be yourself

USAGE SUMMARY

'be yourself' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in any situation in which you want to express the idea of being true to one's personality. For example: Whenever you're feeling insecure, remember to always be yourself.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Always remember BE YOURSELF.

WikiHow

Better to be yourself.

The New Yorker

Simply be yourself.

The New York Times

"Be yourself — nonstop".

The New York Times

"Freedom to be yourself".

The New York Times

You can be yourself".

The New York Times - Sports

Rather be yourself?

The New York Times - Magazine

A) "Be yourself".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Also, be yourself.

Forbes

And remember, be yourself.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Be yourself--for real.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering advice, use "be yourself" to encourage authenticity and self-acceptance, especially in situations where someone might feel pressure to conform.

Common error

While "be yourself" encourages authenticity, it doesn't justify rudeness or inconsideration. It's important to balance self-expression with respect for others' feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be yourself" functions as an imperative, delivering a direct command or piece of advice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a commonly used expression. The phrase is used to encourage individuals to act in a genuine and authentic manner, rather than trying to imitate or conform to external expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

52%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be yourself" is a grammatically correct and very common imperative used to encourage authenticity and self-acceptance. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. Predominantly found in informal contexts such as Wiki and news media, it serves as a reminder to embrace individuality and resist conforming to external pressures. While a simple phrase, it holds significant weight in promoting genuine self-expression and confidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay true to yourself

Emphasizes maintaining one's core values and beliefs.

be authentic

Highlights the importance of genuineness and avoiding pretense.

express your individuality

Focuses on showcasing one's unique qualities and characteristics.

embrace your true self

Implies accepting and valuing all aspects of one's personality.

don't pretend to be someone else

Directly advises against inauthenticity and imitation.

remain genuine

Stresses the importance of sincerity and honesty in one's actions and words.

act naturally

Encourages unforced and spontaneous behavior.

show your true colors

Suggests revealing one's genuine personality, even if it differs from expectations.

follow your heart

Implies making decisions based on one's inner feelings and desires.

march to the beat of your own drum

Encourages nonconformity and pursuing one's own path.

FAQs

How to use "be yourself" in a sentence?

You can use "be yourself" as a piece of advice, encouraging someone to act authentically and without pretense. For example: "Just relax and "be yourself" during the interview."

What can I say instead of "be yourself"?

You can use alternatives like "stay true to yourself", "be authentic", or "express your individuality depending on the context.

When is it not appropriate to say "be yourself"?

It might not be appropriate to say "be yourself" if someone's 'self' involves harmful or disrespectful behavior. In such cases, it's more constructive to encourage growth and positive change.

What's the difference between "be yourself" and "become yourself"?

"Be yourself" encourages embracing your current identity, while "become yourself" suggests a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. The former is about acceptance, the latter is about transformation.