addresses themselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "addresses themselves" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to individuals who are directing their attention or communication towards themselves, often in a reflective or self-referential context. Example: "In her speech, she addresses themselves as a way to emphasize the importance of self-acceptance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"I'm not particularly interested in addresses themselves," he says.

The Economist

She has been randomly selected from a list of addresses themselves randomly selected from a randomly selected postcode.

The Guardian

They use the N-word to addresses themselves, but they don't use it for me because I don't care for it.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The characters frequently address themselves to an unnamed "You".

The Guardian - Books

German gunsmiths addressed themselves to this problem early in the 16th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While characters onstage don't address themselves to God, the Gloria's voices do.

The New York Times - Arts

My three new favourites all address themselves to settling the business of the last century.

The Guardian - Books

And, unlike the past, these groups are not protecting the rich & powerful, but are addressing themselves to timely issues.

The New Yorker

A number of the great works of Western literature address themselves very directly to questions that arise within Christianity.

The New York Times - Books

The Roman Catholics addressed themselves affirmatively to the same problem faced by the Anglican Church: a Bible in the vernacular.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When gas bills double, it will be to Mr Nemtsov that voters are invited to address themselves.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context carefully. "Addresses themselves" is often used in formal writing to describe how groups or individuals tackle specific challenges or reflect on their roles.

Common error

Avoid using "addresses themselves" when a simple transitive verb would suffice. For example, instead of "The speaker addresses themselves to the audience", use "The speaker addresses the audience" if the focus is outward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "addresses themselves" functions as a reflexive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject is directing their attention, communication, or actions towards themselves or a group they are a part of. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and indicates a conscious effort to engage with an internal matter.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "addresses themselves" is a grammatically correct reflexive verb phrase used to indicate a deliberate focus on oneself or a group's internal issues. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is deemed correct and suitable for use in written English. Although categorized as rare, its usage spans news, encyclopedic, and scientific contexts, suggesting a formal to neutral tone. When using the phrase, ensure that the reflexive pronoun aligns with the subject, and the context calls for a deliberate and direct focus on internal matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refer to themselves

Replaces "addresses" with "refer", focusing on how someone names or identifies themselves.

speak to themselves

Replaces "addresses" with "speak", emphasizing the act of talking to oneself.

turn their attention inward

Uses a more figurative expression, highlighting a shift of focus to internal thoughts or feelings.

focus on their own concerns

Emphasizes a concentration on personal issues or problems.

deal with their own issues

Highlights the act of managing or resolving personal difficulties.

reflect on their own actions

Emphasizes thoughtful consideration of one's behavior.

consider their own needs

Focuses on prioritizing personal requirements and desires.

examine their own motives

Highlights the act of scrutinizing personal reasons for actions.

analyze their own behavior

Emphasizes a systematic and detailed evaluation of personal conduct.

contemplate their existence

Uses a broader and more philosophical tone, suggesting deep thought about one's life.

FAQs

How can I use "addresses themselves" in a sentence?

You can use "addresses themselves" when referring to someone or a group focusing on their own qualities, issues, or responsibilities. Example: "The committee addresses themselves to the task of improving community relations."

What does "addresses themselves to a task" mean?

It means to focus on a task and start working on it directly and deliberately. You can replace it with phrases like "dedicate themselves to", "apply themselves to", or "turn their attention to" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "addresses themselves" and "addresses someone"?

"Addresses themselves" implies a reflexive action, meaning the subject is directing attention or communication inward, toward themselves or a group they belong to. "Addresses someone" means directing attention or communication outward, toward another person or group.

Which is correct, "address themselves" or "addresses themselves"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "address themselves" for plural subjects (e.g., "They address themselves to the problem"). Use "addresses themselves" for singular subjects (e.g., "She addresses themselves honestly").