Own meaning in English
Learn how to use Own correctly with Gymglish.
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Definition
to own: to have, to possess, to be the proprietor of
I own three cars.
(my) own (car): (my car) that belongs to me, that I am the owner of; (my) exclusive, individual, private (car)
Pronunciation examples
UK: Now that I'm thirty, my mum wants me to get my own home.
US: I owned a motorcycle when I was younger.
Examples
- "On the other hand he did find a Polish immigrant on the metro, who raised the boy as his own and taught him the art of perfume-making."
- "We have done our best to reduce the size of our own email accounts by deleting emails older than 90 days, as well as emails with large attachments or animal photos."
- "So, Mr Marron, do you own your own home?"
- "I see you manage your own share portfolio."
- "You oversee all sales - both wholesale and retail - and lead the sales department as well as working with your own key clients."
- "He'd like to see his own image on the bottle - alongside Delavigne of course - since he thinks this fragrance sums up his personality so well."
- "The thought of someone illegally entering our home and taking the possessions we have bought with our own hard-earned money is enough to anger anyone."
- "Mr. Wang : Yes gentlemen, unless we come to an arrangement right away, I will own enough stock in your companies to have a controlling interest by the market's close tomorrow night!"
- "We'll have our own meeting by the coffee machine."
- "These consumers are likely to own several fragrances at once."
- "Their hair balls are becoming a problem. I'm not sure if they're licking their own fur or your body hair."
- "Of course, it's fine that Sheik Jafar should like the scent - I don't see why not - but to market it with his own image on the bottle?"
- "-Stink, Bruno's dog, has his own key to the apartment."
- "Wang owns 51% of the shares, run by older brother Kwon)"
- "", these posters will be all the more powerful because they will be made by our own (multi-colored) hands."
- "As an emerging designer in 1950's France, Patrice took over the struggling fashion house of his mentor, Frederich Lundqvist, and restored it to respectability before launching his own fashion house with the financial backing of American investors."
- "On the other hand, he did find an accordionist on the metro, who raised the boy as his own and taught him the art of perfume-making."
- "Go buy your own delicious burrito."
Exercise 1
Fill in the blanks below with the correct form of the verb in the present tense
1. Luna a car, but she usually her bike to work because it's better for the environment.
2. Horatio a parrot, but he his monkeys as companions, because they remind him of little furry people.
1. Luna a car, but she usually her bike to work because it's better for the environment.
2. Horatio a parrot, but he his monkeys as companions, because they remind him of little furry people.
Fill in the blanks below with the correct form of the verb in the present tense
1. Luna [not done] has 1 a car, but she usually [not done] rides 2 her bike to work because it's better for the environment.
2. Horatio [not done] owns 3 a parrot, but he [not done] prefers 4 his monkeys as companions, because they remind him of little furry people.
1. Luna [not done] has 1 a car, but she usually [not done] rides 2 her bike to work because it's better for the environment.
2. Horatio [not done] owns 3 a parrot, but he [not done] prefers 4 his monkeys as companions, because they remind him of little furry people.
1 has: In the present simple tense, the verb 'to have' is conjugated as 'has' in the third person singular form. It is an irregular verb, and in this construction indicates Luna's possession of a car. We use the simple present tense as we are describing a habitual action in the present tense.
2 rides: In the present simple tense, the verb 'to ride' is conjugated as 'rides' in the third person singular form. It is an irregular verb: ride/rode/ridden. We use the simple present tense as we are describing a habitual action in the present tense.
3 owns: In the present simple tense, the verb 'to own' is conjugated as 'owns' in the third person singular form. In this construction, 'own' indicates Horatio's possession of a parrot. We use the simple present tense as we are describing Horatio's current ownership of a parrot.
4 prefers: In the present simple tense, the verb 'to prefer' is conjugated as 'prefers' in the third person singular form. In this construction, 'prefers' indicates Horatio's preference for monkeys over parrots. We use the simple present tense as we are describing Horatio's general, ongoing preference for monkeys.
