Use of "own"

Question

Why use "own" in sentences like "his own words" (instead of just "his words") or "their own needs" (instead of just "their needs")?

Philip · Accepted Answer

It's just for emphasis.

Terryxpress · Answer

Mothers of new babies can become so maternally-preoccupied that they forget about their needs.
They forget about the baby's needs?

'their own needs' makes it clear we are referring to the needs of the mother.

Tony Blair: In His Own Words
Anyone can write a book about Tony Blair.
'in his own words' indicates that whatever follows (and there are 20 million hits for 'in his own words') is written by the person themselves.
Have you some other kind of sentence with 'in his own words' you are thinking of?

Use of "own"

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