expressed themselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expressed themselves" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how individuals convey their thoughts, feelings, or ideas, often in a personal or creative context. Example: "In her latest poem, she expressed themselves in a way that resonated deeply with her audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I was being expressive!" he recalls, adding that other parishioners expressed themselves by speaking in tongues.

The New Yorker

Where United's stars froze, Barcelona's expressed themselves.

The New York Times - Sports

"Where I grew up people never expressed themselves," he continues.

The Guardian - Music

People who expressed themselves roughly called her stolid.

The New Yorker

He said: "The local committees all expressed themselves negatively.

The Guardian

"They expressed themselves every time I touched the ball, but it didn't affect me".

The New York Times - Sports

Many expressed themselves surprised when they found we had a hung parliament.

The Guardian - Opinion

I told him how sloppy, secondhand ideas invariably expressed themselves in sloppy, secondhand technique.

The Guardian

It provided a forum for cynics, and due to inexperience, some people expressed themselves inappropriately.

The Guardian

LONG before Internet chat and constant-talk radio, Americans expressed themselves on their cars.

The New York Times

What they said: "Where I grew up, people never expressed themselves.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expressed themselves" when you want to emphasize the act of conveying thoughts, feelings, or identity, particularly in a personal or creative way.

Common error

Avoid using "expressed themselves" to describe inanimate objects or abstract concepts. Use more appropriate verbs like "manifested", "indicated", or "reflected" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expressed themselves" functions as a verb phrase, where "expressed" is the verb and "themselves" is a reflexive pronoun. It typically indicates the act of conveying one's thoughts, feelings, or identity. Ludwig confirms its proper usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expressed themselves" is a versatile and common way to describe how individuals or groups convey their thoughts, feelings, or identities. As Ludwig AI verifies, it is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and business communications. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it’s important to consider the specific context and audience when using it. Remember to use "expressed myself" for the first person singular and avoid using "expressed themselves" for inanimate objects. By keeping these points in mind, you can effectively use "expressed themselves" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

articulated their views

Focuses on the clear and structured communication of opinions.

shared their opinions

Indicates a willingness to make one's thoughts known to others.

communicated their thoughts

Highlights the transmission of ideas.

conveyed their feelings

Emphasizes the communication of emotions.

revealed their perspectives

Centers on disclosing a particular point of view or outlook.

made their feelings known

Implies a direct and perhaps forceful expression of emotion.

expressed their individuality

Focuses on how someone shows their unique personal qualities.

demonstrated their beliefs

Implies expression through actions and behaviors aligned with personal convictions.

portrayed their identities

Emphasizes the active shaping and presentation of one's self-image.

showed their true colors

Suggests an unveiling of one's genuine character, often revealing hidden aspects.

FAQs

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

You can use "expressed themselves" to describe how someone conveys their thoughts, feelings, or identity. For example, "The artists "expressed themselves" through their paintings."

What are some alternatives to "expressed themselves"?

Some alternatives to "expressed themselves" include "articulated their views", "conveyed their feelings", or "communicated their thoughts", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "expressed myself" instead of "expressed themselves"?

Yes, "expressed myself" is correct when referring to yourself. "Expressed themselves" is used when referring to a group or other people.

What's the difference between "expressed themselves" and "presented themselves"?

"Expressed themselves" focuses on conveying internal thoughts and feelings, while "presented themselves" focuses on how someone appears or behaves outwardly. For example, someone might have "expressed themselves" through art, but "presented themselves" professionally at a job interview.