beside myself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beside myself" is a perfectly acceptable and common expression in written English.
It is an idiom meaning to be so overwhelmed with emotion (usually either excitement or distress) that one feels as if they are not in control of themselves. An example sentence would be: "I was so excited to learn that I had won the scholarship that I was beside myself with joy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She describes being "beside myself with fright and ecstasy".

The Guardian - Books

I was," he wrote, "beside myself with joyous excitement".

The Guardian - Books

She described herself as "beside myself to receive this award.

The Guardian - Books

I'm the last person in the world I'd want to be beside, but I am beside myself!

The New York Times

"I'm pretty beside myself.

Huffington Post

Knowing Cheryl Lee's history and being an Obama supporter, I am beside myself!

Huffington Post

His autobiography, Beside Myself, is published by Arrow, priced £7.99.

The Guardian - Travel

His autobiography Beside Myself is published by Arrow at £7.99.

The Guardian - Travel

Antony Sher's autobiography, Beside Myself, is published by Hutchinson, price £17.99.

The Guardian

Beside Myself by Ann Morgan is published by Bloomsbury Circus (£12.99).

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

So, I was beside-myself-excited when I met filmmaker Tricia Woodgett.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "beside myself" to effectively convey a sense of being overwhelmed by emotion, whether positive or negative. Ensure the context clarifies the specific emotion (e.g., joy, anger, grief) driving the feeling.

Common error

While effective, "beside myself" can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "overwhelmed", "ecstatic", or "distraught" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beside myself" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically used as a predicate adjective to describe a subject's emotional state. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage to express feelings ranging from excitement to worry. The Ludwig AI confirms that it is an idiom for feeling overwhelmed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "beside myself" is a common and acceptable idiomatic phrase used to express a state of being overwhelmed by emotion. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in English writing. It is prevalent in news and media, conveying the intensity of feelings like joy, worry, or anger. To enhance writing, consider using synonyms to avoid repetition. While generally neutral, it's best to assess the context and choose alternatives for formal settings. This analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively incorporate "beside myself" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely overwhelmed

Highlights the feeling of being unable to cope with the intensity of the situation or emotion.

overcome with emotion

Emphasizes the feeling of being dominated or incapacitated by one's emotions.

in a fit of emotion

Highlights the sudden and intense nature of the emotional state.

out of my mind

Implies a loss of rational thought due to strong emotion, often suggesting a more extreme state than "beside myself".

in a state of frenzy

Indicates a state of agitation and uncontrolled excitement or distress.

in a state of high excitement

Focuses specifically on excitement as the overwhelming emotion.

over the moon

Specifically indicates extreme happiness or elation, a more positive connotation than the broader emotional range of "beside myself".

on cloud nine

Similar to "over the moon", focusing on intense joy and happiness.

at my wit's end

Suggests being overwhelmed by frustration or problems, rather than a broader emotional experience.

deeply moved

Implies a strong emotional impact, often associated with sadness or empathy.

FAQs

How can I use "beside myself" in a sentence?

Use "beside myself" to describe a state of being overwhelmed by emotion. For instance, "I was "overcome with joy" when I heard the news, I was truly beside myself."

What does it mean to be "beside yourself"?

To be "beside yourself" means to be so overcome with emotion, whether positive or negative, that you feel out of control or not in your normal state. It suggests a heightened emotional state that is difficult to manage.

What are some synonyms for "beside myself"?

Some alternatives to "beside myself" include "overwhelmed", "ecstatic", "distraught", "out of my mind" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "beside myself" in formal writing?

While "beside myself" is widely understood, it may be more appropriate for informal or creative writing. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "overwhelmed" or "deeply affected" for a more professional tone.