address yourself to

USAGE SUMMARY

"address yourself to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is used when directing someone to focus on a particular task or direction. For example, "Address yourself to completing the report by 5 PM".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Please address yourself to that issue with regard to organ harvesting.

University of California, Berkeley

If you have behaved badly, repent, make what amends you can and address yourself to the task of behaving better next time.

Forbes

Instead of the four responses mentioned above, you can address yourself to the issue and start taking action.

Huffington Post

"Would you address yourself to those people?" Beckel said, asking that his co-hosts not generalize about Democratic leadership.

Huffington Post

Address yourself to the fall runways and you'll be forced, like me, to consider the eyelid.

The New York Times

Type in the bank address yourself to go to its internet site.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

What audience, what readers do you have in mind, who is it you are addressing yourself to?

The Guardian - Books

True, one grain may differ from another in its powers of nourishment; still, we must … accord appropriate recognition to every grain that comes our way". What audience, what readers do you have in mind, who is it you are addressing yourself to?

The Guardian - Books

If you would like to know the answer, I suggest you address yourself directly to him, or to his agent".

The New Yorker

"Which means every single time someone says something on a stage you have to address yourself not merely to the meaning of the words and sentences, but to what this particular person might actually mean by uttering that sentence.

The Guardian

To dig an allotment is to address yourself, in a very literal way, to vertical history, and I'm astonished to discover from local records that this small parcel of land near a bend in the Thames has been cultivated without interruption since Roman times.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "address yourself to", ensure the context clearly indicates the task, problem, or subject requiring focused attention. Avoid vagueness to maintain clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "address yourself to" in very informal conversations. This phrase is best suited for professional, academic, or formal contexts where a specific task or issue needs to be highlighted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "address yourself to" functions as a directive, instructing or suggesting that someone should concentrate their efforts or attention on a particular subject, task, or problem. As Ludwig suggests, it points to a focus on action or consideration.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "address yourself to" is a directive suggesting one should focus on a specific task or issue. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides examples of its use. While "address yourself to" is appropriate for formal contexts, alternatives like "focus on" or "get down to" are suitable for informal settings. Occurring most frequently in news and media and academic sources, this phrase serves to direct action and attention with a sense of obligation. Its usage is best reserved for scenarios demanding a direct and professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focus on

A more general term for concentrating on something.

concentrate on

Similar to 'focus on' but may suggest a more intense level of attention.

turn your attention to

Implies a shift in focus, often used when changing topics or tasks.

attend to

Suggests taking care of or dealing with something that requires immediate attention.

apply yourself to

Suggests dedicating effort and energy towards a specific task.

see to

Implies ensuring that something is done correctly or taken care of.

dedicate yourself to

Emphasizes commitment and long-term focus.

devote yourself to

Implies a strong sense of dedication and commitment, often emotionally driven.

direct your efforts towards

Suggests a strategic application of resources.

get down to

A more informal phrase for starting to work seriously on something.

FAQs

How can I use "address yourself to" in a sentence?

Use "address yourself to" when you want someone to focus their attention on a specific task or issue. For example, "Please address yourself to the matter at hand" or "You should address yourself to improving your communication skills".

What is a more informal way to say "address yourself to"?

Informal alternatives include phrases like "focus on", "get down to", or "concentrate on". Each of these alternatives is less formal than "address yourself to" and may be more suitable for casual conversations.

When is it appropriate to use "address yourself to"?

"Address yourself to" is appropriate in formal settings, such as business meetings, academic discussions, or when giving instructions. It is suitable when you need to direct someone's attention to a specific task or problem. You can use alternatives such as "turn your attention to" or "apply yourself to" depending on the context.

Is "address yourself to" interchangeable with "focus on"?

While similar, "address yourself to" often carries a stronger sense of obligation or direction than "focus on". "Focus on" is a more general term for concentration, while "address yourself to" implies tackling a specific issue or task. Therefore, alternatives such as "concentrate on", or "direct your efforts towards", may be more suitable.