I kept myself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I kept myself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is referring to maintaining their own well-being, composure, or self-control in a situation. Example: "During the stressful meeting, I kept myself calm and focused on the task at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

I kept myself entertained.

The New York Times - Books

I kept myself in distress.

The New York Times

I kept myself busy.

The Guardian

"I kept myself to myself.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Joel said: "I kept myself away.

The New York Times

I kept myself in very good shape.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"I keep myself busy with boxing".

The New York Times - Sports

I keep myself apart from that.

The Guardian - Film

I keep myself busy all the time.

The New York Times

"I keep myself in pretty good shape.

The New York Times - Sports

I keep myself busy in the garden".

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I kept myself" consider the specific nuance you want to convey. For instance, "I kept myself busy" implies activity, while "I kept myself calm" suggests emotional regulation.

Common error

Avoid using "I kept myself" when you actually mean that someone or something else caused you to be in a certain state. For example, instead of saying "I kept myself awake with coffee" clarify it as "Coffee kept me awake."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I kept myself" functions as a main clause with a transitive verb, indicating an action performed by the subject (I) upon themselves. The verb 'kept' takes 'myself' as a reflexive object. According to Ludwig AI, this structure is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I kept myself" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to describe self-regulation, activity management, or emotional control. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its usage is common across a wide range of contexts, particularly in news and media, reflecting its broad applicability. When using this phrase, consider the specific nuance you aim to convey and avoid misattributing agency. For alternatives, consider phrases like "I controlled myself", "I occupied myself", or "I restrained myself", depending on the specific context. The phrase's frequent appearance in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance in formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I controlled myself

Focuses on the act of restraining one's emotions or behavior.

I restrained myself

Highlights the effort of holding back or suppressing an impulse.

I maintained myself

Emphasizes the act of sustaining a particular state or condition.

I busied myself

Similar to 'occupied', but suggests a more active or energetic engagement.

I sustained myself

Highlights maintaining one's well-being or existence.

I occupied myself

Indicates the act of filling one's time with activity.

I preserved myself

Emphasizes protecting oneself from harm or decline.

I entertained myself

Focuses on providing oneself with amusement or enjoyment.

I amused myself

Highlights finding entertainment or enjoyment independently.

I supported myself

Focuses on providing the necessary resources for self-sustenance.

FAQs

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

You can use "I kept myself" to describe how you maintained a certain state, such as "I kept myself busy during the holidays" or "I kept myself calm during the argument".

What's the difference between "I kept myself busy" and "I busied myself"?

While both phrases indicate filling one's time, "I kept myself busy" is more general, while "I busied myself" implies a more deliberate or energetic engagement in activities. You can also say "I occupied myself" as alternative phrase.

What can I say instead of "I kept myself to myself"?

You can use alternatives like "I remained aloof", "I stayed isolated", or "I avoided socializing" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "I keep myself" instead of "I kept myself"?

The correct tense depends on the context. "I keep myself" suggests a habitual action, while "I kept myself" refers to a past action. For example, "I keep myself in shape by exercising daily" versus "I kept myself busy yesterday by cleaning the house."