownself” can be used to convey a more casual tone. For example:

“I need to take care of my ownself before I can help others.”

3. Regional Differences

The choice between “ownself” and “oneself” can also depend on regional differences. In some parts of the world, such as Singapore and Malaysia, “ownself” is commonly used in everyday language. For example:

• “I can do it ownself.”
• “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it ownself.”

However, in other parts of the world, such as the United States and United Kingdom, “oneself” is the more commonly used term.

4. Emphasis

Finally, the choice between “ownself” and “oneself” can also depend on the emphasis that the writer or speaker wants to convey. “Ownself” can be used to emphasize the individual’s personal responsibility or agency, while “oneself” can be used to emphasize the individual’s connection to a larger group or society. For example:

• “I need to take care of my ownself first before I can help others.”
• “One should always think of oneself in relation to others.”

In conclusion, the choice between “ownself” and “oneself” depends on the context in which they are used. It is important to consider the tone, formality, regional differences, and emphasis when deciding which term to use.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using ownself and oneself are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. In certain situations, the use of one form over the other may be more appropriate or grammatically correct. Below are some examples:

1. Reflexive Pronouns As Intensive Pronouns

Sometimes, reflexive pronouns are used to emphasize the subject of the sentence, rather than to reflect the action back onto the subject. In these cases, the use of ownself may be more appropriate than oneself.

For example:

• He himself fixed the car. (emphasizing that he, and not someone else, fixed the car)
• She herself wrote the report. (emphasizing that she, and not someone else, wrote the report)
• They themselves organized the event. (emphasizing that they, and not someone else, organized the event)

2. Regional Or Dialectical Differences

In some regions or dialects, ownself and oneself may be used interchangeably or one form may be preferred over the other. For example, in some Caribbean dialects of English, ownself is commonly used instead of oneself.

3. Poetic Or Literary Use

In poetry or literature, the use of ownself or oneself may be a stylistic choice made by the author. In these cases, the choice of pronoun may not necessarily follow the standard rules.

For example:

• “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” – William Ernest Henley, “Invictus” (using ownself for poetic effect)
• “To be, or not to be: that is the question.” – William Shakespeare, Hamlet (using oneself in a philosophical context)

Overall, while there are some exceptions to the rules for using ownself and oneself, it is important to follow standard grammar conventions in most situations.

Practice Exercises

Improving your understanding and use of ownself and oneself can take time and practice. Here are some exercises to help you become more comfortable with these pronouns:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct pronoun to fill in the blank in each sentence:

1. I need to take care of __________.	myself / ownself
2. She always puts __________ first.	herself / ownself
3. They should be proud of __________.	themselves / ownself
4. He doesn’t like to talk about __________.	himself / ownself

Answer Key:

• 1. myself
• 2. herself
• 3. themselves
• 4. himself

Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence

Rewrite each sentence using the other pronoun:

1. I need to take care of myself.
2. She always puts herself first.
3. They should be proud of themselves.
4. He doesn’t like to talk about himself.

Answer Key:

• 1. I need to take care of ownself.
• 2. She always puts ownself first.
• 3. They should be proud of ownself.
• 4. He doesn’t like to talk about ownself.

Remember, while ownself is a valid pronoun, it is not commonly used in standard English. It is important to use oneself in most situations to avoid sounding unprofessional or uneducated.

Conclusion

After exploring the nuances of “ownself” and “oneself”, it is clear that the two terms have distinct meanings and uses in the English language.

Key Takeaways

• “Ownself” is a non-standard English term that is often used in colloquial speech and informal writing.
• “Oneself” is the standard English reflexive pronoun that is used in formal writing and speech.
• Using “ownself” in formal writing can be seen as unprofessional and may detract from the credibility of the writer.
• It is important to be aware of the appropriate use of language and grammar in different contexts.

By understanding the differences between “ownself” and “oneself”, writers can ensure that their writing is clear, concise, and professional.

Continued Learning

Grammar and language use are complex topics that require ongoing learning and practice. There are many resources available for those who wish to improve their writing skills, including:

• Online courses and tutorials
• Books and reference materials
• Writing groups and workshops
• Working with an editor or writing coach

By continuing to learn and improve their writing skills, writers can enhance their communication abilities and achieve greater success in their personal and professional lives.