check yourself

USAGE SUMMARY

"check yourself" is correct and is often used in written English.
It is most commonly used to suggest someone should think carefully and consider consequences before they take an action. For example: Before you say something hurtful to your friend, check yourself and consider the consequences.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Check yourself," read one.

The New York Times

"They're such mainstream phrases, you almost have to check yourself and double-check yourself".

The New York Times

Check yourself: why does sizeof(Instruction)==4?

University of California, Berkeley

Set a timer to check yourself.

Harvard University

"You could check yourself into the in-patient program at Mayo Clinic for that".

The New York Times

Check yourself.

Forbes

Check yourself before diving in.

Forbes

They ain't gonna say, "Oh, yo, yo, check yourself, stop for a minute.

Health & Justice

The minute it becomes a chore stop and check yourself.

Forbes

How do you check yourself if you've gone to far.

TechCrunch

Maybe check yourself in". .

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "check yourself" to encourage self-awareness and responsible decision-making, particularly when addressing potential biases or impulsive behaviors.

Common error

Avoid using "check yourself" when a more direct instruction or specific feedback is needed. It's best suited for situations where the individual has the capacity for self-assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "check yourself" primarily functions as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to self-reflect or self-regulate their behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, highlighting its role in encouraging careful consideration before acting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Wiki

28%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Academia

9%

Reference

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "check yourself" is a common and grammatically sound imperative, as validated by Ludwig AI. It serves as a prompt for self-reflection and thoughtful consideration of one's actions or attitudes. While frequently found in news articles and general web content, its register is generally neutral to informal. The examples on Ludwig demonstrate the breadth of its application, from preventing impulsive decisions to promoting fairness and personal safety. Remember, "check yourself" is a concise way to encourage responsible behavior and self-awareness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

think twice

Implies caution and deliberation before acting or speaking.

examine your behavior

Focuses more explicitly on scrutinizing one's actions.

evaluate your actions

Emphasizes a careful assessment of what one has done.

reflect on your conduct

Highlights introspection and contemplation of one's behavior.

reconsider your position

Suggests rethinking one's stance or opinion on a matter.

be mindful of your actions

Encourages awareness and consideration of one's deeds.

assess your motivations

Focuses on understanding the underlying reasons for one's actions.

pause for reflection

Highlights the act of stopping to think carefully.

take a step back

Suggests creating distance to gain perspective.

control your impulses

Stresses the importance of managing one's immediate reactions.

FAQs

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

You can use "check yourself" to advise someone to reconsider their actions or attitudes, especially when they might be acting impulsively or unfairly. For example, "Before you criticize others, "check yourself" and see if you're meeting your own standards."

What does "check yourself before you wreck yourself" mean?

This popular phrase, often associated with Ice Cube's song, means to think carefully about the potential consequences of your actions before you act. It's a warning to "be cautious" and avoid self-destructive behavior.

When is it appropriate to tell someone to "check themselves"?

It's appropriate when you observe someone exhibiting behavior that seems out of line, biased, or potentially harmful. However, consider your relationship with the person and the context before offering this advice, as it can be perceived as confrontational. Consider "evaluating your actions" first.

Are there alternative ways to say "check yourself" that are less direct?

Yes, you can use phrases like "consider the implications", "think twice", or "reflect on your conduct" to convey a similar message in a more subtle manner.