Apply oneself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Apply oneself" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to encourage someone to put in effort or focus on a task or goal. Example: "If you truly want to succeed in this course, you need to apply yourself and dedicate time to studying."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Grades indicate either natural talent or the ability to apply oneself to learning certain skills that may not come naturally, and playing the game of school -- all are desirable qualities in one way or another.

Huffington Post

Worker motivation canbe understood as the degree of willingness to apply oneself to work and it occurs as a result of an interaction between individual, organizational and cultural determinants [ 28].

BMC Health Services Research

Help someone who wants help and is willing to apply oneself.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

For some, the art of applying oneself to the task at hand with a zealous and unquestioning belief in the worth of working hard has become more about working longer hours to earn more money and to impress others.

WikiHow

One quick test, supported if not overtly recommended by Malignant Sadness, is to see whether the final lines of Robert Burton's "Abstract of Melancholy" apply to oneself: "Ile change my state with any wretch, / Thou canst from geale [jail] or dunghill fetch: / My paines past cure, another Hell, / I may not in this torment dwell, / Now desperate I hate my life, / Lend me an halter or a knife.

The Guardian - Books

There are different subcultures, different authoritative structures, labels, and identities that one could apply to oneself.

Huffington Post

It was never a label that could possibly have been applied to oneself.

The Guardian - Opinion

Aristotelian essentialism, if correct, applies to oneself as well as to other things in the world.

SEP

In Evolution as Entropy, we suggested that neo-Darwinism had become a sociological label one applied to oneself in order to be considered acceptably mainstream.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Using findings from social cognition, they argued that clothing styles might prime specific mental categories about one's self such that those categories that are most easily accessed in a given situation would be more likely to be applied to oneself than categories of information that are difficult to access.

Fashion and Textiles

Being a peacemaker can go a long way in learning-thus-teaching negotiation skills, as well as understanding that management also applies to oneself.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "apply oneself" when you want to emphasize focused and concerted effort towards achieving a specific goal or improving a skill.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "apply oneself" can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "try hard" or "focus" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "apply oneself" is as a reflexive verb phrase. It describes the action of directing one's effort and attention towards a specific task or goal. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "apply oneself" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of dedicating effort and focus to a task. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers numerous examples from diverse sources. While not exceedingly common, the phrase is suitable for neutral to formal contexts and conveys a sense of determined effort. Alternatives like "dedicate oneself" or "exert oneself" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dedicate oneself

Focuses on committing time and energy to a specific purpose.

exert oneself

Highlights the effort and energy expended.

devote oneself

Emphasizes strong commitment and loyalty.

commit oneself

Stresses making a firm decision to pursue something.

buckle down

Implies a determined and focused effort, often after a period of less diligence.

throw oneself into

Suggests enthusiastic and energetic involvement.

immerse oneself

Highlights deep involvement and absorption in something.

give it one's all

Focuses on giving maximum effort.

try hard

Simple and direct way of expressing effort.

put one's back into it

Emphasizes physical and mental effort.

FAQs

How can I use "apply oneself" in a sentence?

Use "apply oneself" to describe someone putting in effort or focusing on a task, such as: "His parents wished he'd "applied himself" better while he was in school."

What does it mean to "apply oneself"?

To "apply oneself" means to put forth a concerted effort, try hard, and focus on a particular task or activity.

What can I say instead of "apply oneself"?

You can use alternatives like "dedicate oneself", "exert oneself", or "commit oneself" depending on the context.

Is "apply oneself" formal or informal?

"Apply oneself" is generally considered a formal expression. In more informal settings, simpler alternatives such as "try hard" or "focus" might be more appropriate.