challenge oneself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "challenge oneself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing personal growth, self-improvement, or pushing one's limits in various contexts. Example: "To grow as an individual, it's important to challenge oneself regularly by stepping out of one's comfort zone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

One mark of an exceptional musician is not just the ability, but the hunger to challenge oneself in unexpected ways.

The Guardian - Music

It's because I wanted to challenge myself (as much as one can challenge oneself in a comfortable, well-kept honors dorm), and also because I am not afraid of inconsistent heating, questionable plumbing and other harsh vagaries of human innovation circa 1939.

The New York Times

Even if the weak signals and wild cards would not materialise in the future, it is useful to challenge oneself to think differently.

European Journal of Futures Research

To dreamers of the impossible, he likes to say, "Diversity in the workforce is important, but the biggest challenge is to challenge oneself".

Science Magazine

Isn't the point of being a student to challenge oneself?

Huffington Post

I often tell people the real trick to business success is to challenge oneself not to fail.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Any vocation that involves rejection and challenging oneself to do something so stupendously hard as writing a great poem is bound to engender some feelings of hopelessness and failure from time to time.

The New Yorker

My recent travels have taught me that challenging oneself to a new way of living is what life is all about.

Huffington Post

But I think that book is a great introduction to the basic moral case for giving effectively, and challenging oneself to give more.

Huffington Post

Now, as a two-month-old senior, I can clearly say that hard work never ends at the finale or height of success: it only builds upon what a person, such as myself, has accomplished and challenges oneself to achieve beyond this or her best effort.

Huffington Post

It is a promise to keep doing love, come what may: to listen, welcome, accept even when it's a challenge, set oneself aside, do whatever is good for the beloved.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "challenge oneself" with specific goals to provide clarity and direction. For instance, "challenge oneself to learn a new skill each month".

Common error

Overusing "challenge oneself" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "push oneself", "test one's limits", or "strive for excellence" for a more engaging and dynamic tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "challenge oneself" functions as a reflexive verb phrase, where the subject is also the object of the verb. This construction emphasizes the act of pushing personal boundaries and seeking self-improvement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the reflexive phrase "challenge oneself" is grammatically sound and serves to advocate self-improvement through proactive effort. Its usage spans diverse contexts, prominently appearing in news media and scientific publications, as verified by Ludwig AI. While relatively uncommon, the phrase effectively communicates the importance of personal growth and pushing boundaries, with synonyms like "push oneself" and "strive for excellence" offering suitable alternatives to avoid repetition. By strategically employing this phrase, writers can effectively inspire action and foster a growth-oriented mindset.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

push oneself

Focuses on the effort exerted to achieve a goal.

test one's limits

Emphasizes exploring the boundaries of one's abilities.

stretch oneself

Highlights expanding one's capabilities and comfort zone.

exceed expectations

Suggests surpassing previously held beliefs or standards.

go the extra mile

Implies putting in additional effort beyond what is required.

strive for excellence

Highlights the pursuit of superior quality in one's endeavors.

aim high

Focuses on setting ambitious goals.

raise the bar

Involves setting a higher standard for performance.

venture outside one's comfort zone

Specifies the movement beyond what is familiar and easy.

develop personal growth

Emphasizes the positive direction of improvement

FAQs

How can I effectively use "challenge oneself" in a sentence?

Use "challenge oneself" to highlight the importance of self-improvement and pushing personal boundaries. For example, "To achieve significant growth, individuals must consistently "challenge oneself" by taking on new and difficult tasks".

What are some alternatives to saying "challenge oneself"?

You can use alternatives like "push oneself", "test one's limits", or "strive for excellence" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "challenge oneself" or "be challenged"?

"Challenge oneself" emphasizes personal agency and initiative in seeking growth, while "be challenged" implies facing difficulties imposed by external factors. The best choice depends on whether you want to focus on proactive self-improvement or reacting to external demands.

What's the difference between "challenge oneself" and "improve oneself"?

"Challenge oneself" focuses on actively seeking difficult or unfamiliar situations for growth, while "improve oneself" is a broader term that encompasses any effort to become better, including learning new skills, adopting healthier habits, or enhancing one's character.