I believed myself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I believed myself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a sense of self-confidence or conviction in one's own abilities or thoughts. Example: "Despite the challenges, I believed myself capable of achieving my goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Against several odds, I believed myself a lucky person.

The New Yorker

In 1996, I believed myself incapable of cheating.

The New York Times

Never a sucker for tourist mementos, I believed myself to be immune to the polylingual sellers, their arms outstretched and covered with trinkets, whose solicitous offers were no match for my calculated penny-pinching.

The New Yorker

I believed myself in great crisis of the soul -- I could not order things in perspective, attach moral value to my actions -- but in fact I was merely selfish.

The New York Times - Books

I believed myself to be a salesman's dream customer: I knew which brand I wanted and came armed with the owner's manual from the old air-conditioner, which listed its dimensions, amps and even contained an illustration of the plug.

The New York Times

When I first moved to the US, I believed myself to hold some form of moral superiority: race was an issue back home, certainly, but the very fact that America still required an entire movement just to profess the obvious fact that Black Lives Matter seemed alien to me.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

I am not the person I believe myself to be.

The New York Times

I'm not even sure I believe myself.

The New York Times

"I believe myself on the stage now," he says.

The New York Times - Arts

For my part, I believe myself responsible to God for my acts and not to man.

The New York Times

Each Twitter post seemed a tacit referendum on who I am, or at least who I believe myself to be.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I believed myself", consider the context. It often implies a contrast between a past belief and a present understanding, adding depth to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "I believed myself" to describe current beliefs. It's typically used to reflect on a past state of mind. For current beliefs, phrases like "I believe" or "I am confident" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I believed myself" functions as an expression of past self-perception or conviction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English, signifying a past sense of self-assurance or a specific belief about one's abilities or circumstances. The provided examples illustrate its use in reflecting on past viewpoints.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I believed myself" is a grammatically sound and contextually rich expression used to reflect on past self-perceptions and convictions. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is best used to contrast past beliefs with present understanding, as seen in many examples from reputable sources. While "I believed myself" is considered uncommon in overall frequency, its use is most prevalent in "News & Media" contexts. When writing, remember that it is most effective when highlighting a shift in perspective and that it is generally unsuitable for describing current beliefs. Alternatives such as "I considered myself capable" or "I trusted my own judgment" can offer similar meanings depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I considered myself capable

Highlights one's assessment of their own ability to perform a task or handle a situation.

I was sure of my capabilities

Highlights the confidence in one's abilities and the absence of doubt.

I had faith in my abilities

Emphasizes confidence in one's skills and talents, suggesting a strong conviction in what one is capable of doing.

I felt certain about myself

Expresses a sense of assurance and confidence in one's own capabilities and decisions.

I trusted my own judgment

Focuses on the reliance on one's own decision-making ability rather than a general belief in oneself.

I had a strong sense of self-assurance

Emphasizes the feeling of certainty and confidence in one's own abilities and worth.

I was confident in my own mind

Highlights the internal assurance and self-belief that someone possesses.

I was convinced of my own strength

Focuses specifically on the belief in one's personal power and resilience.

I had conviction in my decisions

Stresses the firmness of one's beliefs and the resolve behind one's actions.

I knew my own mind

Suggests a clear understanding of one's own thoughts, feelings, and desires.

FAQs

What does "I believed myself" mean?

It means that at some point in the past, you held a strong conviction or perception about yourself, whether it was about your abilities, character, or situation. It often implies a contrast with your current understanding or perspective.

Is it correct to say "I believed myself"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and can be used to reflect on a past self-perception. However, ensure the context is appropriate and you're referring to a past belief rather than a current one.

What can I say instead of "I believed myself"?

You can use alternatives like "I trusted my own judgment", "I was sure of my capabilities", or "I considered myself capable depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Here's an example: "Back then, "I believed myself" invincible, but now I realize how naive I was."