but myself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but myself" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize that the speaker is the only person involved in a particular action or situation. It can also be used to contrast against others or to show a sense of self-reliance or determination. Example: "I may have lost all my friends, but myself, I am determined to succeed." In this sentence, "but myself" serves to contrast the speaker's determination against the loss of their friends. Another example: "I don't need anyone's help, I can do this all by myself." Here, "by myself" emphasizes the speaker's independence and self-reliance.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Nobody to blame but myself".

The New York Times

"I can't blame anybody but myself".

The New York Times - Magazine

"I blame nobody but myself," he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Who else would tell but myself?

The New Yorker

… I can't be anything but myself".

The New York Times

It's nobody's fault but myself.

The New York Times - Sports

But myself is very good.

The New Yorker

I don't belong to anyone but myself.

The Guardian

There is nobody to blame but myself.

The New York Times - Sports

No one but myself and my suitcase.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I represent nobody but myself," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but myself" to create a sense of personal responsibility or to emphasize that you are the only one affected by a situation. This can add weight to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "but myself" when a simple pronoun would suffice. Overusing it can sound unnatural or overly dramatic. Ensure the emphasis is genuinely needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but myself" functions as a conjunctive phrase used to emphasize exclusion or personal responsibility. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase commonly appears in contexts where the speaker is highlighting their sole involvement or accountability in a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but myself" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that serves to emphasize the speaker's sole involvement or responsibility in a situation. According to Ludwig AI, it is commonly employed in news and media contexts to highlight personal accountability or unique perspectives. While the phrase is versatile, overuse can diminish its impact, so it's essential to use it judiciously for genuine emphasis. Its neutral formality makes it suitable for a range of scenarios, from accepting blame to asserting independence. The most authoritative sources using this phrase include The New York Times, The Guardian, and The New Yorker, further validating its proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by myself

Indicates the speaker is doing something without company.

only myself

Emphasizes exclusivity, focusing solely on the speaker.

just myself

Highlights the simplicity of the speaker being the only one involved.

no one but me

Highlights the absence of others, emphasizing the speaker's role.

myself alone

Stresses isolation or independence.

on my own

Focuses on the speaker's independent action, without assistance.

except for myself

Specifies an exception to a group, isolating the speaker.

other than myself

Formally excludes the speaker from a group or situation.

personally

Emphasizes the speaker's individual perspective or action.

for my part

Indicates the speaker's individual contribution or responsibility.

FAQs

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

The phrase "but myself" is used to emphasize that you are the only person involved or affected by something. For example, "I have no one to blame "but myself" for this outcome."

What's the difference between "by myself" and "but myself"?

"By myself" indicates doing something alone, whereas "but myself" excludes others from a situation, often implying responsibility or consequence. For example, "I fixed the car by myself" versus "I have no one to rely on "but myself"".

What can I say instead of "I have no one to blame but myself"?

Alternatives include "I take full responsibility", "I'm solely to blame", or "I accept the consequences "myself alone"", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "but myself"?

Yes, "but myself" is grammatically correct when used to exclude or emphasize the speaker's involvement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources.