enrich themselves

USAGE SUMMARY

"enrich themselves" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to an individual or group of individuals seeking to become more successful, affluent, or knowledgeable. For example: "The students decided to attend an after-school program to enrich themselves academically."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They enrich one another while trying to enrich themselves.

The New Yorker

*That the board allowed senior executives to enrich themselves improperly.

The New York Times

But the executives were still able to enrich themselves.

The New York Times

faculty members: Should administrators be able to enrich themselves like this at educational institutions?

The New York Times

Stevens's style of government encouraged his supporters to enrich themselves at public expense.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The implication is that some consultants are short-changing the NHS in order to enrich themselves.

The Economist

(The Guards relied on smuggling to finance their activities and enrich themselves).

The New Yorker

All three face charges of using official positions to enrich themselves.

The New York Times

Just like old times, politicians seem able to break laws with impunity to enrich themselves.

The Economist

They can't wait to sue you into oblivion and consequently enrich themselves through your divestiture.

The New Yorker

It has, in the process, allowed Fidesz grandees vastly to enrich themselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "enrich themselves" when you want to convey the idea of individuals or groups improving their financial status, knowledge, or overall well-being, often through their own efforts or actions.

Common error

Be cautious when using "enrich themselves" as it can sometimes imply that the individuals are acting unethically or at the expense of others. Ensure the context clarifies the means by which they are enriching themselves to avoid misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enrich themselves" functions as a reflexive verb phrase, indicating that individuals are the recipients of the action they perform. Ludwig shows that this phrase appears in diverse contexts, from news reports about political corruption to discussions of personal financial strategies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "enrich themselves" is a commonly used reflexive verb phrase that describes the act of individuals or groups improving their financial status, knowledge, or overall well-being. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, primarily in news and media contexts. While it can sometimes carry a negative connotation, implying unethical behavior, it generally refers to self-improvement or wealth accumulation through one's own efforts. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure your message is clear and avoids unintended implications. Related phrases include "advance their interests" and "pursue self-interest".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pursue self-interest

Directly states the act of seeking personal advantage or benefit.

advance their interests

Focuses on promoting personal or group interests, which may or may not involve material gain.

profit personally

Focuses on gaining financial or material benefits for oneself.

better their position

Suggests improving one's status or circumstances, often in a social or professional context.

serve their own ends

Highlights prioritizing personal goals and desires, sometimes at the expense of others.

feather their nests

Implies accumulating wealth, often dishonestly or unfairly, for personal benefit.

line their pockets

Specifically refers to gaining money, often through corrupt or unethical means.

improve their lot

Refers to enhancing one's circumstances or fate in life.

promote their welfare

Emphasizes improving one's well-being and overall quality of life.

aggrandize themselves

Suggests enhancing one's power, wealth, or reputation, often in an excessive or boastful way.

FAQs

How can I use "enrich themselves" in a sentence?

You can use "enrich themselves" to describe actions taken to improve one's financial status, knowledge, or overall well-being. For example, "The politicians were accused of using their positions to enrich themselves."

What are some alternatives to "enrich themselves"?

Alternatives include "advance their interests", "better their position", or "pursue self-interest", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to say someone is trying to "enrich themselves"?

Not necessarily. While it can imply unethical behavior, it can also simply mean improving one's situation through legitimate means. The context is crucial in determining the connotation.

What is the difference between "enrich themselves" and "feather their nests"?

"Enrich themselves" is a more general term for improving one's situation, while "feather their nests" specifically implies accumulating wealth, often dishonestly or unfairly.