devote myself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devote myself" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to dedicating oneself to a cause, vocation, or purpose. Example sentence: I am determined to devote myself to becoming an expert in my field.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I didn't devote myself.

The New York Times - Sports

I have to devote myself to football".

The Guardian - Sport

I retire to devote myself to full-time bongo playing.

The New York Times - Arts

I decided to devote myself to the nation".

The Guardian

"Oppression and injustice compelled me to devote myself to fight for my country.

The New York Times

"I must devote myself to securing higher education while you open the medical profession for women".

The Economist

"It is my dream," she said, "and I will devote myself wholeheartedly to it".

The New York Times

But I hope to devote myself to trying to find an answer.

The New York Times

I'm often sampling more than one book, as I'm deciding what I'll devote myself to next.

The New York Times - Books

I had to devote myself to an ancient and demanding foreign language.

The New Yorker

Basically, I was willing to do anything to allow me to devote myself to entomology.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of the situation. While widely applicable, "devote myself" can sound slightly formal, so adjust your phrasing if a more casual tone is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "devote myself" in overly casual situations where simpler phrases like "focus on" or "spend time on" would be more appropriate. Overuse can make your writing sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devote myself" functions as a reflexive verb phrase, where the action of devoting is directed back to the subject. It expresses a personal commitment or dedication to a particular cause, activity, or person, as Ludwig examples demonstrate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

23%

HuffPost

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "devote myself" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a strong commitment or dedication to something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its frequent use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and avoid overuse in overly casual situations. Alternatives like "dedicate myself" or "commit myself" can offer similar meanings with slight nuances. By understanding its function and appropriate usage, you can effectively convey your dedication in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dedicate myself

Emphasizes a formal or solemn commitment.

commit myself

Highlights the act of pledging or obligating oneself.

dedicate my time

Focuses specifically on allocating time to a purpose.

apply myself

Stresses the effort and diligence put into a task.

immerse myself

Suggests a deep and complete involvement.

throw myself into

Conveys enthusiasm and energy in pursuing something.

give myself over to

Implies a complete surrender or devotion.

concentrate my efforts

Highlights a focused and deliberate use of energy.

focus my attention

Emphasizes directing one's mental energy.

invest my energies

Suggests putting effort into something with the expectation of a return.

FAQs

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

You can use "devote myself" to express a strong commitment to something, as in "I plan to "devote myself" to studying for the exam" or "I will "devote myself" to helping the community".

What are some alternatives to "devote myself"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "dedicate myself", "commit myself", or "apply myself" to express similar meanings.

Is it correct to say "I will devote myself into" something?

No, the correct preposition to use with "devote myself" is "to". You should say "I will "devote myself" to" something, not "into".

What is the difference between "devote myself" and "dedicate myself"?

While similar, ""devote myself"" often implies a more holistic and personal commitment, while "dedicate myself" can suggest a more formal or public declaration of commitment.