discover ourselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "discover ourselves" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where individuals are exploring their identities, beliefs, or personal growth. Example: "Through travel and new experiences, we often have the opportunity to discover ourselves in ways we never expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

Personal growth

Self-discovery

Introspection

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

But that we discover ourselves repeatedly frustrated by it may in itself bring philosophical lessons.

Yale University

At Goddard we had no books, classes, curriculum or duties beyond the suggestion that we "discover ourselves".

The New York Times

Conscious relationship is an invitation to discover ourselves more fully and to connect with others more authentically.

Stanford University

We worry that we'll discover ourselves to be someone we didn't think we were or in choosing to act in a certain way, become the kind of person we never wanted to be.

The Guardian - Opinion

We discover ourselves in climate, and it is because of climate that we have come to express ourselves as we have: "climate…is the agent by which human life is objectivised" (Watsuji 1961, 14).

SEP

Celebrate the characters that help us discover ourselves.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Edim, who was The Times' 2017 Innovator's Award recipient, opted to curate an anthology, "Well-Read Black Girl: Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ourselves," in which she recruited black authors, including Jacqueline Woodson, Morgan Jerkins, Gabourey Sidibe, Jesmyn Ward and several others, to share when they first saw themselves in literature.

Los Angeles Times

"It's all about creating memories and discovering ourselves.

The New York Times - Travel

"We've discovered ourselves," said one of the organizers, Wael Khalil.

The New York Times

But poetry exists because we are just as interested in discovering ourselves, and one another, in what we say.

The New York Times

It was just us and this place in east London," says Sells. "We discovered ourselves as a band – and as friends, almost", Jones adds.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "discover ourselves" when emphasizing a journey of self-exploration and gaining new insights about your identity, values, or capabilities.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid overusing "discover ourselves" in highly formal or technical writing. Consider more precise terms like 'analyze our findings' or 'assess our capabilities' for specific situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discover ourselves" functions as a reflexive phrase, indicating an action directed back to the subject. Ludwig AI indicates it is correct and usable in written English. It suggests an exploration or uncovering of aspects within oneself, such as values, beliefs, or potential. The phrase often serves as the verb in a sentence, conveying the act of self-discovery.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "discover ourselves" is a grammatically sound and frequently used reflexive phrase that encapsulates the journey of self-exploration and understanding. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is accurate and well-suited for describing the process of gaining new insights into one's identity, values, or capabilities. While versatile, it's best employed when emphasizing a personal journey or introspective process. Alternatives such as "find our true selves" or "explore our identities" can be more appropriate in specific contexts where a different nuance is required. It is frequently used in News & Media and Academia.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

find our true selves

Focuses on uncovering an authentic identity, implying a pre-existing 'true' self.

explore our identities

Highlights the process of investigating and understanding the different facets of one's identity.

understand who we are

Emphasizes gaining a deeper comprehension of our character, values, and motivations.

learn about ourselves

Focuses on acquiring knowledge and insights into our personality and behavior.

realize our potential

Highlights the recognition and development of inherent abilities and capabilities.

become self-aware

Stresses the development of conscious knowledge of one's own character and feelings.

uncover our hidden depths

Suggests revealing aspects of ourselves that are not immediately apparent.

get in touch with ourselves

Implies establishing a connection with one's inner feelings and thoughts.

know ourselves better

Focuses on improving our understanding of our own traits and habits.

evolve as individuals

Highlights the process of personal growth and transformation over time.

FAQs

How can I use "discover ourselves" in a sentence?

You can use "discover ourselves" to describe a process of learning about one's identity, values, or capabilities. For example, "Through travel and new experiences, we often have the opportunity to "discover ourselves" in ways we never expected."

What are some alternatives to "discover ourselves"?

Alternatives include "find our true selves", "explore our identities", or "understand who we are", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "discover ourselves" formal or informal?

"Discover ourselves" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but is more commonly found in reflective or personal writing. More formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "assess our capabilities" or "analyze our findings".

What's the difference between "discover ourselves" and "find ourselves"?

"Discover ourselves" implies a process of learning and gaining new insights, while "find ourselves" often suggests a change in circumstance or location that leads to self-discovery. For example, "We traveled to India and found ourselves" suggests a transformative experience, while "We took a course to discover ourselves" suggests a deliberate effort to learn more about our inner selves.