Exercise 2
The following phrases and sentences each use the verb "to have" in different ways. Choose the best definition for each.
The problem has to do with our current business software:
Everyone had to have it:
Even kids with lemonade stands had a copy:
The problem has to do with our current business software:
Everyone had to have it:
Even kids with lemonade stands had a copy:
The following phrases and sentences each use the verb "to have" in different ways. Choose the best definition for each.
The problem has to do with our current business software: The problem regards our business software 1
Everyone had to have it: Everybody felt as if they needed Quickmate 2
Even kids with lemonade stands had a copy: Even kids owned a copy of Quickmate 3
The problem has to do with our current business software: The problem regards our business software 1
Everyone had to have it: Everybody felt as if they needed Quickmate 2
Even kids with lemonade stands had a copy: Even kids owned a copy of Quickmate 3
1 The problem regards our business software: This is the best choice here. If one thing "has to do with" another thing, it means that the two ideas, events, objects are "linked" or "connected" somehow. For example: The drop-off in sales has to do with our poor marketing.
1 The problem must be our software: In this construction, "has to" is not being used in the sense of "obligation" or "necessity". This is a different use of the verb, as in the sentence: "I have to go visit my dog at the veterinarian because he has fleas".
2 Everybody felt as if they needed Quickmate: This is the best choice here.Bob is using the "have to + verb" construction, which does express obligation, however it would be inaccurate to assume that people were actually "required" or "obligated" to own or to use the Quickmate software. Bob is using the expression in a figurative sense to express the feeling that software was so popular that everybody felt like they "had to have it".
2 Everybody was required to have Quickmate: To interpret Bob's expression in this way would be inaccurate. It's true that Bob's expression does employ a construction which normally indicates obligation. However, to say that using the Quickmate software was "mandatory" or "required" would be a very literal interpretation which is not very likely, even unrealistic.
3 Even kids owned a copy of Quickmate : The verb "to have" is being used to express possession in this construction. Bob is indicating that even children "owned" or "possessed" a copy of "Quickmate".
3 Even kids must have Quickmate: Bob is not using the verb "to have" in the sense of obligation or necessity. He is using the verb in the sense of possession or ownership.
Exercise 3
Select all of the TRUE statements from the list below according to Bruno's email.
Select all of the TRUE statements from the list below according to Bruno's email.
This statement is false. Although Bruno does mention that Polly has reserved a plane ticket for him, she hasn't arranged transportation from the airport to the ranch. To "rent" (a car) is to pay for the use of a car for a short period of time. Polly has not rented a car for Bruno.
This is a true statement. Bruno writes in his email to Warbuckle, "I will arrange my own transportation". He means that he will take care of his transportation on his own, that he will get himself from the airport to the ranch, and doesn't need Warbuckle to organise anything for him.
This statement is false. Bruno writes, "Although I don't own a rifle, I'm pretty sure they're not allowed on commercial flights". Bruno is indicating that he does not have (or "own") a rifle, and even if he did, he doubts that he would be permitted to bring it on a plane. Bruno is not expressing that he doesn't want to bring a rifle, but rather that it is illegal!
This statement is false. Bruno writes in his email, "I must admit I'm curious to know what's on your mind". He means that he is intrigued or curious to find out what is "troubling" or "bothering" Warbuckle. From this information, we can assume Bruno doesn't yet know what Warbuckle wants to discuss with him.
This statement is false. There is nothing in Bruno's email to suggest that he is surprised by Harold's invitation. On the contrary, Bruno writes "your invitation warms my heart", meaning that the invitation has made him feel happy or content.
Exercise 4
From the list below, choose the TRUE statement(s) according to the text.
There may be more than one!
There may be more than one!
From the list below, choose the TRUE statement(s) according to the text.
There may be more than one!
There may be more than one!
This is a true statement. Warbuckle calls Polly a "secretary", but she is a "personal assistant".
