behave ourselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "behave ourselves" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the act of conducting oneself in a proper or acceptable manner, often in a social context. Example: "During the family gathering, we all agreed to behave ourselves and avoid any arguments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

To enjoy a long-term benefit in Africa, we should have self-respect and discipline, be self-motivated and behave ourselves.

The New Yorker

"We always said, 'Well, Whitey might be listening, we'd better behave ourselves.' " As a clerk read the verdicts in the lengthy and complicated list of charges, Mr. Bulger looked away from the jury and showed no reaction.

The New York Times

Mr. Mercer sings, "We've got rules and maps and guns in our backs/ But we still can't just behave ourselves, even if to save our own lives/ So, says I, WE ARE A BRUTAL KIND".

The New York Times - Arts

The accused, refused to take action on the murder of a PW by a civilian guard; in fact, in response he stated "that nothing would be done and that if we did not behave ourselves the same would happen to us". The following day, some of those who requested action to be taken were beat.

University of California, Berkeley

We're going to behave ourselves and be there until we see a change in policies.

Forbes

We learn how to cook, how to do household chores, to behave ourselves and maintain the right image.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

She appears regularly in the media and most recently in the programme Behaving Ourselves: Mitchell on Manners on BBC Radio 4. Victoria McLean, CV writer and interview coach, is the founder of CityCV.co.uk.

The Guardian

It's one that David Mitchell wades through in Behaving Ourselves: Mitchell on Manners (Radio 4) as he looks at the origins of what's considered polite and how it's put into practice today.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In other words, we've behaved ourselves so far – or else, the banks have been forcing us to behave.

The Guardian - Money

'They didn't know what was going on,' says Gilbert. 'When we went home, we always behaved ourselves.

The Guardian - Arts

It's about keeping our eye on that prize of positive, healthy friendships, about curbing our darker tendencies, re-embracing childhood lessons of respect and civility, and simply behaving ourselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing a group, clearly state the expected standards of conduct using "behave ourselves" to foster a sense of shared responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "behave ourselves" in highly formal documents or speeches where more sophisticated vocabulary may be preferred; consider alternatives like "conduct ourselves appropriately".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "behave ourselves" functions as a reflexive verb phrase, indicating that the action of behaving is directed back to the subject. It expresses the act of maintaining proper conduct or adhering to expected norms, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "behave ourselves" is a grammatically sound and commonly used reflexive phrase that encourages appropriate conduct in various settings. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While generally neutral in tone, it is best suited for informal or general contexts. When writing, remember to consider the audience and choose more formal alternatives like "conduct ourselves" for professional settings. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, indicating its relevance in discussing social behavior and expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conduct ourselves

Focuses on the manner of conducting oneself, often in a more formal or official context.

be on our best behavior

Emphasizes making a special effort to act well, often for a specific occasion.

mind our manners

Emphasizes politeness and adherence to social etiquette.

act properly

Highlights the correctness of behavior in accordance with rules or expectations.

control our behavior

Stresses the conscious effort to manage one's actions.

exercise self-control

Implies a deliberate act of restraint over one's impulses.

remain composed

Highlights maintaining a calm and collected demeanor, particularly in stressful situations.

keep a civil tongue

Focuses specifically on speaking politely and avoiding offensive language.

toe the line

Highlights conforming to rules or expectations, often with a sense of constraint.

follow the rules

Implies adherence to a set of established guidelines or regulations.

FAQs

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

You can use "behave ourselves" to express the need for proper conduct, as in "We need to "behave ourselves" at the meeting to make a good impression."

What does it mean to "behave ourselves"?

To "behave ourselves" means to conduct oneself in a proper and acceptable manner, typically in a social setting or when adhering to certain rules or expectations.

Are there any synonyms for "behave ourselves"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "conduct ourselves", "mind our manners", or "act properly" depending on the context.

Is "behave ourselves" formal or informal?

"Behave ourselves" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. For very formal settings, consider using "conduct ourselves" instead.