be ourselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be ourselves" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing authenticity, self-identity, or the importance of being true to oneself in various contexts. Example: "In this group, we encourage everyone to be ourselves and express our unique perspectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We could be ourselves".

The New York Times

"Let's be ourselves.

The New York Times

We can be ourselves.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We must be ourselves, he asserted again.

The New Yorker

"We can be ourselves around him.

The New York Times - Arts

"But we want to be ourselves.

The New York Times

"We want to be ourselves," he declares.

The New York Times

"We felt we could be ourselves".

The Economist

To be ourselves, or better?

The Guardian - Arts

Will it ever be ourselves?

The Guardian

We can all be ourselves".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be ourselves" to encourage authenticity and discourage conformity in group settings. This promotes a more comfortable and genuine environment for everyone.

Common error

Avoid using "be ourselves" repeatedly in a short span, as it can lose its impact and sound cliché. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "be authentic" or "remain genuine".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be ourselves" primarily functions as an imperative or a hortatory expression, encouraging a group to act authentically and without pretense. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Huffington Post

9%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

The New Yorker

1%

The Guardian - Sport

1%

The Guardian - Film

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be ourselves" is a common and grammatically correct imperative, predominantly used in news and media, to encourage authenticity and self-expression within a group. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to create a comfortable and genuine environment and is considered neutral to informal in register. While frequent in everyday language, it's advisable to avoid overuse and explore synonyms like "be true to yourself" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be true to yourself

Emphasizes the importance of aligning one's actions with their inner values and beliefs.

stay true to who you are

Highlights the consistency of behavior and values with one's core identity.

be authentic

Focuses on the quality of being genuine and true to one's own personality, values, and spirit.

be genuine

Highlights the sincerity and honesty in one's behavior and interactions.

live authentically

Focuses on integrating genuineness into all aspects of one's daily life and decisions.

remain authentic

Stresses the importance of maintaining genuineness over time and in different situations.

express yourself

Focuses on conveying one's thoughts, feelings, and personality openly and freely.

act naturally

Focuses on behaving in an unforced and spontaneous manner, without pretense or affectation.

embrace your identity

Emphasizes the acceptance and celebration of one's unique characteristics and background.

show our true colors

This idiomatic phrase suggests revealing one's real character, often after a period of concealment.

FAQs

How can I use "be ourselves" in a sentence?

You can use "be ourselves" to encourage authenticity and individuality, such as in the sentence, "The coach told the team to just "be ourselves" and have fun."

What is the difference between "be ourselves" and "be authentic"?

"Be ourselves" generally implies acting in accordance with one's natural personality within a specific context or situation, while "be authentic" emphasizes aligning one's actions and words with their true inner self and values across all contexts.

What are some alternative phrases I can use instead of "be ourselves"?

Alternatives to "be ourselves" include "be true to yourself", "be genuine", or "remain authentic", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "being ourselves" instead of "be ourselves"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Be ourselves" is an imperative or a suggestion, while "being ourselves" is a gerund phrase that can function as a subject or object in a sentence. For example, "Being ourselves is the best way to connect with others."