We vs. Us — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 21, 2024
"We" is a subject pronoun used for referring to the speaker and one or more others, while "us" is an object pronoun used to refer to the group including the speaker, typically as the object of a verb or preposition.
Difference Between We and Us
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"We" serves as the subject pronoun in sentences, indicating the group performing an action, including the speaker. It is used to introduce statements or actions that the speaker and at least one other person are doing or will do. For instance, in the sentence "We are going to the park," "we" is the subject performing the action of going. On the other hand, "us" is used as the object pronoun, referring to the group that includes the speaker but is receiving the action of the verb or is involved in the relation indicated by a preposition. For example, "The teacher gave us homework," where "us" receives the action of receiving homework.
The choice between "we" and "us" can change the meaning and grammatical correctness of a sentence. Using "we" correctly indicates who is doing the action, as in "We will handle the project." Incorrectly substituting "us" in this position, "Us will handle the project," is grammatically incorrect. Conversely, "Please join us for dinner" correctly uses "us" as the object of the preposition "for," whereas "Please join we for dinner" is incorrect.
In questions that involve suggesting an action or decision, "shall we" is a common and grammatically correct formulation, as in "Shall we go?" This invites the inclusion of the speaker and the listener in the proposed action. In contrast, "us" cannot be correctly used to initiate such questions because it does not function as a subject pronoun.
There are idiomatic expressions where "us" appears to take on the role of a subject through constructions like "Let us" or its contraction "Let's," which is an imperative form inviting or suggesting a collective action, e.g., "Let's go to the beach." Despite appearing to function as a subject, "us" in "Let us" is still technically an object of the verb "let."
Reflecting on emphasis and formality, "we" can emphasize a collective action or decision, promoting unity or shared responsibility. "Us," by focusing on the group as the object, may emphasize the experience or the reception of actions by the group. In formal writing or speeches, careful selection between "we" and "us" according to their grammatical roles can affect the tone and clarity of the message.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Grammatical Role
Subject pronoun
Object pronoun
Example Usage
"We are planning a trip."
"The journey includes us."
Position in Sentence
Typically appears before the verb.
Follows the verb or a preposition.
Function
Indicates the group performing an action.
Indicates the group receiving an action or benefit.
Correctness in Questions
"Shall we go?" (Correct)
Used with prepositions or as an object, not directly in subject position.
Idiomatic Expressions
—
"Let us" or "Let's" for suggestions.
Emphasis
On the action or decision made by the group.
On the experience or reception by the group.
Formality
Used correctly in both formal and informal contexts.
Selection between "us" and "we" can affect formality in writing or speech.
Compare with Definitions
We
Reflects collective responsibility or action.
We will ensure the project's success.
Us
Receives action or benefits in sentences.
They gave us a standing ovation.
We
Used to introduce actions or intentions.
We are hosting the event next week.
Us
Used after prepositions to refer to the speaker's group.
Between us, there's no secret.
We
Invokes inclusivity and unity.
We stand together in this decision.
Us
Object pronoun for a group including the speaker.
The surprise was meant for us.
We
Subject pronoun for a group including the speaker.
We decided to leave early.
Us
Appears in idiomatic expressions like "Let's."
Let's move on to the next point.
We
Can signal a suggestion or question when paired with "shall."
Shall we begin?
Us
Emphasizes the group's experience or role as recipients.
The award honors us all.
We
In Modern English, we is a plural, first-person pronoun.
Us
Used by a speaker to refer to himself or herself and one or more other people as the object of a verb or preposition
Both of us
We asked him to come with us
Let us know
We
(personal) The speakers/writers, or the speaker/writer and at least one other person (not the person being addressed). This is the exclusive we.
Us
Me
Give us a kiss
We
(personal) The speaker(s)/writer(s) and the person(s) being addressed. This is the inclusive we.
Us
(personal) Me and at least one other person; the objective case of we.
We
(personal) The institution upon which the speaker/writer is acting. This is the editorial we, used by writers and others when speaking with the authority of their publication or organisation.
Us
Me.
Give us a look at your paper.
Give us your wallet!
She's turned the weans against us!
We
The sovereign alone in their capacity as monarch. This is the royal we. The reflexive case of this sense of we is ourself.
Us
(Northern England) Our.
We'll have to throw us food out.
We
(personal) The plural form of you, including everyone being addressed.
How are we all tonight?
Us
(Geordie) Me (in all contexts).
Look at us while you’re speaking to us.
Could you do that for us?
We
(proscribed) The speaker or writer, used to imply connection between the speaker's experiences and a group of listeners.
Hey guys, how's it going? Today we are going to be playing a new game.
Us
The speakers/writers, or the speaker/writer and at least one other person.
It's not good enough for us teachers.
We
(Tyneside) Us.
Us
(rare) u's.
We
The speakers/writers, or the speaker/writer and at least one other person.
We Canadians like to think of ourselves as different.
Us
The persons speaking, regarded as an object; ourselves; - the objective case of we. See We.
Give us this day our daily bread.
We
The plural nominative case of the pronoun of the first person; the word with which a person in speaking or writing denotes a number or company of which he is one, as the subject of an action expressed by a verb.
Us
48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776
Common Curiosities
When should I use "we" in a sentence?
Use "we" when referring to yourself and others as the subject of a verb.
Can "we" and "us" be used interchangeably?
No, their usage depends on their grammatical role in a sentence—subject vs. object.
How can I remember the difference between "we" and "us"?
Remember that "we" acts (subject), and "us" receives action or is part of a prepositional phrase (object).
Can "us" ever start a sentence?
Typically, "us" doesn't start a sentence unless it's part of an idiomatic expression like "Us being there made a difference," which is informal.
What is a common mistake with "we" and "us"?
A common mistake is using "us" as the subject of a sentence, which is grammatically incorrect.
Is "Let's" short for "Let us"?
Yes, "Let's" is a contraction of "Let us," suggesting a proposal for action involving the speaker and listeners.
What happens if I misuse "we" and "us"?
Misusing "we" and "us" can lead to grammatically incorrect sentences and potentially confuse your audience.
Is there a trick to quickly identify when to use "we" or "us"?
Substitute "he/she/they" for "we" and "him/her/them" for "us" to check correctness; if the sentence still makes sense, you've likely chosen correctly.
Can "us" be used in formal writing?
Yes, when correctly used as an object pronoun or after a preposition, "us" is appropriate in formal writing.
How does the choice between "we" and "us" affect the tone of communication?
Using them correctly can influence the formality and clarity of communication, impacting how the message is received.
Do "we" and "us" have different roles in questions and statements?
Yes, "we" can serve as the subject in questions ("Shall we?"), while "us" does not typically start questions.
Why is it important to choose between "we" and "us"?
Correct choice enhances clarity, grammatical correctness, and the intended message's precision.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Super vs. Hyper
Next Comparison
Drain vs. SewerAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
