center myself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "center myself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of finding inner peace, focus, or balance, often in a mental or emotional context. Example: "After a long day, I like to take a few moments to center myself before moving on to my evening activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"I take a moment or two and center myself before I start.

The New York Times

I was reading intensely now, trying to center myself, gain focus.

The New York Times - Arts

I sat at my desk, eyes closed, trying to center myself and jonesing for yoga.

The New York Times

My boss is on his eighth egg nog at the office party, and I need to center myself.

The New York Times

I'll typically find a dark spot backstage to center myself, exhale calmly, and create quiet space in my head.

Harvard Business Review

"It was a way to center myself and find tranquillity," said Farrar, whose strawberry blond hair is often stylishly spiked.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

I've visited the detention centers myself.

The Washington Post

Then I ran for the cover of specifics again, centered myself on the peculiar stubborn images and voices, and it got mercifully back in proportion.

The New Yorker

ABOVE THE CROWD I'm thinking about the rehearsals and all of the things related to the company — centering myself for the week ahead.

The New York Times

I do my best to re-center myself and seek the beauty that surrounds me.

Huffington Post

Sign Usuallyour newslether to get the best of VICE delivered to your inbox daily.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "center myself" when you want to convey the idea of restoring mental, emotional, or spiritual balance. It's suitable for describing personal routines or reactions to stressful situations.

Common error

Avoid using "center myself" in contexts where you're literally positioning yourself in the middle of something. The phrase is primarily used for internal, mental states.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "center myself" functions as a reflexive verb phrase, where the action of centering is directed back to the subject. Ludwig examples show it is used to describe the act of bringing oneself into a state of balance or focus.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "center myself" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of regaining one's mental and emotional equilibrium. As Ludwig AI confirms, it fits seamlessly into various contexts, ranging from personal reflections to professional preparations. While alternatives like "ground myself" or "recenter myself" exist, the original phrase remains a versatile and widely understood way to express this important concept. Whether you're facing a stressful day or seeking inner peace, knowing how to "center myself" can be a valuable tool.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recenter myself

Implies a return to a previous state of balance after being disrupted.

become centered

Highlights the result of centering rather than the action itself.

ground myself

Focuses on establishing a firm foundation or connection to reality.

find my center

Emphasizes the act of searching for and locating one's inner equilibrium.

collect myself

Implies gathering one's thoughts and emotions to achieve a sense of calm.

compose myself

Highlights regaining control over one's emotions and behavior.

settle myself

Suggests a process of becoming calm and stable, both physically and mentally.

get my bearings

Focuses on orienting oneself in a situation, both literally and figuratively.

find inner peace

Focuses more specifically on achieving a state of tranquility and contentment.

restore my equilibrium

More formal and scientific, referring to a state of balance.

FAQs

What does it mean to "center myself"?

To "center myself" means to bring oneself into a state of mental and emotional balance, often through practices like meditation or mindfulness.

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

You might say, "Before a big presentation, I take a few deep breaths to "center myself" and calm my nerves."

What are some alternatives to "center myself"?

You can use alternatives like "ground myself", "recenter myself", or "find my center" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "center myself" formal or informal?

The phrase "center myself" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "restore my equilibrium".