brace myself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brace myself" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when preparing oneself for something difficult, unpleasant, or surprising. Example: "As I opened the email, I had to brace myself for the news that I had been dreading."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I just brace myself.

The New York Times - Science

I brace myself for impact.

The Guardian - Sport

— I brace myself to disappoint them.

The New York Times - Food

"That gives me time to brace myself".

The New York Times - Magazine

"I have to brace myself every day.

The Guardian

I just tried to brace myself.

The New York Times

I brace myself for a visit from the police.

The Guardian

I brace myself for a gut-wrenching sorrow.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I brace myself when Mr. Self writes from a female point of view.

The New York Times - Books

I might even hold the edge of the desk, as if to brace myself.

The New Yorker

"I was kind of reaching for the puck and didn't brace myself enough," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "brace myself," consider the tone of your writing. It generally implies a sense of foreboding or anticipation of something difficult, so ensure it aligns with the overall mood you're aiming to create.

Common error

Avoid using "brace myself" in overly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound too informal. Opt for a more neutral phrase like "prepare myself" or "anticipate" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brace myself" functions as a reflexive verb phrase. It indicates an action (bracing) performed by the subject (myself) upon themselves. It expresses the act of preparing oneself mentally or physically for an anticipated event. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "brace myself" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that conveys anticipation and preparation for an impending event, typically one perceived as negative or challenging. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It functions as a reflexive verb phrase and is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it is best to avoid using "brace myself" in formal academic writing, where alternatives such as "prepare myself" or "anticipate" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prepare myself

Focuses on the action of getting ready, either mentally or physically, for something that is about to happen. It is a general term for making arrangements or readying oneself.

steel myself

Implies a hardening of one's resolve and emotions, suggesting a mental preparation for something unpleasant or difficult. Emphasizes emotional resilience.

prepare for impact

Specifically used when anticipating a forceful collision or negative consequence, whether physical or metaphorical.

get ready

A more general term for making oneself ready for any kind of activity or event, without necessarily implying anticipation of something negative.

gear up

Suggests a more active and enthusiastic preparation, often involving gathering resources or energy for a challenge.

psych myself up

Implies a mental process of self-encouragement and motivation, often used before a performance or challenging task.

get set

Often used in the context of starting a race or competition, it signifies readiness for immediate action.

fortify myself

Suggests strengthening oneself, either physically or mentally, to withstand an external force or challenge.

ready myself

A more formal and deliberate way of saying "get ready", implying a careful and thorough preparation.

compose myself

Focuses on regaining emotional control and calmness, often after a shock or stressful event.

FAQs

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

You can use "brace myself" to describe preparing for something difficult or unpleasant. For example: "I had to "brace myself" before opening the exam results."

What can I say instead of "brace myself"?

Alternatives include "prepare myself", "steel myself", or "get ready", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I braced myself for impact"?

Yes, "I braced myself for impact" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. It suggests preparing for a collision or other forceful event.

What's the difference between "prepare myself" and "brace myself"?

"Prepare myself" is a more general term for getting ready. "Brace myself" implies preparing specifically for something difficult, unpleasant, or shocking. "Brace myself" suggests a defensive posture, both mentally and physically.