fashioned themselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fashioned themselves" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing how someone has created something as an expression or reflection of themselves. For example: "The students fashioned themselves a beautiful replica of the Parthenon out of clay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Already orchestras have fashioned themselves as providers of the music education that has been draining out of school systems.

The New York Times - Arts

Despite the change in parties, few expect wholesale policy changes, since both men have fashioned themselves pragmatists.

The New York Times

The police said the youths fashioned themselves as anarchists but had no links to international terrorist groups.

The New York Times

When Moss and Alpert ran A&M, they did not have the deep pockets to pay huge advances and fashioned themselves an "artists' label".

The New York Times - Sports

While other m.c.s fashioned themselves after outlaws, thugs, or drug dealers, Dumile, whose handle is inspired by the Fantastic Four villain Dr. Doom, called himself "the Supervillain".

The New Yorker

To fulfil their evolutionary mission, they have fashioned themselves into pretty much the perfect foodstuff: visually irresistible, cleverly packaged, nutritious and delicious.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Do they fashion themselves as our new guardians?

The New York Times

Sharjah and Ajman, ruled by more conservative emirs, have been trying to fashion themselves as modern Muslim states.

The Guardian - Opinion

He is a throwback to a presanctimonious era when politicians were not so intent on fashioning themselves outsiders and anti-politicians.

The New York Times

In academic settings, it seemed to him that his colleagues were operating according to a frivolous code of manners: they spoke so formally, fashioning themselves as detached authorities, and rarely admitted what they didn't know.

The New Yorker

Much will depend on how Somalia's Islamists behave.It was natural, a few weeks after taking control of Mogadishu and much of southern Somalia, that the Islamists would fashion themselves into a more cohesive political unit.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To use it properly and for better clarity, focus on what attributes they are trying to create.

Common error

Avoid using "fashioned themselves" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise and objective language might be preferred. Consider alternatives like "presented themselves" or "characterized themselves" for a more neutral tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fashioned themselves" functions as a reflexive verb phrase, indicating that the subject has created or shaped their own image, identity, or role. Ludwig AI validates this usage through numerous examples where individuals or groups actively construct a particular persona or identity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

23%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fashioned themselves" is a versatile phrase used to describe the intentional creation of an image or identity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While it's generally considered neutral in register, it's important to consider the context and audience when choosing this phrase. For more formal settings, alternatives like "presented themselves" or "characterized themselves" might be more appropriate. Remember to use "fashioned themselves" when you want to highlight the active role individuals or groups take in shaping their own identities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modeled themselves

Implies imitation or emulation of a pre-existing model, while "fashioned themselves" suggests creation.

styled themselves

Focuses more on outward appearance and presentation, whereas "fashioned themselves" can encompass broader attributes.

presented themselves

Highlights the act of showing oneself in a particular way, differing from the creative aspect of "fashioned themselves".

portrayed themselves

Emphasizes the act of depicting or representing oneself, often with a specific agenda, unlike the more neutral "fashioned themselves".

recreated themselves

Suggests a more radical transformation and rebirth, differing from the more subtle modification implied by "fashioned themselves".

reinvented themselves

Similar to recreated themselves, but highlights the innovative aspect of creating an all-new persona.

transformed themselves

Implies a complete change in form or character, unlike the more gradual shaping suggested by "fashioned themselves".

adapted themselves

Focuses on adjusting to fit a specific environment or situation, differing from the self-directed creation in "fashioned themselves".

constructed their identities

Highlights the act of consciously building and shaping an identity, where "fashioned themselves" implies building in a more subtle way.

cultivated an image

Focuses on carefully developing and maintaining a specific public perception, in contrast to the broader sense of self-creation in "fashioned themselves".

FAQs

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

Use "fashioned themselves" to describe how individuals or groups have intentionally created a specific image or identity. For example, "The young artists fashioned themselves as rebels against the established art world".

What are some alternatives to "fashioned themselves"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "modeled themselves", "styled themselves", or "presented themselves".

Is "fashioned themselves" formal or informal?

While not overly informal, "fashioned themselves" is best suited for neutral to slightly formal contexts. In highly formal or academic writing, consider more precise alternatives.

What is the difference between "fashioned themselves" and "transformed themselves"?

"Fashioned themselves" implies a gradual and intentional creation of an image, while "transformed themselves" suggests a more complete and dramatic change. The choice depends on the degree of change you want to convey.