I define myself as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I define myself as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe yourself or your identity, such as in a biography or other form of writing where it is appropriate to do so. For example: "I define myself as an ambitious professional with a passion for helping others succeed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Culture

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

I define myself as a poet and as a mother – that's all".

The Guardian - Books

I define myself as a radical democrat (and socialist) and I recognise some negative points about the EU.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I define myself as lots of things, not just my career, my life".

The Guardian

It's a "narcissistic reflexive thought process: I define myself as feminist and so everything I do is a feminist act".

The New Yorker

Travelling in Scotland in the summer of 2014, I only ever feel I am seen as English; everywhere else I define myself as British.

The Guardian - Opinion

More crucially when I am alone and not relating to men or women, do I define myself as female or as a rather more neutral being?

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

At the moral level, I can define myself as conservative".

The New Yorker

The main thing I'd define myself as is as a humourist, and there's so many jokes to be made that haven't been made, because we haven't talked about this stuff, you know?

The Guardian

My battle with depression and anxiety left me feeling hollow and I struggled with my imperfections; I never felt good enough, I didn't define myself as beautiful, I always struggled with understanding my worth and even my existence.

Huffington Post

But, really, I wanted to be as different from my mother as I could and define myself as far as possible from the suburban life I was brought up in".

The Guardian - Arts

"Sure, but I don't define myself as that.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "I define myself as", consider the context and audience. In formal settings, ensure your definition aligns with professional expectations and avoids overly personal or controversial statements.

Common error

Avoid using overly broad or vague terms after "I define myself as" that lack specific meaning. Instead, use concrete and descriptive language to convey a clear understanding of your self-identity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I define myself as" serves as a declarative statement introducing a self-assigned attribute or identity. Ludwig examples show its use in expressing professions, personal values, or group affiliations. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Opinion

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I define myself as" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express one's self-perception or identity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for direct communication in various contexts, from personal statements to professional settings. While the phrase is versatile, consider the context and audience to ensure clarity and relevance. While widely applicable and used across various authoritative sources such as The Guardian, Huffington Post and The New Yorker, careful crafting of what follows "I define myself as" is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I identify as

Focuses on identifying with a specific group or characteristic.

I consider myself to be

Uses "consider" instead of "define", implying a more reflective assessment.

I view myself as

Replaces "define" with "view", suggesting a personal perspective.

I see myself as

Similar to "view myself", indicating a personal interpretation.

I perceive myself as

Emphasizes subjective perception rather than a concrete definition.

I characterize myself as

Uses "characterize", implying a description of qualities or traits.

I understand myself to be

Suggests a deeper comprehension of one's own nature.

My self-perception is that of

More formal and emphasizes the internal understanding of self.

I know myself to be

Expresses a strong sense of self-awareness and conviction.

My understanding of myself is as a

A more elaborate and formal way of expressing self-definition.

FAQs

How can I use "I define myself as" in a sentence?

Use "I define myself as" to introduce a specific aspect of your identity, such as your profession, values, or personal qualities. For example, "I define myself as a dedicated educator with a passion for student success."

What are some alternatives to "I define myself as"?

You can use alternatives like "I identify as", "I consider myself to be", or "I view myself as" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "I define myself as" or "I am"?

"I define myself as" is useful when you want to highlight a particular aspect of your identity, while "I am" is a more general statement of being. The best choice depends on the specific context and what you want to emphasize.

What does it mean when someone says "I define myself as"?

When someone says "I define myself as", they are consciously stating how they understand their own identity, character, or role. It reflects a deliberate act of self-description.