1.198 use of 'own'

When you want to draw attention to the fact that something belongs or relates to a particular person or thing, you can use the word 'own' after the possessive determiner.

• I helped him to some more whisky but left my own glass untouched.
• Residents are allowed to bring their own furniture with them if they wish to do so.
• Make your own decisions.
• I heard it with my own ears.
• She felt in charge of her own affairs.
• We had some glasses but Sheila used her own.

If you use a number in this structure, you put the number after 'own'.

• ...their own three children.
• ...the Doctor's own two rooms.