I allowed myself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I allowed myself" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you gave yourself permission to do something. For example, you could say: "I allowed myself a few moments of rest before continuing my work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Eventually, I allowed myself the truth.

The New York Times - Magazine

So, I allowed myself to like it".

The Guardian - Music

I allowed myself a rueful laugh.

The Guardian - Business

But after a few minutes, I allowed myself to linger.

The New York Times

"I allowed myself to be painted in a certain way.

The New York Times

With my own daughter's acceptance I allowed myself to get caught up in the mania.

The New York Times

For a moment, I allowed myself to think a new Serbia was emerging.

Independent

The transformation could be precipitated in various ways; these were the only extravagance I allowed myself.

The New Yorker

"This time I had 'War and Peace' and I allowed myself a hundred pages a day.

The New Yorker

Had I allowed myself to believe we'd be exempt from the hard parts?

The New York Times

I instantly regretted it and am devastated that I allowed myself to punch someone like this.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing narratives, use “I allowed myself” to signal a shift in internal state or decision-making process. It shows a moment of self-permission, making the narrative more dynamic and relatable.

Common error

While acceptable, frequent use of "I allowed myself" can sound self-centered in formal writing. Instead, opt for more objective phrasing or focus on the action itself rather than the permission you granted yourself. Consider options like "I decided to" or "I chose to" for a more neutral tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I allowed myself" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past action of granting oneself permission to do something. Ludwig shows how it is used in various contexts, primarily in news and media, to express a deliberate decision to indulge or engage in a particular behavior or experience.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I allowed myself" is a commonly used expression to indicate that someone has granted themselves permission to do something, often after some hesitation or restraint. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, suggesting a personal narrative or reflection. While it can be used in various situations, it's important to consider the tone and formality of the writing, as overuse in formal contexts may sound self-centered. Consider using alternatives like "I permitted myself" or "I decided to" for more objective or formal writing. Knowing its purpose and register allows for its accurate and effective integration into various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I permitted myself

Replaces "allowed" with "permitted", suggesting a more formal granting of permission.

I let myself

Uses "let" as a more informal synonym for "allowed", indicating a relaxed granting of permission.

I gave myself permission

Explicitly states the act of granting permission to oneself.

I indulged in

Focuses on the act of enjoying something, implying self-permission.

I treated myself to

Suggests a special or luxurious act of self-indulgence.

I afforded myself the opportunity

Emphasizes the provision of a chance or possibility to oneself.

I took the liberty of

Indicates a freedom taken to do something, often with a slight hint of boldness.

I conceded to myself

Highlights the act of yielding or agreeing to one's own desires.

I sanctioned my own

Implies a formal or authoritative approval of one's own actions.

I became vulnerable to

Shifts focus to the openness or susceptibility one experiences, perhaps when giving in to a desire.

FAQs

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

Use "I allowed myself" to indicate that you permitted yourself to do something, often after some hesitation. For example, "After weeks of dieting, "I allowed myself" a piece of cake".

What's a more formal alternative to "I allowed myself"?

For more formal contexts, consider phrases like "I permitted myself" or "I granted myself the liberty to". These alternatives provide a similar meaning while maintaining a more professional tone.

Is it correct to say "I allow myself" instead of "I allowed myself"?

"I allow myself" indicates a present, ongoing permission, while "I allowed myself" refers to a past instance of granting permission. Use the appropriate tense based on the timing of the action.

What's the difference between "I let myself" and "I allowed myself"?

While similar, "I let myself" often implies a more passive acceptance or yielding to something, while "I allowed myself" suggests a more active and conscious decision to grant permission. Consider phrasing like "I let myself cry" versus ""I allowed myself" a break".