behold me

USAGE SUMMARY

"behold me" can be used in written English.
It is an archaic phrase that is used to express surprise or to add emphasis to something that is being shared. For example: Behold me, the champion of the tournament!.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Behold me at length on the vaunted scene of Europe!

Yale University

"Behold me, literally in love with this great horse-faced bluestocking!" James wrote after his first encounter with her.

The New Yorker

"Let them tremble to behold me," he sings, a sheer scarf hanging from his mike, Steven Tyler-Steven

The New York Times

This I perceive in myself; for I am in the dark to all the world, and my nearest friends behold me but in a cloud".

Independent

'I am in the ark to all the world, and my nearest friends behold me but in a cloud.' The strangest thoughts and imaginings have play with him as he goes about his work, outwardly the most sober of mankind and esteemed the greatest physician in Norwich.

University of Chicago

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Beholding me now for the first time, her eyes widened as she said: "Oh! Oh! O.K".

The New York Times

That made me feel cool and kinda grown up, and, better yet, it meant my brother was beholding to me, which was something a car-less, girl-less, clueless 15-year-old needed to have his back pocket in the early 1960s.

Huffington Post

I beheld before me an animated corpse".

The Guardian - Books

"Behold the new me," I say to Jack, whom I have invited over to admire the Bowflex Xtreme 2. Jack inspects the resistance rod technology.

The New York Times

In Sonnet 73, "That time of year thou mayest in me behold," there is a cognitive rumple as eventful as any I know in poetry.

The New Yorker

"The sense of scope, the sense of danger, and just the sheer popcorn commercial appeal of the creatures that he was presenting to us were a sight to behold," he told me.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "behold me" sparingly and deliberately. Its archaic tone can be effective for emphasis or to create a specific atmosphere, but overuse can sound unnatural or pretentious.

Common error

Avoid using "behold me" in contexts that call for modern, straightforward language. Opt for simpler alternatives like "look at me" or "see me" in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "behold me" functions as an imperative phrase, primarily used to command attention. It's an archaic construction, where 'behold' acts as the imperative verb. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its use in literary and dramatic contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

29%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "behold me" is an archaic phrase meaning "look at me", used to command attention with a sense of formality or drama. While grammatically correct, its use is infrequent in modern contexts and is largely confined to literary or theatrical settings. Ludwig, as confirmed by its AI, finds its usage acceptable, though careful consideration of the context is necessary to avoid sounding pretentious. Simpler alternatives like "look at me" or "see me" are generally preferred in everyday speech. When aiming for emphasis or a theatrical effect, "behold me" remains a viable, albeit stylized, option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

See me

This alternative is a simpler and more common way of asking someone to acknowledge your presence or existence.

Look at me

This alternative is a more direct and modern way of asking someone to focus their attention on you.

Pay attention to me

This alternative directly instructs the listener to focus and listen carefully.

Observe me

This alternative suggests a more formal and detached observation, suitable in contexts where scrutiny is implied.

Witness me

This alternative suggests being present to observe something significant or dramatic about the speaker.

Take note of me

This alternative emphasizes the importance of remembering or considering the speaker.

Here I am

This alternative is a simpler declaration of presence, often used to indicate readiness or availability.

Regard me

This alternative is a more formal and literary way to ask for consideration or respect.

Mark my words

This alternative emphasizes the importance of remembering and heeding what the speaker is saying.

Consider me

This alternative implies a request for thoughtful evaluation or judgment.

FAQs

What does "behold me" mean?

"Behold me" is an archaic phrase that means "look at me" or "observe me". It's used to draw attention to oneself, often with a sense of drama or importance.

When is it appropriate to use "behold me"?

Use "behold me" when you want to create a sense of formality, emphasis, or to evoke a historical or literary tone. It's less common in everyday conversation.

Are there modern alternatives to "behold me"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "look at me", "see me", or "observe me" depending on the context and desired tone.

Is "behold me" grammatically correct?

Yes, "behold me" is grammatically correct, but it's considered archaic. Ludwig indicates that it can be used in written English to express surprise or add emphasis.