establish themselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'establish themselves' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to someone or something attaining a secure or recognizable position in a particular field or activity. For example, you could say "The band quickly established themselves as a leading name in the indie music scene."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Fewer women establish themselves.

Independent

They need to wait and establish themselves.

The New York Times

"Leagues take time to establish themselves".

The New York Times - Sports

That's not to say Carpi haven't threatened to establish themselves.

The Guardian - Sport

Some younger guys who are trying to establish themselves.

The New York Times - Sports

Upon reaching the ground the roots branch and establish themselves.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That gave offshore hedge funds a chance to establish themselves.

The Economist

After that, several leagues tried to establish themselves but folded.

The New York Times - Sports

Occasionally, new spots try to establish themselves as jazz destinations.

The New York Times

A story of four grown children and their efforts to establish themselves amidst their dysfunctional family.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

If the Mets re-establish themselves, Duquette will be more likely to add.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "establish themselves", ensure the context clearly indicates the field or area in which they are becoming recognized. For example, "The company established themselves as leaders in sustainable energy."

Common error

Avoid using "establish themselves" when the subject is not plural or does not refer back to the same entity. For example, it is incorrect to say "The company established them as leaders." The correct usage would be "The company established themselves as leaders."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "establish themselves" functions as a reflexive verb phrase. It describes the action of a subject entity (individuals, groups, or organizations) working to secure their position or gain recognition in a particular field or context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

18%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "establish themselves" is a grammatically sound and frequently used reflexive verb phrase. It signifies the process of an entity securing recognition or a stable position in a specific domain. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. The phrase is predominantly found in news and media contexts, with notable presence in scientific and encyclopedic sources as well. When using "establish themselves", ensure the subject is plural or reflexive and the context clearly defines the area of achievement. Alternatives such as "make a name for themselves" or "gain recognition" can offer subtle shifts in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get established

This is a shorter, more general version of the original phrase.

make a name for themselves

This alternative emphasizes building a reputation or achieving fame.

become well-known

This phrase focuses on achieving recognition or fame.

gain recognition

This focuses on receiving acknowledgment for achievements.

rise to prominence

This suggests ascending to a leading or influential position.

find their feet

Implies becoming comfortable and confident in a new situation.

carve out a niche

This emphasizes creating a unique position in a specific field.

gain a foothold

Implies securing an initial, often precarious, position.

prove their worth

This emphasizes demonstrating competence and value.

assert themselves

This alternative focuses on forcefully establishing one's presence or authority.

FAQs

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

You can use "establish themselves" to describe individuals, groups, or organizations that are working to gain recognition or a secure position. For example, "Many new businesses are trying to "establish themselves" in the tech industry".

What are some alternatives to "establish themselves"?

Alternatives to "establish themselves" include "make a name for themselves", "become well-known", or "gain recognition", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "establish itself" instead of "establish themselves"?

Yes, "establish itself" is correct when referring to a singular entity. "Establish themselves" is used for plural subjects or when the subject is acting reflexively upon itself.

What is the difference between "establish themselves" and "assert themselves"?

"Establish themselves" implies gaining recognition or a secure position, while "assert themselves" suggests forcefully demonstrating one's presence or authority. They are not interchangeable in all contexts.