collect myself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "collect myself" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone calming themselves down and regaining their composure. For example, "After a few deep breaths, she was able to collect herself and face the crowd confidently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

But then I collect myself.

The Guardian - Sport

I needed a moment to collect myself.

The New York Times - Sports

Maybe in a few days I'll collect myself.

The New York Times - Sports

"Do I sometimes have to collect myself and shake myself?

The New Yorker

I collect myself and enter the shop with a smile.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I couldn't collect myself at all," he recalled.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

I collected myself and got into the driver's seat.

The New York Times - Travel

"Then I collected myself and returned to the reception".

The New York Times

But, after collecting myself, I did a quick, bleary-eyed search online.

The New Yorker

"I was just collecting myself," he said, "and I started to become angry".

The New York Times

Once I collected myself, I picked up my book bag and left.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "collect myself" when you need to convey a deliberate act of regaining emotional control or composure after being upset, surprised, or overwhelmed. It implies a brief pause or effort to become calm and rational.

Common error

Avoid using "collect myself" when describing a physical gathering of items or objects. This phrase is specifically about regaining emotional or mental composure, not about physically collecting things.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "collect myself" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating a deliberate action to regain emotional and mental composure. As seen in Ludwig, it is used when individuals need to calm down and regain control after being surprised, upset, or overwhelmed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "collect myself" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the act of regaining emotional or mental control. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "compose myself" offer a more formal tone, the key is to use the phrase when describing a deliberate effort to become calm and rational, avoiding confusion with physical actions. Be mindful of the context to ensure the most appropriate expression of regaining your composure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compose myself

Uses a more formal verb to convey regaining control and calmness.

calm myself

Focuses specifically on reducing anxiety or agitation.

pull myself together

Implies a more forceful effort to overcome a state of disarray.

regain my composure

Highlights the recovery of a state of calmness and self-control, using more formal language.

gather my wits

Emphasizes restoring mental clarity and focus, particularly after confusion or shock.

get a grip

A more colloquial and direct way of saying one needs to control their emotions.

steady myself

Suggests a physical or emotional stabilization, often after a shock or surprise.

recover my senses

Focuses on regaining awareness and rationality after being overwhelmed.

recenter myself

Emphasizes finding inner balance and focus, often in a spiritual or emotional context.

collect my thoughts

Focuses on organizing one's thoughts rather than overall emotional state.

FAQs

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

You can use "collect myself" to describe regaining composure after a shock. For example, "After hearing the news, I needed a moment to "collect myself" before responding".

What's a more formal way to say "collect myself"?

A more formal alternative to "collect myself" is to "compose myself", which conveys a similar meaning of regaining control over one's emotions but in a more dignified manner.

Is it appropriate to use "collect myself" in professional writing?

Yes, it's generally acceptable, but consider the context. In formal reports, "regain my composure" might be more suitable. "Collect myself" is fine for emails or less formal communications.

What's the difference between "collect myself" and "gather my thoughts"?

"Collect myself" refers to regaining emotional balance or composure, while "gather my thoughts" implies organizing and clarifying one's thinking. They address different aspects of mental state.