confident in himself

USAGE SUMMARY

"confident in himself" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is sure in their own abilities or capacity. For example, "John was always confident in himself when it came to speaking in public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Improvements in child confidence were maintained for all families (eg, "[my son] is more confident in himself and I feel the change he has made will be forever").

BMJ Open

Fun! Jay's Swegway also shows he's confident in himself and where he lives.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I think that comes with being more comfortable and being more confident in himself.

The New York Times - Sports

"For a mayor who is very confident in himself, this is an earthquake".

The New York Times

How do I teach him to tiptoe in the world and still be confident in himself?

The Guardian - Opinion

José plays the game with free, reckless abandon and is very confident in himself.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

He seems like a man confident enough in himself and his position to take this well.

The Guardian

The New Zealand think-tank does its homework on the opposition but it requires a leader confident both in himself and with his bowlers to put intricate plans into operation.

The Guardian - Sport

It can be asked how one can be so confident in classing Homer himself as an oral singer, for if he differed from Phemius or Demodocus in terms of length, he may also have differed radically in his poetic techniques.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But when he gets hot, you think, 'How do you ever beat this guy?' The big thing about Derek is as long as he's confident and believes in himself, he's going to be a great player".

The New York Times - Sports

But he praised my sound, told me I must have been good in my youth (thanks, Stanley!) and pronounced himself confident in my abilities.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone who has gained self-esteem, use "confident in himself" to highlight the positive transformation. For example, "After overcoming his challenges, he became more "confident in himself"."

Common error

Avoid using "confident at himself" as the correct preposition is "in". Saying "confident at himself" is grammatically incorrect and will confuse your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "confident in himself" functions as an adjectival phrase, describing a state of self-assurance and belief in one's own capabilities. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is used to express trust and faith in one's own abilities and decisions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "confident in himself" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to depict a person's self-assurance and belief in their own abilities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for describing a state of trust and faith in one's capabilities. Predominantly found in news and media sources, this phrase carries a neutral tone suitable for various contexts. Remember to use the preposition "in" correctly and avoid the incorrect form "confident at himself". Consider "sure of himself" or "self-assured" as alternatives depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-confident

A more general term for having confidence in oneself.

sure of himself

Focuses on the certainty the person has about their own abilities.

self-assured

Highlights the person's calm confidence.

secure in his own skin

Emphasizes comfort and acceptance of oneself.

believing in his own abilities

Highlights the trust the person has in their capabilities.

certain of his capabilities

Focuses on the person's awareness and sureness of their skills.

has faith in himself

Emphasizes the trust the person has in their own judgment and capabilities.

trusts his own judgment

Highlights the reliance on one's own decision-making skills.

has a strong sense of self-worth

Emphasizes the positive value the person places on themselves.

unshaken in his belief

Highlights steadfastness and unwavering faith in one's conviction.

FAQs

How can I use "confident in himself" in a sentence?

Use "confident in himself" to describe someone who trusts their abilities or judgment. For example, "The coach's support made the athlete more "confident in himself".".

What's the difference between "self-assured" and "confident in himself"?

"Self-assured" implies a calm and composed demeanor, while "confident in himself" focuses on the belief in one's abilities. The phrases are similar, but self-assured emphasizes outward appearance of confidence while confident in himself underscores inner conviction.

What are some alternatives to saying someone is "confident in himself"?

Alternatives include "sure of himself", "self-confident", or "secure in his own skin", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "confident at himself" instead of "confident in himself"?

No, the correct preposition is "in". "Confident at himself" is grammatically incorrect. Always use "confident in himself" to maintain grammatical accuracy.