collect yourself

USAGE SUMMARY

"collect yourself" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use this phrase to encourage someone to stay calm and composed, especially in a stressful situation. For example, you might say "Try to collect yourself. We don't want to make any rash decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

There were free postcards, however, pictures of a very personal art collection for you to collect yourself.

The Guardian - Arts

"Cycle" offers clearings, where you can pause and collect yourself.

The New York Times - Arts

And the way you do this is that you invent or collect yourself a past.

The Guardian - Books

(A weekly magazine gives you time to collect yourself — to grieve, if the timing's right).

The New Yorker

At least there is this: tea and Drake, a chance to collect yourself before taking on the night".

The Guardian - Tech

Sometimes getting set up can add last minute distractions, so take a moment to ground and collect yourself.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Last year, I made my first batch from a bunch of staghorn sumac that a friend had gathered on the south shore of Staten Island, but I must admit, drinking a cooling, citrusy beverage from plants you've collected yourself just tastes better.

The New York Times

Collecting yourself to get back into your groove becomes a task in itself --  and my guess is that it's not entirely unusual to find yourself fifteen items deep into some listicle that caught your eye.

Huffington Post

Do not use topsoil you have collected yourself as this can be contaminated with pesticides and fertilizers, as well as a range of bacteria and pathogens.

WikiHow

Waiting until you have collected yourself will help you say what you mean to say and make sure that your apology is meaningful and complete.

WikiHow

Health-tracking applications have been hit particularly hard, partly because of the general inaccuracy of physical measurements you can collect about yourself.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When delivering bad news or facing a stressful situation, pause and "collect yourself" before responding. This allows for a more measured and thoughtful reaction.

Common error

Avoid using "collect yourself" in situations that require immediate action or response, as it may imply hesitation or lack of urgency. For example, during an emergency, direct action is more appropriate than pausing to "collect yourself".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "collect yourself" functions as an imperative, typically used to urge or advise someone to regain emotional control or composure. Ludwig examples show its utility in scenarios involving stress, anxiety, or moments requiring clear thought.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

32%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "collect yourself" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to advise someone to regain composure, stay calm, and organize their thoughts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly when facing stressful or emotional situations. Its presence across news articles, academic papers, and wiki articles indicates its wide acceptance and understanding. Alternatives such as "compose yourself" or "pull yourself together" offer similar guidance. Remember, it’s most effective in scenarios where a pause for reflection is beneficial, rather than those demanding immediate action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compose yourself

This alternative focuses on achieving a state of calmness and control over one's emotions.

pull yourself together

This phrase suggests making a determined effort to regain control of one's emotions and behavior.

get a grip

This is an informal way of telling someone to control their emotions and deal with a situation calmly.

gather your thoughts

This focuses on organizing one's thoughts before speaking or acting.

calm down

This suggests reducing one's level of agitation or excitement.

take a breather

This implies taking a short break to relax and regain composure.

center yourself

This suggests finding inner balance and focus.

reassure yourself

This involves calming your own doubts and anxiety.

find your focus

This highlights the act of concentrating on a specific task or goal after distraction.

get your head straight

This emphasizes the need to clarify one's thoughts and make sound decisions.

FAQs

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

You can use "collect yourself" to advise someone to calm down and regain control of their emotions. For example, "Before you respond to that email, take a moment to "collect yourself" and think about what you want to say".

What are some situations where it's appropriate to use "collect yourself"?

It's appropriate to use "collect yourself" in situations where you need to remain calm and composed, such as before a public speaking engagement, during a difficult conversation, or after receiving upsetting news.

What can I say instead of "collect yourself"?

You can use alternatives like "compose yourself", "pull yourself together", or "calm down" depending on the context.

Is "collect yourself" formal or informal?

"Collect yourself" is generally considered to be neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal situations, although it's more common in less formal settings.