Us: The Object Form of We
Quick Answer
Us is the object form of we and refers to a group that includes the speaker: They invited us. Sit with us.
Example: They called us last night.
US in Action — See the Pattern
- They called us last night. — Us is the object of called.
- Tell us the news. — The speaker and others will hear it.
- Come with us. — Use us after with.
When to Use US
The pair is we as subject and us as object: We helped Tom. Tom helped us. Both forms include the speaker. They may include the listener too, depending on the situation.
Use us after verbs that take an object, such as help or invite, and after prepositions such as with, to or for. The group need not receive a physical action: in She sat with us, us simply follows with.
Read the whole sentence before choosing. Are we next? needs the subject form we even though are comes first. Our has a different job: it comes before a noun, as in our class.
The Rule in One Line: Us includes the speaker and follows verbs such as help or prepositions such as with. Compare it with subject we.
Real-Life Examples With US
Read the sentence and notice the job of the highlighted pronoun.
- Can you help us with the project? — Us is the object of help.
- She gave us a present. — The present was given to our group.
- Tom invited us to dinner. — Us names the people invited.
- Are you talking to us? — After to.
- Come and sit with us. — After with.
Three Mistakes to Avoid With US
Compare each incorrect full sentence (✗) with its correction (✓).
Use us as an object
✗ She invited we to dinner.
✓ She invited us to dinner.
Invited needs the object form us here.
Keep us separate from our
✗ Give our the keys.
✓ Give us the keys.
Us names the people. Our introduces a noun: our keys.
Use we as the subject
✗ Us live in London.
✓ We live in London.
The full statement needs the subject form we.
Remember: Us includes the speaker and follows verbs such as help or prepositions such as with. Compare it with subject we.
Test Yourself: US
Choose an answer to see your feedback immediately. Your first answer counts towards your score.
1. They invited _______ to the wedding.
2. Can you help _______ with the bags?
3. She told _______ a funny story.
4. Come and sit with _______.
5. They are looking at _______.
Practise the pattern
Write one sentence with invited us and one with with us. Name the group first, so your reader knows who us means.
Next, study they for people, animals or things being discussed, including its use for one person.
Next lesson: They: A Subject Pronoun for People, Animals and Things
Further reference: British Council: personal pronouns.
I’m Khamis Maiouf. I’m studying Health and Social Care and have completed Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Level 3 Hairdressing. I have taught ESOL in my community and helped students with GCSE English. I run English Teacher Site to help people learn and practise English.