be selfish about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be selfish about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the importance of prioritizing one's own needs or desires in a particular situation. Example: "In relationships, it's important to sometimes be selfish about your own happiness and well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Be selfish about that.

The Guardian

"We can't be selfish about these things".

The New York Times - Sports

You can't be selfish about these things.

The New York Times - Sports

"You can't be selfish about these things," Prieste said at a handover ceremony.

The New York Times

But I realized you have to be selfish about the things that matter the most.

The New York Times

Alas, our system works too well — and American democracy is so imperiled by widespread nonparticipation — to be selfish about sharing it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"We're selfish about our region," he said.

The New Yorker

Almost being selfish about it, I think I need the team more than they need me.

The New York Times

"We are selfish about these things," he said.

TechCrunch

New Zealander Gatland said: "If we were being selfish about our own destiny Australia can do us a big favour.

BBC

Daly said Rodman was selfish about rebounding, but deemed him a hard worker and coachable.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be selfish about", ensure the context clarifies that prioritizing your needs doesn't significantly harm others. It's about healthy boundaries, not blatant disregard.

Common error

Avoid using "be selfish about" as justification for actions that are clearly inconsiderate or harmful to others. Ensure your actions still demonstrate respect and empathy, even when prioritizing yourself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be selfish about" functions as a directive suggesting one should prioritize their own needs or interests in a specific context. It acts as a recommendation for self-centered behavior, though often with the implication of setting healthy boundaries. As Ludwig AI confirmed, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be selfish about" is a valid and understandable expression used to advise prioritizing one's needs or desires in specific situations. While grammatically correct, it carries a risk of negative connotation, suggesting a disregard for others. As such, Ludwig recommends using it judiciously, ensuring the context clarifies that self-prioritization doesn't come at the undue expense of others. More neutral alternatives, such as ""prioritize your own needs"" or ""focus on your well-being"", can often convey the same message with less risk of misinterpretation. The phrase is most commonly found in news media and wiki content, indicating a generally informal to neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prioritize your own needs

Focuses directly on the act of prioritizing, omitting the connotation of selfishness.

focus on your own well-being

Emphasizes personal well-being rather than potentially neglecting others.

put yourself first

Directly advocates for self-preference, without specifying the context.

act in your own self-interest

Highlights the motivation behind the action, focusing on personal benefit.

look out for number one

An informal idiom stressing the importance of self-preservation.

be mindful of your desires

Replaces 'selfish' with 'mindful', softening the potentially negative implication.

defend your own interests

Focuses on protecting one's own advantages or benefits.

privilege your own happiness

Prioritizes personal happiness as the main goal.

assert your needs

Highlights the importance of clearly communicating one's requirements.

take care of yourself first

Stresses the importance of self-care before attending to others.

FAQs

How can I use "be selfish about" in a sentence?

You can use "be selfish about" to suggest prioritizing your own needs or desires in a particular situation. For instance, "It's important to "be selfish about" your time when you're feeling overwhelmed."

What does it mean to "be selfish about" something?

To "be selfish about" something means to prioritize your own needs and desires related to that thing, sometimes at the expense of others' convenience or expectations. It implies setting boundaries and asserting your own interests.

Is it always bad to "be selfish about" something?

Not necessarily. While selfishness often has negative connotations, being "selfish about" certain things, like your mental health or personal goals, can be a healthy form of self-care and boundary setting.

What are some alternatives to saying "be selfish about"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "prioritize your own needs", "focus on your well-being", or "put yourself first". These phrases can convey the same idea without the negative implications sometimes associated with selfishness.