assert myself

USAGE SUMMARY

"assert myself" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to mean to stand up for oneself or to make one's opinions known. For example: "In order to stand up for my rights, I had to assert myself against my boss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

So I won't assert myself".

The New Yorker

"I needed to assert myself tonight".

The New York Times - Sports

I would assert myself back in whatever way I could.

The New York Times

I tried to assert myself whenever I got the ball.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was prompted by a feeling of challenge and a desire to assert myself," he recalled.

The New Yorker

There were complicated personalities involved, and I was younger and I was trying to assert myself.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

I've gotten better at working with people, asserting myself and tempering my ego.

The Economist

"But on this record I asserted myself more, and I think it was pretty welcome".

The New York Times - Arts

I had ceased now to feel mediocre, accidental, "pathologically afraid of asserting myself," as my analyst likes to say.

The New Yorker

As a young professor at the University of Washington, for example, I realized I was taking a passive approach to career advancement, waiting for promotions to come to me rather than asserting myself to create opportunity.

Harvard Business Review

I spent many years frightened of asserting myself in case I got it wrong, but realise now that very few people really know what they're talking about and everyone is making it up as they go along.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "assert myself", consider the context. It's most effective when you need to express your needs or opinions clearly and confidently, especially in situations where they might be overlooked or challenged.

Common error

Avoid using "assert myself" in casual conversations. It can sound overly formal or aggressive. Instead, opt for more relaxed alternatives like "speak up" or "share my thoughts".

Linguistic Context

"Assert myself" functions as a reflexive verb phrase, indicating the act of confidently expressing one's opinions, needs, or rights. Ludwig examples illustrate this in various contexts, emphasizing self-advocacy and clear communication. According to Ludwig AI, this is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "assert myself" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that signifies confidently expressing one's opinions, needs, or rights. Ludwig's analysis, supported by various examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, confirms its widespread use across diverse contexts, primarily in news, business, and scientific domains. While generally neutral to professional in tone, it's crucial to avoid overusing it in informal settings, opting for more relaxed alternatives. Remember, as Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is a great way to convey confidence and self-assurance, ensuring your voice is heard effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stand up for myself

Focuses on defending one's rights or beliefs, adding a confrontational tone.

be assertive

A more general statement of acting confidently and directly, lacking the specific focus on "myself".

make my voice heard

Highlights the act of ensuring one's perspective is acknowledged, implying a potential struggle for attention.

express my opinion

Emphasizes conveying one's viewpoint, less about taking a firm stance.

take a stand

Indicates a firm and often public declaration of one's position, more assertive than simply expressing oneself.

defend my position

Suggests a need to justify or protect one's viewpoint from opposition.

state my needs

Directly communicates what one requires, focusing on personal requirements rather than opinions.

make my presence felt

Implies exerting influence or impact, extending beyond verbal expression.

exert my influence

Highlights the application of power or sway, suggesting a position of authority.

take control

Signifies assuming authority or command, indicating a broader scope of action.

FAQs

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

You can use "assert myself" to describe confidently expressing your opinions or needs, such as "I need to "assert myself" more in meetings to ensure my ideas are heard".

What's a more formal way to say "assert myself"?

A more formal alternative to "assert myself" could be "articulate my position" or "express my viewpoint decisively". These options are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is it better to "assert myself" or "stand up for myself"?

While both phrases involve defending your interests, ""assert myself"" is generally about expressing your views confidently, whereas "stand up for myself" implies defending against opposition or injustice.

When is it inappropriate to "assert myself"?

It may be inappropriate to "assert myself" if it involves disrespecting others' opinions or being overly aggressive. The key is to be confident and clear, not confrontational.