defining yourself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defining yourself" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing personal identity, self-perception, or self-definition in various contexts, such as personal development or philosophy. Example: "In her journey of self-discovery, she found that defining yourself is an ongoing process that evolves over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Talking to Henry, that idea of identity and defining yourself comes up frequently.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Defining yourself to the public on a consistent basis is death to a performer," he says.

The New York Times - Magazine

Populism is about defining yourself against the establishment, which is what Corbyn excels at.

The Guardian - Opinion

William Safire also advised, "Stop defining yourself by what you're not".

The New Yorker

"I think there's value in defining yourself as offering some alternative in the marketplace," he said.

The New York Times

The days of defining yourself by the flash car in your driveway are on the wane.

The Guardian

When I was growing up – albeit in boringly heteronormative, unthinkingly cis style – defining yourself was easy: you used art.

The Guardian - Opinion

Defining yourself is often about aspiration, observed Mitchell Davis, vice president of the James Beard Foundation in New York.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

ON LANGUAGE; Sound Bite, Define Yourself!

The New York Times - Magazine

Archives|ON LANGUAGE; Sound Bite, Define Yourself!

The New York Times - Magazine

She pointed a reprimanding finger at me. "DO NOT DEFINE YOURSELF BY YOUR ILLNESS".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing personal values, use "defining yourself" to emphasize the conscious choice of aligning with those values. For example, "Defining yourself by your values allows you to make consistent ethical decisions."

Common error

Avoid solely "defining yourself" by external achievements or the opinions of others. A balanced approach includes internal values and personal growth, not just societal markers of success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defining yourself" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, it's correctly used in English to discuss personal identity, self-perception, or self-definition. Examples show it in contexts of personal development, philosophy, and self-discovery.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "defining yourself" is a common and grammatically correct gerund phrase that emphasizes the act of establishing one's identity through introspection and conscious choices. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for discussions about personal development and self-discovery. While versatile, be mindful of the context: aim for authenticity rather than solely relying on external validation, and use Ludwig's alternatives like "establishing your identity" or "discovering your true self" to more precisely convey the intended meaning. The phrase appears most frequently in news media, wiki, and academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Establishing your identity

Focuses on the act of establishing a distinct identity.

Articulating your identity

Emphasizes the verbal or written expression of who you are.

Discovering your true self

Emphasizes the process of uncovering one's authentic nature.

Knowing yourself

Stresses the importance of introspection and self-awareness.

Understanding who you are

Highlights the comprehension of one's own nature and values.

Determining your values

Focuses on identifying and prioritizing the principles that guide one's life.

Shaping your character

Focuses on the active formation of one's moral and ethical qualities.

Expressing your individuality

Highlights the act of showcasing one's unique traits and qualities.

Creating your persona

Highlights the construction of a public image or role.

Finding your place

Highlights the process of finding a comfortable role in society or a specific environment.

FAQs

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

You can use "defining yourself" to talk about how someone creates their identity. For example, "The book explores the importance of "defining yourself" through your actions and beliefs".

What are some alternatives to "defining yourself"?

Alternatives include "establishing your identity", "discovering your true self", or "understanding who you are", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to focus on "defining yourself" or letting others define you?

It is generally considered more empowering to focus on "defining yourself", rather than allowing external forces to dictate your identity. This involves introspection, self-awareness, and conscious choices about your values and actions.

What's the difference between ""defining yourself"" and "expressing yourself"?

"Defining yourself" refers to the process of establishing your identity and core values, while "expressing yourself" is about communicating your thoughts, feelings, and personality to others. One is about internal identity formation, and the other is about external communication.