amuse myself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "amuse myself" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to engaging in activities or actions that provide you with entertainment or enjoyment. Example: "On rainy days, I often stay indoors and find ways to amuse myself, like reading or watching movies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That's how I amuse myself.

The New York Times

No, I'm happy to amuse myself.

The Guardian - Arts

I would amuse myself by asking for a receipt.

The New York Times

I could amuse myself like this all day.

Independent

I potter about and try to amuse myself.

The Guardian

"I make art because I have to amuse myself".

The New York Times

At my age I've got the right to amuse myself.

The New York Times

/ I only want to amuse myself frontside and backside, to be Eastern and Western both".

The New Yorker

I did find a way to amuse myself on a plane.

The New York Times

I take it in this plight, as it is at the instant I amuse myself about it.

The New Yorker

BRUCE MCCALL: When I was ten years old, I was writing to amuse myself and my brothers.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "entertain myself" or "distract myself" to add variety to your writing.

Common error

While "amuse myself" is generally acceptable, in highly formal or professional settings, consider using alternatives that convey a more serious or productive tone, such as "engage in professional development" or "focus on strategic planning".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "amuse myself" functions as an intransitive verb phrase where the subject (implied or stated as 'I') performs an action (amuse) upon themselves. It expresses a self-directed activity for personal entertainment. Ludwig shows this action in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "amuse myself" is a common and grammatically sound way to express engaging in activities for personal enjoyment. Ludwig's analysis reveals its frequent usage in News & Media, with neutral to informal register. While generally acceptable, writers should consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives in professional settings. Synonyms like "entertain myself" or "distract myself" can add variety. The Ludwig AI confirms the validity and provides ample real-world examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entertain myself

Focuses more on the act of providing oneself with entertainment, often implying a deliberate effort.

keep myself entertained

Stresses the continuous nature of the entertainment, implying a sustained activity.

find amusement

Shifts the focus to the discovery of amusement rather than the active effort to create it.

divert myself

Similar to "distract myself", but can also imply a more lighthearted or recreational activity.

find enjoyment

Similar to "find amusement" but the expression is more generic.

distract myself

Emphasizes diverting attention from something else, often to alleviate boredom or stress.

occupy myself

Highlights filling time with an activity, suggesting a need to avoid idleness.

indulge myself

Suggests a more luxurious or self-gratifying form of entertainment.

recreate myself

While less direct, this can imply engaging in activities that refresh and rejuvenate, often for enjoyment.

beguile myself

Implies using charm or trickery (in a positive sense) to keep oneself entertained.

FAQs

What does "amuse myself" mean?

The phrase "amuse myself" means to entertain or occupy oneself in a way that provides enjoyment or pleasure.

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

You can use "amuse myself" in sentences like: "During the long flight, I tried to "distract myself" with movies and books" or "I often "entertain myself" by experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen".

What are some alternatives to "amuse myself"?

Some alternatives to "amuse myself" include "entertain myself", "distract myself", "occupy myself", and "divert myself".

Is "amuse myself" formal or informal?

"Amuse myself" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both informal and semi-formal contexts. However, in highly formal situations, consider using a more professional alternative.