own
belonging to self
Examples
3 of 5I finally have my own room in this house.
I finally have a room that belongs only to me in this house.
Each student must bring their own laptop to the exam.
Each student must bring a laptop that belongs to them to the exam.
I just want a place of my own where I can relax.
I just want a private place for myself where I can relax.
Synonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'O-W-N' as 'Only What's Nightly-yours'—it starts with O like 'Only' to remind you it's for one person.
Quick Quiz
She is tired of sharing; she wants to buy her ___ apartment.
Correct!
The correct answer is: a
Examples
I finally have my own room in this house.
everydayI finally have a room that belongs only to me in this house.
Each student must bring their own laptop to the exam.
formalEach student must bring a laptop that belongs to them to the exam.
I just want a place of my own where I can relax.
informalI just want a private place for myself where I can relax.
The researchers developed their own methodology for the experiment.
academicThe researchers created a specific method belonging to them for the experiment.
Our company has its own parking lot for employees.
businessOur company possesses a specific parking lot for its workers.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
mind your own business
do not interfere in other people's private matters
a mind of its own
functioning independently or in an uncontrolled way
hold your own
to be as successful as others in a difficult situation
Often Confused With
Owe means you need to pay someone back, while own means you already possess it.
Usage Notes
The word 'own' is almost never used alone; it requires a possessive adjective (my, your, his, her, its, our, their) or a noun with 's (John's own) before it.
Common Mistakes
Learners often say 'I want own car' instead of the correct 'I want my own car'. You must include the possessive word.
Memory Tip
Think of 'O-W-N' as 'Only What's Nightly-yours'—it starts with O like 'Only' to remind you it's for one person.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old English word 'āgen', meaning 'possessed' or 'proper'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many English-speaking cultures, having one's 'own' space or items is a highly valued sign of independence and adulthood.
Quick Quiz
She is tired of sharing; she wants to buy her ___ apartment.
Correct!
The correct answer is: a
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More grammar words
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