FluencyCraft

own

"Own" is a very common and useful English word. It works as an adjective, a verb, and even appears in everyday expressions. It has a few core meanings that you will encounter all the time, so let's walk through the most important ones.

1adjectivebelonging to oneself

When you use 'own', you are emphasizing that something belongs specifically to you and not to anyone else. It always comes after words like 'my', 'your', 'his', 'her', 'our', or 'their'. Think of it as a way of saying 'this is mine, personally'.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

She has her own car, so she doesn't need a ride.

I want my own room I'm tired of sharing with my brother.

Every student should bring their own pencil to the exam.

When you 'own' something, it legally and officially belongs to you. You bought it, it's yours, and you have the right to use it or sell it. It's stronger than just 'having' something owning means it is truly yours.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

My uncle owns a small restaurant in the city.

Do you own this house, or do you rent it?

She owns three dogs and a cat.

3verbfigurativeto admit or confess

In this sense, 'own' means to honestly admit that you did something or that something is true. You will often see this as 'own up to' something. It takes courage to own up to a mistake!

everyday language · Modern, widely used · figurative

He finally owned up to breaking the window.

You should own your mistakes instead of blaming others.

She owned up to the fact that she had forgotten the meeting.

When you do something 'on your own', it means you did it by yourself, without anyone helping you. It's a great phrase for expressing independence or self-reliance.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

He learned to cook entirely on his own.

Can you finish this project on your own, or do you need help?

She moved to a new country on her own at the age of 22.

Content generated by AI — may contain inaccuracies