allowed myself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "allowed myself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing that you permitted yourself to do something, often in a context of indulgence or self-permission. Example: "I allowed myself to enjoy a piece of cake after a long week of dieting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Eventually, I allowed myself the truth.

The New York Times - Magazine

So, I allowed myself to like it".

The Guardian - Music

I allowed myself a rueful laugh.

The Guardian - Business

But after a few minutes, I allowed myself to linger.

The New York Times

I had allowed myself to slouch in my seat.

The New Yorker

I have never allowed myself to be bitter.

The New Yorker

"I allowed myself to be painted in a certain way.

The New York Times

I've never allowed myself the ability to dream this far".

The New York Times - Arts

I, too, had allowed myself to be distracted.

The New York Times

"It's not something I ever allowed myself with dance.

The New York Times - Arts

I eventually relaxed and allowed myself to snoop.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "allowed myself" to express a conscious decision to permit yourself something, especially when it involves overcoming internal resistance or societal expectations.

Common error

While "allowed myself" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can sound self-indulgent. Opt for stronger verbs or rephrase to emphasize the action rather than self-permission when writing academic papers or formal business documents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allowed myself" functions as a reflexive verb phrase, where the subject (I) is also the indirect object of the verb "allowed". It indicates a conscious decision to grant oneself permission or freedom to do something. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Huffington Post

3%

Vice

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0.5%

Science

0.3%

Formal & Business

0.2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "allowed myself" is a commonly used and grammatically correct reflexive verb phrase that indicates self-permission or indulgence. Ludwig AI's analysis and examples from diverse sources, predominantly news and media, confirm its frequent use in expressing conscious decisions to grant oneself freedom or enjoyment. While generally neutral in register, it's important to avoid overuse in highly formal contexts, opting for stronger verbs or rephrasing to maintain a professional tone. Consider alternatives like "permitted myself" or "gave myself permission" for nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

permitted myself

Implies a formal allowance or authorization given to oneself.

gave myself permission

Highlights the act of granting oneself the right or freedom to act.

authorized myself

Suggests a more official or self-granted right to do something.

let myself

A more casual and relaxed way of saying "allowed myself".

indulged in

Emphasizes the act of enjoying something, often something considered a treat or luxury.

felt free to

Expresses a sense of liberation or absence of restriction in doing something.

yielded to

Implies giving in to a desire or temptation.

consented to

Suggests agreement or willingness to do something, often after some hesitation.

saw fit to

Indicates a decision was made based on what seemed appropriate or necessary.

took the liberty of

Indicates that one has done something without explicit permission, often used politely or ironically.

FAQs

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

You can use "allowed myself" to indicate that you permitted yourself to do something, often implying a degree of indulgence or overcoming internal hesitation. For example, "I allowed myself a piece of cake" or "I allowed myself to relax after a stressful week".

What can I say instead of "allowed myself"?

You can use alternatives like "permitted myself", "gave myself permission", or "let myself" depending on the context.

Is "allowed myself to" grammatically correct?

Yes, "allowed myself to" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard English grammar rule where "allowed" takes an infinitive verb phrase as its complement. For example, "I allowed myself to cry".

What's the difference between "allowed myself" and "forced myself"?

"Allowed myself" implies granting permission to oneself, often for something pleasurable or relaxing. In contrast, "forced myself" suggests compelling oneself to do something, usually something difficult or unpleasant. For example, "I allowed myself to sleep in" versus "I forced myself to wake up early".