catch yourself

USAGE SUMMARY

"catch yourself" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to an action of stopping oneself from doing something, either out of impulsiveness or because it is wrong or unwise. For example, "You should catch yourself before you make any rash decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If you catch yourself rushing, slow down.

Yale University

So rhythmical, you'll catch yourself dancing along.

The Guardian - Travel

You catch yourself, and then you remind yourself.

The New York Times

You've seen things happen over and over again, but you've got to catch yourself.

The New York Times

But you also want to be able to catch yourself at the Eureka moment.

The New York Times - Science

"You catch yourself thinking about it for no good reason," Mr. Kennedy said.

The New York Times

Try to catch yourself in unconscious behavior.

Forbes

When you catch yourself thinking about something, stop.

Forbes

It was one of those funny moments where you have to catch yourself a bit.

BBC

Like you'd catch yourself doing something stupid.

Vice

"Of course this is wonderful," you catch yourself murmuring.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "catch yourself" to encourage proactive self-awareness and correction of unwanted behaviors or thought patterns. This suggests a mindful approach to personal development.

Common error

While versatile, avoid overuse in formal writing where more precise language may be required. Consider alternatives like "become aware of" or "recognize" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "catch yourself" functions as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to be self-aware and to halt an action or thought. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, from stopping negative thoughts to avoiding mistakes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

44%

News & Media

42%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "catch yourself" is a common and useful phrase that encourages self-awareness and correction. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and applicable in diverse situations, though primarily suited for neutral to informal contexts. When writing, use "catch yourself" to promote mindfulness and positive change, and consider using more precise alternatives for formal writing. With a strong presence in Wiki and News & Media sources, this phrase is a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stop yourself

Focuses on the action of halting an action or behavior.

become aware of

Highlights the moment of realization or recognition of a thought or action.

check yourself

Emphasizes the need for self-monitoring and correction.

correct yourself

Focuses on rectifying a mistake or changing one's behavior.

notice yourself

Highlights the act of observing one's own actions or thoughts.

become conscious of

Emphasizes the awareness of something happening within oneself.

realize what you're doing

Focuses on the understanding of one's ongoing actions.

recognize your actions

Highlights the identification and acknowledgement of one's deeds.

be mindful of

Emphasizes maintaining awareness and attention to one's thoughts or actions.

pay attention to yourself

Highlights the importance of focusing on your own actions and thoughts.

FAQs

How can I use "catch yourself" in a sentence?

You can use "catch yourself" to describe becoming aware of and stopping an undesirable behavior or thought. For example, "Try to "catch yourself" when you start to procrastinate and redirect your focus".

What are some alternatives to "catch yourself"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "stop yourself", "become aware of", or "check yourself".

Is it appropriate to use "catch yourself" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "catch yourself" is generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives that convey the same meaning, such as "become conscious of" or "recognize".

What does it mean to "catch yourself"?

To "catch yourself" means to become aware of something you are doing, thinking, or feeling, and then consciously stopping or changing it. It implies a level of self-awareness and control.