us
/əs/ (bre, ipa) · /əs/ (ame, ipa) · /ʌs/ (bre, ipa) · /ʌs/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌjuːˈes/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌjuːˈes/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈəs/ (ame, mw)
us — pronoun
1. the form of the word 'we' that comes after verbs, after prepositions, or after '
the form of the word 'we' that comes after verbs, after prepositions, or after 'be' — you use it when talking about yourself together with one or more other people.
Aarav's grandmother taught us how to cook traditional Indian dishes.
verb + us (direct object)
Could you show us the way to the nearest hospital, please?
indirect object: show + [someone] + [something]
A heavy thunderstorm caught us halfway up the mountain trail.
This package was left for us by the delivery driver this morning.
It was us who forgot to lock the back door last night.
文法句型
verb + us
preposition + us
be + us
用法筆記
Frequently used as both direct and indirect object. Unlike Chinese, which uses 我們 for both subject and object, English requires 'us' (not 'we') after verbs and prepositions. Subject form 'we' replaces 'us' after 'be' in formal writing, but 'it was us' is standard in speech.
常見錯誤
2. used in informal British speech to mean 'me' — especially when asking for someth
used in informal British speech to mean 'me' — especially when asking for something or making a request to a person you know well.
Give us a ring when you arrive at the station, Mum.
informal British request: give us = give me
Lend us your pen for a second, will you?
Can you pass us that newspaper over there?
Fetch us a glass of water from the kitchen, will you?
Tell us the truth — did you break the shed window?
- me
standard pronoun; 'us' in this sense is a colloquial replacement for 'me'
文法句型
give us + noun
lend us + noun
verb + us
用法筆記
Only in informal British English, especially northern dialects. Not considered standard in writing or formal speech. The singular meaning ('me') is clear from context because the speaker is talking to one person about their own needs, not a group's.
常見錯誤
❌ Using this sense in formal writing or American English — it is not accepted in either context.
❌ 'Give us a call' (said to a group, meaning 'give me') can cause confusion — the listener may think you mean 'give all of us a call'.
us — determiner
1. used in very informal, especially northern British, speech in place of 'our' bef
used in very informal, especially northern British, speech in place of 'our' before a noun referring to something belonging to the speaker's family or group.
Us dad is picking us up from the train station later.
us = our, in northern British dialect
We're having a party at us house on Saturday night.
Us cat got out through the kitchen window again this morning.
I left us keys on the table by the front door.
Us grandma makes the best apple pie in the neighbourhood.
- our
standard possessive determiner; use 'our' in all standard contexts
文法句型
us + noun
用法筆記
Non-standard dialect only. Learners should avoid using this form in any kind of test, formal writing, or when speaking to non-British audiences. Standard English requires 'our' instead.
常見錯誤
us — noun
1. a shortened name of the United States, used in news, everyday speech, and offici
a shortened name of the United States, used in news, everyday speech, and official writing to talk about the country.
She moved to the US for her graduate studies in engineering.
the US + for + purpose
The US has some of the most famous national parks in the world.
the US + singular verb (has)
Mateo is planning a road trip across the US next summer.
Many international students apply to universities in the US every year.
The US passed a new law to improve public transport funding.
- the United States
the full, more formal name
- America
common short form, though technically refers to the whole continent
- the USA
another common abbreviation, with 'the'
文法句型
the US + singular verb
用法筆記
Always takes a singular verb ('the US is', not 'the US are'). The definite article 'the' is normally used ('the US'), except in fixed expressions like 'made in the US' where 'the' is optional. In headlines and labels, 'US' can appear without 'the'.
常見錯誤
us — adjective
- uspositive
- ussercomparative
- ussestsuperlative
1. of or from the US — used before a noun to describe something connected with the
of or from the US — used before a noun to describe something connected with the country, its people, government, or culture.
The US president gave a speech on climate change this morning.
US + noun (person role)
Nellie works for a US company that makes medical equipment.
US culture has a strong influence on music and film around the world.
The US dollar is one of the most widely used currencies globally.
US immigration policy changed significantly after the new law took effect.
- American
more common as a general adjective for people and culture; 'US' is more common in official/institutional contexts
文法句型
US + noun
用法筆記
Used as an attributive adjective only (before a noun). Unlike 'American', 'US' cannot follow a linking verb: 'The company is American' is correct, but 'The company is US' is not.
常見錯誤
us — abbreviation
1. the short written form of 'United States' — used in addresses, labels, official
the short written form of 'United States' — used in addresses, labels, official forms, and titles without the word 'the'.
Please send the package to: 350 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY, US.
US in addresses (no article)
Applicants should write 'US' in the nationality section of the visa form.
US as written label (no article, no 'the')
US is the standard two-letter country code for the United States.
The flight from Tokyo to New York stopped for refuelling in Anchorage, Alaska, US.
- USA
another abbreviation; both US and USA are common, but US is more frequent in written codes
- United States
the full written form
文法句型
US (no article in labels, headlines)
用法筆記
As a pure abbreviation (written form), 'US' often appears without 'the' in stamps, labels, postmarks, and form fields. When used as a noun in running text, 'the US' is standard. Do not confuse the spoken form of the abbreviation (which is the same as the noun sense) with the written-only status this entry describes.
常見錯誤
❌ 'US' in formal running text without 'the' — 'She lives in US' is wrong; use 'the US' in normal sentences.