I allow myself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'I allow myself' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing permission or consent to yourself in regards to an action or decision. For example, "I allow myself to take a break now."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

I allow 30 minutes for a 10-minute walk.

The New York Times

Entering the N.C.A.A. tournament, fourth-seeded Notre Dame is averaging 8.31 goals a game and has the top defense in Division I, allowing 5.92 goals a game.

The New York Times - Sports

The display of actively synthesized proteins as pMHC I allows CD8+ T cells to potentially detect intracellular viruses as soon as viral mRNAs are translated [32].

Plosone

(Optom8) I'll allow 30 and probably spend 40 But once you've got an OCT sitting there and you start looking at it, and you really want to explain it to the patient and they say, "Oh, thank you.

BMJ Open

I'll allow 30 and probably spend 40 But once you've got an OCT sitting there and you start looking at it, and you really want to explain it to the patient and they say, "Oh, thank you.

BMJ Open

'I won't allow depositions,' 'I will allow depositions,' 'I'll only allow 15 minutes a witness.' You shouldn't put justice on a time clock".

The New York Times

The RedHawks were the only N.C.A.A. Division I team not to allow 70 points in a game the entire 2006-7 season.

The New York Times - Sports

As a guest of the Spread Eagle Inn, I was allowed 24-hour access, so I returned at closing time.

The New York Times - Travel

I'd allowed 20 minutes for the process; Big Ben banged off half an hour before I got in.

BBC

"I'm allowed 18 points a day".

The New York Times - Style

Luckily, I'm allowed 35 pounds of food from the street every month.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I allow myself" to intentionally grant yourself permission for a specific action, especially when overcoming internal resistance or setting boundaries. For example, "I allow myself to rest after a long week."

Common error

Avoid using "I allow myself" when describing actions that are necessary or obligatory. "I allow myself to eat" implies a choice, while "I need to eat" reflects a necessity. Don't use it when the action is not optional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I allow myself" functions as a reflexive verb phrase, where the subject performs an action (allowing) upon themselves. According to Ludwig, this construction is correct and expresses granting permission or consent to oneself. Examples from Ludwig show it used in contexts of granting oneself time, rest, or indulgence.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I allow myself" is a grammatically correct reflexive verb phrase used to express conscious self-permission. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies granting oneself the opportunity to perform an action, often after a period of restraint. While this expression has a neutral register suitable for various communication contexts, it's important to use it when expressing a deliberate act of self-permission rather than describing an obligation. Considering the alternatives like "I permit myself" and "I let myself" can provide a richer vocabulary to express the subtle nuances of self-permission.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I let myself

This is a more casual and common way of expressing permission to oneself.

I permit myself

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes a deliberate act of granting permission.

I give myself permission

This phrase is more explicit and emphasizes the act of self-authorization.

I treat myself

This alternative specifically refers to indulging in something enjoyable, shifting the focus to reward.

I indulge in

This phrase is more sophisticated and emphasizes the pleasure derived from the action.

I enable myself

This alternative emphasizes providing the means or opportunity for oneself to do something.

I afford myself the opportunity

This option is formal and stresses the creation of a chance or possibility.

I empower myself

This suggests giving oneself the power or authority to do something, implying a strengthening of resolve.

I sanction myself

This suggests a formal or official approval granted to oneself, which is less common.

I warrant myself

This is an archaic and uncommon alternative, implying a guarantee or justification for one's actions.

FAQs

How can I use "I allow myself" in a sentence?

Use "I allow myself" when you want to express that you are giving yourself permission to do something, often after a period of restriction or denial. For example, "After finishing the project, I allow myself to relax and watch a movie".

What are some alternatives to "I allow myself"?

You can use alternatives like "I permit myself", "I let myself", or "I give myself permission" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "I allow myself" or "I deserve"?

The best choice depends on the context. "I allow myself" implies granting permission, while "I deserve" suggests earning something through effort or merit. "I allow myself a treat" suggests permission, while "I deserve a treat" suggests it was earned.

What is the difference between "I allow myself" and "I treat myself"?

"I allow myself" is broader and covers any kind of permission you grant yourself. "I treat myself" specifically refers to indulging in something enjoyable or rewarding. You might allow yourself to rest, but you treat yourself to ice cream.