apply myself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apply myself" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiomatic way of saying that one has worked hard and spent effort on something. Example sentence: I decided to apply myself and put extra effort into my project to ensure it was of the highest quality.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

"Well, I apply myself to things.

The Guardian

"I didn't do well and didn't apply myself," he said.

The New York Times

It did teach me to apply myself to any role".

The Guardian

But now Marschak persuaded me to apply myself seriously".

The New York Times

I really wanted to learn the craft and apply myself to it.

The Guardian

"I've tried to do the best in everything I apply myself towards".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

I'd under-applied myself academically and over-applied myself carousing, compiling a middling record in a major that wasn't for me, primarily financed via student loans.

Huffington Post

I just applied myself within my limited capabilities".

Independent

Up until now I haven't been applying myself properly.

The Guardian - Books

'I have never truly applied myself,' she says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If I'd applied myself, I could have done well".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "apply myself" when you want to emphasize a conscious decision to dedicate effort and focus on a specific task or goal. It suggests a proactive approach to self-improvement or task completion.

Common error

Avoid using "apply myself" when the context requires a more specific action. For example, instead of saying "I apply myself to the computer", specify the action: "I use the computer to do my work".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apply myself" functions as a reflexive verb phrase, where the subject performs the action of applying to themselves. It typically indicates a conscious effort to dedicate oneself to a task or goal, often implying a need for increased focus and diligence as stated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "apply myself" is a correct and widely used verb phrase that signifies a conscious effort to dedicate oneself to a task or goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's an idiomatic way to express dedication and focused effort. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with significant presence also in science and business related content. When writing, it's best to use "apply myself" to emphasize dedication and focus, avoiding it when a more specific action is required. Consider related phrases like "dedicate myself" or "exert myself" for subtly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dedicate myself

Focuses more on commitment and less on the practical effort of applying skills.

exert myself

Highlights the physical or mental effort expended.

apply my efforts

Emphasizes the application of specific efforts rather than a general application of oneself.

commit myself

Stresses the act of pledging or binding oneself to a task.

throw myself into

Suggests a more impulsive and energetic dedication.

immerse myself

Implies deep involvement and absorption in something.

concentrate my efforts

Specifically denotes focusing effort rather than general self-application.

devote my time and energy

Highlights the allocation of resources, specifically time and energy.

give it my all

An idiomatic expression that emphasizes maximum effort.

put my heart into it

Emphasizes emotional investment and passion.

FAQs

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

You can use "apply myself" to describe your dedication to a task, for example: "I need to "apply myself" if I want to pass this exam" or "I decided to "apply myself" and put extra effort into my project".

What does it mean to "apply myself"?

To "apply myself" means to dedicate effort and focus to a task or goal. It suggests a conscious and proactive approach to achieving something.

What are some alternatives to "apply myself"?

Alternatives include "dedicate myself", "exert myself", or "commit myself". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I will apply myself"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Saying "I will "apply myself"" indicates a future intention to dedicate effort and focus on something.