command myself

USAGE SUMMARY

"command myself" is correct and can be used in written English.
It usually refers to a person taking control of their thoughts and actions in order to overcome difficulty. For example, "I had to command myself to stay focused and finish the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The moment sickens me, and my mind tries to stop it, but I command myself to walk.

BBC

Maybe I haven't mastered that command myself.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Relax!" I commanded myself.

Huffington Post

While commanding myself to remain calm, I considered how there's so much more to wine than its intoxicating effects.

Huffington Post

In his lack of fear, and his willingness to hurt others, Salvio possessed an aura of danger and authority I could never hope to command for myself.

The New York Times

I imagine myself sitting down to episode two armed with more background than my wife could hope to command.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Or command.

The New York Times - Arts

But I hate acting cheerful on command and stuffing myself with mediocre sugar cookies.

Huffington Post

I also had the experience, about three years ago, of being commanded to do hand stands I could not make myself do at an unnamed, fashionable yoga studio.

The New York Times - Style

He had little use for the young correspondents, myself included, who covered the war in Vietnam while he commanded United States forces there.

The New York Times

So I said to myself: Who is this guy, and why isn't he commanding more attention?" ABC seems to be thinking that Mr. Santos can help fill a void in its programming.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "command myself" when you want to convey a sense of internal authority or forceful self-direction, especially when overcoming a difficult or undesirable urge. For example, "I had to "command myself" to remain calm in the face of the insult."

Common error

Avoid using "command myself" in everyday situations where simpler phrases like "control myself" or "make myself" would be more appropriate. "Command myself" implies a stronger level of internal conflict or resistance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "command myself" functions as a reflexive verb phrase, where the action of commanding is directed back to the subject. It implies a deliberate act of self-control, as supported by Ludwig which confirms the correctness of its usage and meaning.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "command myself" is a grammatically correct reflexive verb phrase used to describe the act of forcefully directing one's own actions or emotions, often against internal resistance. As Ludwig confirmed, the phrase is correctly used. While not overly common, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and Huffington Post, primarily within news, media, and wiki contexts. Related phrases include "control myself" and "restrain myself", each with slightly different nuances. When using "command myself", reserve it for situations where a strong sense of internal authority or overcoming an urge is needed, avoiding overuse in casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

control myself

Emphasizes restraint and regulation of one's behavior or emotions.

restrain myself

Focuses on holding back from an action or expression, typically due to strong emotion or impulse.

force myself

Highlights the effort and will required to perform an action, often against one's inclination.

make myself

Indicates compelling oneself to do something, implying a degree of reluctance or difficulty.

oblige myself

Signifies a sense of duty or self-imposed necessity in carrying out an action.

dictate my actions

Refers to directing one's own course of behavior, emphasizing the decision-making aspect.

govern my behavior

Implies a structured and regulated approach to one's conduct.

master my impulses

Highlights the ability to overcome and manage one's immediate desires or urges.

manage my reactions

Focuses on controlling one's responses to external stimuli or situations.

self-discipline

Signifies controlling yourself and training to improve.

FAQs

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

You can use "command myself" when describing an instance where you had to exert strong will to control your actions or emotions. For instance, "I had to "command myself" not to react when I heard the news."

What's a good alternative to "command myself"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "command myself" include "control myself", "restrain myself", or "force myself".

Is "command myself" formal or informal?

"Command myself" leans towards a more formal or emphatic tone. In casual conversation, simpler phrases like "make myself" or "control myself" might be more fitting.

When should I use "command myself" instead of "control myself"?

Use "command myself" when the situation requires a strong degree of self-discipline or when you are actively fighting against a powerful urge or feeling. "Control myself" is a more general term for managing one's behavior.