This is a true statement. Warbuckle asks Icarus: "Would you mind if my accountant gave you a call sometime?", and later tells him that his accountant will "be in touch before April". He is asking Icarus if it would be possible for one of his representatives to contact him, most likely for tax or financial advice, and then confirming that he will "have this person call" before April. "To have someone (call)" is to instruct or order another person (usually an employee) to make a phone call.
This is a true statement. Polly says: "Mr. Delavigne is running a bit late. He should be here very shortly". To "run late" means to be behind schedule, usually for a meeting or appointment. Polly is explaining to Harold that Bruno Delavigne has been delayed, or not "on time".
This is the only false statement here. The Delavigne Corporation "owns" the 14th floor, it does not "rent" it. To "own" something is to possess it, for example: I own my flat, I do not rent it. I bought it for $150,000 two years ago. The verb "to rent" describes a payment or series of payments made for the use of something such as a car or apartment.
Exercise 5
Match the headline with the correct article below. Only three of the headlines are used, and none is used more than once!
Last year was the worst on record for perfume giant Kalvin Krime. Sales figures dropped dramatically due to stiff competition from up-and-coming Delavigne Corp, which increased its market share by 15%. Despite this, CEO Kalvin Krime announced yesterday that "the worst is now over" and predicted an increase in profits next year.
The previously privately-owned DataSeed Systems has announced that the general public can finally own a piece of the successful company. The move is apparently aimed to raise capital for a much-needed IT revamp and also a pool table for the staff recreation room. Despite healthy profits, lots of employees had been leaving the company. A lack of leisure facilities has been suggested as being one of the main causes.
Once again it would seem that Delavigne's bank balance is smelling of roses. A very smug company spokesperson reported that revenues from world-wide perfume sales are up by 20% compared to this time last year. The company's CEO has attributed this success to a controversial advertising campaign in which customers are hypnotized into buying Delavigne products.
Last year was the worst on record for perfume giant Kalvin Krime. Sales figures dropped dramatically due to stiff competition from up-and-coming Delavigne Corp, which increased its market share by 15%. Despite this, CEO Kalvin Krime announced yesterday that "the worst is now over" and predicted an increase in profits next year.
The previously privately-owned DataSeed Systems has announced that the general public can finally own a piece of the successful company. The move is apparently aimed to raise capital for a much-needed IT revamp and also a pool table for the staff recreation room. Despite healthy profits, lots of employees had been leaving the company. A lack of leisure facilities has been suggested as being one of the main causes.
Once again it would seem that Delavigne's bank balance is smelling of roses. A very smug company spokesperson reported that revenues from world-wide perfume sales are up by 20% compared to this time last year. The company's CEO has attributed this success to a controversial advertising campaign in which customers are hypnotized into buying Delavigne products.
Match the headline with the correct article below. Only three of the headlines are used, and none is used more than once!
Optimistic forecast from CEO 1
Last year was the worst on record for perfume giant Kalvin Krime. Sales figures dropped dramatically due to stiff competition from up-and-coming Delavigne Corp, which increased its market share by 15%. Despite this, CEO Kalvin Krime announced yesterday that "the worst is now over" and predicted an increase in profits next year.
Shares for everyone! 2
The previously privately-owned DataSeed Systems has announced that the general public can finally own a piece of the successful company. The move is apparently aimed to raise capital for a much-needed IT revamp and also a pool table for the staff recreation room. Despite healthy profits, lots of employees had been leaving the company. A lack of leisure facilities has been suggested as being one of the main causes.
Turnover increases 3
Once again it would seem that Delavigne's bank balance is smelling of roses. A very smug company spokesperson reported that revenues from world-wide perfume sales are up by 20% compared to this time last year. The company's CEO has attributed this success to a controversial advertising campaign in which customers are hypnotized into buying Delavigne products.
Optimistic forecast from CEO 1
Last year was the worst on record for perfume giant Kalvin Krime. Sales figures dropped dramatically due to stiff competition from up-and-coming Delavigne Corp, which increased its market share by 15%. Despite this, CEO Kalvin Krime announced yesterday that "the worst is now over" and predicted an increase in profits next year.
