dedicate yourself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dedicate yourself" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to commit or devote oneself to a specific task, goal, or cause. Example: "To reach the top of your profession, you must dedicate yourself to continuous learning and improvement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You have to dedicate yourself exclusively to writing".

The New Yorker

You basically have to dedicate yourself to it".

The Guardian - Sport

You have to dedicate yourself to that work.

The Guardian - Books

"In the sport of boxing, you have to really dedicate yourself to your craft.

The Guardian - Sport

Beside him was the legend: "Dedicate Yourself Anew To a Sincere Program of Financial Advandement".

The New Yorker

So you have to dedicate yourself to the business or to the pleasure.

The New York Times - Sports

If you ever become a U.S. senator, please dedicate yourself to getting rid of them.

The New York Times

The only way you dedicate yourself with that drive is by doing it once.

The Guardian - Sport

This method will give you that in spades – if you're willing to dedicate yourself to it.

The Guardian - Books

I always used to tell him, if you really dedicate yourself, there's no telling how good you can be.

The New York Times

And if you dedicate yourself to this job, the meanings more or less take care of themselves.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dedicate yourself", clearly specify the task, goal, or cause to which you are committing. This provides context and emphasizes the importance of the commitment.

Common error

While "dedicate yourself" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal documents can sound repetitive. Consider varying your language with synonyms like "commit", "devote", or "apply" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dedicate yourself" functions as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to make a strong commitment to a particular goal, task, or cause. It is used to motivate and inspire action towards a specific direction, as shown by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dedicate yourself" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to encourage strong commitment and focused effort. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent use across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Wiki, and Academia. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to specify the target of the dedication and avoid overuse in overly formal documents. Consider related phrases like "commit yourself" or "devote yourself" for variety. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "dedicate yourself" to inspire action and convey the importance of dedication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Commit yourself

Directly implies making a firm decision to do something.

Devote yourself

Suggests a more profound level of dedication, often with emotional investment.

Apply yourself

Focuses on the effort and diligence required for a task.

Immerse yourself

Implies deeply involving oneself in something.

Throw yourself into

Suggests enthusiastically engaging in an activity or task.

Give your all

Emphasizes maximal effort and complete dedication.

Pledge yourself

Implies making a formal or solemn promise of dedication.

Concentrate your efforts

Focuses on directing one's energy and attention.

Set your mind to

Highlights the mental determination required for dedication.

Be determined

Stresses the importance of resolve and perseverance.

FAQs

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

Use "dedicate yourself" to express a strong commitment to a goal or activity. For example, "To succeed in this field, you must "dedicate yourself" to continuous learning."

What is a more formal alternative to "dedicate yourself"?

In formal settings, consider using phrases like "commit yourself" or "devote yourself", which carry a similar meaning but may sound more appropriate.

What does it mean to "dedicate yourself" to something?

To "dedicate yourself" means to fully commit your time, energy, and resources to achieving a specific goal or purpose. It implies a strong sense of determination and focus.

Is it better to "dedicate yourself" or "apply yourself"?

While both phrases encourage effort, ""dedicate yourself"" suggests a deeper, more unwavering commitment, while "apply yourself" focuses more on the practical effort exerted. The best choice depends on the desired emphasis.