I supported myself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I supported myself" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing self-sufficiency or financial independence, often in the context of personal experiences or achievements. Example: "After graduating from college, I supported myself by working multiple part-time jobs while pursuing my career goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

I supported myself by writing.

The New York Times

I supported myself through college and entered a seminary.

The New York Times

"I supported myself basically, from the time my father died".

The New York Times

One parent may say, "I supported myself and paid for my school.

The New York Times

I supported myself mainly by "canning" — collecting and redeeming recyclable bottles and cans.

The New York Times

"I supported myself as a part-time window cleaner," he says.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"It's how I support myself," he said.

The New York Times

I support myself by working for Eat Catering.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I've got my own car and I support myself," he says.

The Economist

Not only did I support myself but a bunch of ex-wives and kids and restaurateurs and club owners and drug dealers".

The Guardian - Books

"I support myself and my family with the revenue of the store … The owner did not know about the gay concept before, so there was no problem".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a period of independence or self-reliance, use "I supported myself" to clearly communicate your ability to provide for your own needs without external assistance.

Common error

Avoid using "I supported myself" when you received substantial financial assistance from others. This phrase is best reserved for situations where you were genuinely self-reliant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I supported myself" functions as a declarative statement expressing the speaker's past ability to be financially independent and self-reliant. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I supported myself" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression indicating past self-reliance and financial independence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it commonly appears in news and media, as well as in personal narratives, to showcase individual achievements and experiences. While there are various semantically related phrases, it's crucial to use "I supported myself" when you were truly and completely self-sufficient.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I supported myself financially

Adds emphasis on the financial aspect of self-support.

I was self-sufficient

Focuses on the state of being able to provide for oneself.

I was financially independent

Highlights the financial aspect of self-reliance.

I was my own provider

Highlights the role of being the sole source of support for oneself.

I made my own living

Emphasizes earning a livelihood through one's own efforts.

I sustained myself

Focuses on maintaining oneself through one's own efforts.

I provided for myself

Emphasizes the act of supplying one's own needs.

I earned my keep

Implies contributing to one's own sustenance, sometimes in exchange for something.

I fended for myself

Suggests a more challenging or difficult struggle for self-support.

I took care of myself

A more general term that includes taking care of one's own needs.

FAQs

What does "I supported myself" mean?

The phrase "I supported myself" means that you were financially independent and provided for your own needs without relying on others for assistance.

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

You can use alternatives like "I was self-sufficient", "I made my own living", or "I was financially independent" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I supported myself"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to express that you were financially independent and responsible for your own well-being.

What's the difference between "I supported myself" and "I provided for myself"?

"I supported myself" typically implies complete financial independence, while "I provided for myself" can also include taking care of one's basic needs even with some assistance.