best selves

USAGE SUMMARY

"best selves" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person's ideal, highest, or most genuine characteristics, qualities, or abilities. For example, "We strive to bring out our best selves within our work environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They value people as their best selves.

Harvard Business Review

We want all of us to be our best selves".

The Guardian

And happy people tend to be their best selves.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Helping one's children become their best selves is a great place to start.

The New York Times

So I'm thankful my mother raised me and my siblings simply to be our best selves.

Independent

Our challenge at every level is to be our best selves".

The Guardian

With eyes closed, the young men pictured those best selves loving their present selves.

The New York Times

He's given us the chance where we've been lost to find our best selves".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Your best self.

The New Yorker

be your best self.

Yale University

Be your best self.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase, ensure it aligns with the tone and context of your writing; it fits well in motivational, aspirational, and reflective pieces.

Common error

Avoid using "best selves" to imply superiority over others; instead, use it to describe individual or collective aspirations for self-improvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "best selves" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, as demonstrated by the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "best selves" is a powerful and versatile term used to describe the ideal or highest potential of individuals or groups. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, including news, business, and academia. It serves as a motivational and aspirational concept, encouraging personal growth, ethical behavior, and the realization of one's finest qualities. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it is important to use it appropriately, avoiding implications of superiority and focusing instead on individual and collective self-improvement. By understanding its nuances and context, we can effectively use "best selves" to inspire ourselves and others to reach their full potential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ideal versions of ourselves

Replaces "best" with "ideal" emphasizing perfection and aspiration.

highest potential

Focuses on the maximum capabilities a person can achieve.

most authentic selves

Highlights genuineness and true nature rather than superiority.

finest qualities

Emphasizes specific attributes that are considered superior.

better nature

Suggests improving moral or ethical aspects of oneself.

fullest expression

Conveys the idea of completely realizing one's capabilities.

optimal state of being

Focuses on achieving a state of peak performance and well-being.

most complete selves

Emphasizes wholeness and integration of all aspects of self.

personal zenith

Metaphorically represents reaching the highest point of personal development.

true potential

Highlights the realization of capabilities, untapped or otherwise.

FAQs

How can I use "best selves" in a sentence?

You can use "best selves" to describe the ideal version of oneself or a group, as in "We encourage employees to bring their "authentic best selves" to the workplace" or "The program aims to help individuals become their "best selves at work"".

What are some alternatives to "best selves"?

Alternatives include phrases like "ideal versions of ourselves", "highest potential", or "most authentic selves", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "best selves" grammatically correct?

Yes, "best selves" is a grammatically correct phrase used to refer to the ideal or highest versions of individuals or a group. Its usage is supported by numerous reputable sources.

What does it mean to 'bring your best self'?

To 'bring your best self' means to present your most positive, capable, and ethical qualities in a given situation, emphasizing attributes like competence, kindness, and integrity. It means aiming for your "optimal state of being".