Shares for everyone! 2
The previously privately-owned DataSeed Systems has announced that the general public can finally own a piece of the successful company. The move is apparently aimed to raise capital for a much-needed IT revamp and also a pool table for the staff recreation room. Despite healthy profits, lots of employees had been leaving the company. A lack of leisure facilities has been suggested as being one of the main causes.
Turnover increases 3
Once again it would seem that Delavigne's bank balance is smelling of roses. A very smug company spokesperson reported that revenues from world-wide perfume sales are up by 20% compared to this time last year. The company's CEO has attributed this success to a controversial advertising campaign in which customers are hypnotized into buying Delavigne products.
1 Optimistic forecast from CEO: "Optimistic forecast" is the best headline to begin this article. We read the Kalvin Krime, CEO of his company, is "optimistic" or "hopeful" about the future of his company. A "forecast" is a "prediction" of future events. This headline means that the senior manager of a company (Kalvin Krime in this case) had made hopeful or positive predictions.
1 Delavigne hypnotized by stock market success: To be "hypnotized" is to be "enchanted". There is no suggestion of Delavigne being "enchanted" in this article, so this choice does not make sense here.
1 Shares for everyone!: In this context, a "share" is a fraction of a company's stocks or capital which can be divided either among employees or private citizens. There is no suggestion in this article that "shares" will be available for the population.
1 Icarus Quincy lost in New York: To be "lost" is to be "stranded" or "unable to find one's way". There is no suggestion of Icarus being "lost in New York" in the article.
1 Turnover increases: Turnover is not currently increasing at Kalvin Krime, rather, the company's CEO hopes that their profits WILL increase in the future.
1 Pessimistic outlook: This is the opposite of what this article is saying. The "outlook", "forecast", or "predictions" in this article are positive, not negative.
2 Shares for everyone!: "Shares for everyone" summarises this article the best. In this context, a "share" is a fraction of a company's stocks or capital which can be divided either among employees or private citizens. In the article, we read that "the general public can finally own a piece of" DataSeed. This means that they will be able to buy shares in the company.
2 Delavigne hypnotized by stock market success: To be "hypnotized" is to be "enchanted". There is no suggestion of Delavigne being "enchanted" in this article, so this choice does not make sense here.
2 Optimistic forecast from CEO: A "forecast" is a "prediction" of future events. A company's "CEO" is its managing director. There is no mention of CEOs making predictions in this article.
2 Icarus Quincy lost in New York: To be "lost" is to be "stranded" or "unable to find one's way". There is no suggestion of Icarus being "lost in New York" in the article.
2 Turnover increases: "Turnover" refers to the amount of business transacted during a given period of time for a certain company. To "increase" is to "become bigger". This article does not discuss these issues.
2 Pessimistic outlook: "Outlook" shares a similar meaning with "predictions" or "future". This article does not focus on a negative future.
3 Turnover increases: This is the most appropriate headline for this article. "Turnover" refers to the amount of business transacted during a given period of time for a certain company. To "increase" is to "become bigger". We read that "revenues from world-wide perfume sales are up by 20%", meaning that sales have increased.
3 Delavigne hypnotized by Stock Market success: To be "hypnotized" is to be "enchanted". There is no suggestion of Delavigne being "enchanted" in this article, so this choice does not make sense here. Rather, they are "hypnotising" customers through special advertising!
3 Optimistic forecast from CEO: A "forecast" is a "prediction" of future events. A company's "CEO" is its managing director. There is no mention of CEOs making predictions in this article.
3 Icarus Quincy lost in New York: To be "lost" is to be "stranded" or "unable to find one's way". There is no suggestion of Icarus being "lost in New York" in this article.
3 Shares for everyone!: In this context, a "share" is a fraction of a company's stocks or capital which can be divided either among employees or private citizens. There is no suggestion in this article that "shares" will be available for the population.
3 Pessimistic outlook: "Outlook" shares a similar meaning with "predictions" or "future". This article does not focus on a negative future.
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