dedicate oneself to

USAGE SUMMARY

"dedicate oneself to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express a decision to devote an amount of time and effort to something. For example, "My goal is to dedicate myself to succeeding in my studies this semester."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

A male sociologist told me to forget about pursuing family life because to dedicate oneself to the sociologists calling was a full-time endeavor (unless, of course, one had a wife).

University of California, Berkeley

As Nussbaum (1990, p. 328) puts it, "The choice between one potential love and another can feel, and be, like a choice of a way of life, a decision to dedicate oneself to these values rather than these"; liking clearly does not have this sort of "depth".

SEP

Although the outlook seems bleak, as the vast majority of people not directly affected by the war will quickly forget about Iraqis and the veterans, I take heart in the incredible human capacity for empathy with the "other," and the will to dedicate oneself to achieving justice.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Unless one dedicates oneself to the intense study of both languages equally, it cannot be said that one is bilingual.

The New York Times

Now comes the real moment of marriage: dedicating oneself to a partnership of fallen beings, "for better or for worse," in full sight of the worse.

The New Yorker

Believing in this possibility — no matter how slim — and dedicating oneself to playing a meaningful role in the struggle to make it a reality focuses one's energy and attention in an unusual way.

The New York Times - Books

Is the exile self imposed by dedicating oneself to making effigies?

Huffington Post

To commit oneself to anything is also always to commit oneself to the value of freedom.

SEP

Mornings are for dedicating time to oneself – emails and catching up with news come secondary.

Forbes

"I want to dedicate this to them.

BBC

Dedicate it to you.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dedicate oneself to", ensure that the object of dedication is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "dedicate oneself to" for casual interests; reserve it for significant, long-term commitments to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dedicate oneself to" functions as a verb phrase indicating a strong commitment or devotion. Ludwig's examples show its usage in various contexts, from personal goals to professional endeavors. The phrase often introduces a noun or gerund describing the area of dedication.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dedicate oneself to" is a phrase used to express a strong commitment to a goal or activity. Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts. While not overly common, it carries a sense of intentional effort and devotion. Related phrases include "commit oneself to" and "devote oneself to". Use the phrase thoughtfully, reserving it for significant commitments to ensure impact and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commit oneself to

Focuses more on making a firm decision or pledge.

devote oneself to

Emphasizes the allocation of time and effort.

dedicate your life to

Implies a lifelong commitment, more intense and encompassing.

give oneself over to

Suggests complete surrender or immersion.

apply oneself to

Highlights the effort and diligence applied.

immerse oneself in

Focuses on becoming deeply involved or absorbed.

apply your heart to

Emphasizes emotional investment and passion.

set your mind to

Highlights mental focus and determination.

invest oneself in

Implies a personal stake or interest.

throw oneself into

Conveys enthusiasm and energy.

FAQs

What does "dedicate oneself to" mean?

It means to commit time, effort, and energy to a particular purpose, activity, or person. It suggests a strong level of commitment and devotion.

How can I use "dedicate oneself to" in a sentence?

For example, you might say, "She decided to "dedicate herself to" environmental conservation" or "He "dedicated himself to" mastering the piano".

What are some alternatives to "dedicate oneself to"?

Alternatives include "commit oneself to", "devote oneself to", or "immerse oneself in" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "dedicate to" or "dedicate oneself to"?

"Dedicate to" is often used when giving credit or recognition, while "dedicate oneself to" implies a personal commitment of time and effort to something.