assert themselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assert themselves" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing individuals or groups who express their opinions, rights, or presence confidently and forcefully. Example: "In the meeting, she was able to assert herself and share her ideas without hesitation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

And limits again assert themselves.

The New York Times - Arts

Parents should assert themselves.

The New York Times

States assert themselves by building bases.

The Economist

The home team tried to assert themselves.

The Guardian - Sport

Young stars began to assert themselves.

The New York Times

Elsewhere, the leaves assert themselves as alive.

The New Yorker

States assert themselves by building bases and planting flagpoles.

The Economist

Yet they all assert themselves in unexpected ways.

The New York Times

With a cushion, the Dutch began to assert themselves.

The New York Times - Sports

And two serious and consistent themes assert themselves.

The New York Times - Books

"You're going to see a lot more incumbents assert themselves".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "assert themselves" when you want to convey a sense of taking control or making a strong statement of one's presence, rights, or opinions. It's applicable in contexts ranging from personal interactions to international relations.

Common error

Avoid using "assert themselves" for inanimate objects or abstract concepts unless you're personifying them. It's better suited for describing actions of individuals, groups, or organizations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assert themselves" functions as a reflexive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is performing an action upon itself. It typically conveys a sense of agency and self-determination. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is perfectly valid.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "assert themselves" is a commonly used and grammatically correct reflexive verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it describes individuals or groups confidently expressing their opinions, rights, or presence. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Scientific publications. When writing, ensure the subject is capable of self-action. Alternatives such as "enforce themselves" or "establish themselves" can be used depending on the intended nuance. It's crucial to recognize it can be used in both formal and informal contexts but it is more suited in neutral and professional environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

affirm themselves

Stresses the confirmation or validation of one's own beliefs or values.

reassert themselves

Indicates a renewed effort to establish authority or presence after a period of decline.

enforce themselves

Focuses more on imposing one's will or authority.

establish themselves

Highlights the act of becoming recognized or successful.

exert themselves

Stresses the effort and energy put into making an impact.

proclaim themselves

Emphasizes a declaration or announcement of identity or status.

establish their authority

Focuses on establishing a recognized right to command or control.

defend themselves

Highlights the act of protecting oneself from opposition or attack.

argue themselves

Focuses on using reasoning and persuasion to assert one's viewpoint.

maintain themselves

Emphasizes the act of preserving one's status or position.

FAQs

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

You can use "assert themselves" to describe how individuals or groups express their opinions, rights, or presence confidently and forcefully. For example, "Younger players have more opportunities to "assert themselves" than in years past."

What are some alternatives to "assert themselves"?

Alternatives include "enforce themselves", "establish themselves", or "affirm themselves", depending on the specific context.

Is "assert themselves" formal or informal?

"Assert themselves" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it tends to appear more frequently in news, academic writing, and professional settings. Consider your audience and the tone of your writing when deciding whether to use it.

Which is correct, "assert themselves" or "assert itself"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "assert themselves" for plural subjects (e.g., "The team will assert themselves") and "assert itself" for singular subjects (e.g., "The company will assert itself").