a self esteem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a self esteem" is not correct in English; it should be "self-esteem" without the article "a." You can use "self-esteem" when discussing an individual's confidence in their own worth or abilities.
Example: "Building self-esteem is crucial for personal development and mental health."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

We were hooked on healing (and many of us would in fact become therapists) as a road to a self esteem that would always be ephemeral.

Huffington Post

Importantly, regardless of who wins a gold medal, every Special Olympics from Capetown to Chicago has been a self esteem enhancing adventure for these young athletes.

Huffington Post

Because, I think at that point, you don't really care what people think, because hopefully you have developed a self esteem that is impervious to criticism.

Advances in Health Sciences Education

Have a self esteem.

WikiHow

Talk like a normal person, be proud of what you are and you should get the attitude of having a self esteem.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Ultimately, this is a self-esteem issue.

Independent

"For me, it was a self-esteem thing," he said.

The New York Times

Or was this just a self-esteem issue?

The New York Times - Style

There's a "self-esteem factor," Ms. Born said.

The New York Times

Elizabeth Berkley is writing a self-esteem book for young girls.

The New Yorker

Maybe Michael Bay, the director, just needed a self-esteem boost after "Pearl Harbor".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to an individual's overall sense of self-worth, use "self-esteem" without the indefinite article "a". For example, instead of "have a self esteem", write "have self-esteem."

Common error

The phrase "a self esteem" is grammatically incorrect. The term "self-esteem" is a general concept and does not require an article unless you're describing a specific instance or type, which is rare.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a self esteem" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI highlights, the correct form is self-esteem without the indefinite article "a". When used correctly, it functions as a noun.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

10%

Science

57%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The query "a self esteem" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. The correct form is simply "self-esteem" without the article. As noted by Ludwig AI, "self-esteem" is a noun that refers to one's overall sense of self-worth and confidence. While the search results returned some instances of the incorrect phrase, it's important to use the grammatically correct form in both written and spoken English. If you are looking for alternative but semantically equivalent nouns you could use "self-worth" or "self-regard". When referring to boosting or improving confidence, avoid using the article and instead consider using phrases like increase self-esteem or boost self-worth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-esteem

Phrase without the article "a".

self-worth

Replaces "self-esteem" with a synonym focusing on inherent value.

self-regard

Emphasizes respect for oneself.

confidence in oneself

Highlights the belief in one's own abilities.

positive self-image

Focuses on the mental picture one has of themselves.

high opinion of oneself

Indicates a favorable personal assessment.

sense of self-respect

Highlights respect for one's own character and actions.

belief in one's own value

Underscores the conviction of personal significance.

feeling of self-assurance

Focuses on the emotional aspect of confidence.

healthy self-perception

Indicates a balanced and realistic view of oneself.

FAQs

How to use "self-esteem" in a sentence?

Use "self-esteem" as a noun to describe a person's overall sense of self-worth or confidence. For example: "Building "self-esteem" is important for mental health."

What is the difference between "self-esteem" and "self-confidence"?

Self-esteem relates to how you value yourself, while "self-confidence" is about your belief in your abilities. You can have self-confidence in certain areas but still struggle with overall self-esteem.

What can I say instead of "a self esteem boost"?

Consider using phrases like "increase self-esteem", "improve self-esteem", or "boost self-worth".

Which is correct, "a self esteem" or "self-esteem"?

"Self-esteem" is the correct term. "A self esteem" is grammatically incorrect and not commonly used.