gather myself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'gather myself' is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to refer to regaining composure, usually after a period of being frazzled or overwhelmed. Example: After hearing the news, I had to take a few minutes to gather myself.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

They help me gather myself.

The New York Times

I gather myself up from the bed.

The New Yorker

"I had to gather myself and get back into it".

The New York Times - Sports

"I tried to gather myself and just take my time.

The New York Times - Sports

We pulled over so I could gather myself and not frighten the children.

The New York Times

I had to gather myself off the floor I was so excited.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

"I put the lid back on the water bottle and gathered myself.

The Guardian - Film

As I gathered myself, I was incensed at what I perceived to be his lack of care, interest, and professionalism.

University of California, Berkeley

Gathering myself, I took a deep lungful of air and dove down to swim beside him, keeping several feet between us.

Stanford University

The man was halfway down the block before I gathered myself and screamed after him the crudest curses I could muster.

The New Yorker

But, as I gathered myself, groaning, and checked for blood and fractures, I saw the culprit sitting on the ground beside me: a bicyclist with his exercise gear and helmet still in place.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gather myself" when you want to convey a sense of needing a moment to regain composure, clarity, or control after a disruptive event or emotional experience.

Common error

Avoid using "gather myself" when the action isn't directed back at the speaker. It's reflexive, meaning the subject is both performing and receiving the action. For instance, don't say "I helped him gather myself" use another phrase instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gather myself" functions as a reflexive verb phrase, where the subject (I) performs the action of gathering on themselves. This indicates an internal process of regaining control or composure. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gather myself" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that conveys the act of regaining composure or mental clarity. As Ludwig AI states, it's a correct and useful phrase in written English. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, suggesting its relevance in describing reactions to various events. While alternative phrases like "compose myself" or "collect my thoughts" exist, "gather myself" offers a specific nuance related to consolidating one's being after a disturbance. When using this phrase, remember its reflexive nature—the action is directed back at the speaker, emphasizing self-regulation and recovery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compose myself

Focuses more on calming down and regaining emotional control.

collect my thoughts

Emphasizes the mental aspect of organizing one's ideas.

pull myself together

Highlights the effort required to overcome a difficult situation.

recover my senses

Implies a return to a state of awareness or clarity after being overwhelmed.

regain my composure

Similar to "compose myself", but emphasizes a loss of composure.

get a grip

An informal way of saying to take control of one's emotions.

steady myself

Suggests a need for physical or emotional stability.

recollect myself

Focuses on remembering or piecing together one's thoughts or actions.

find my center

Implies finding inner peace and balance.

get my bearings

Refers to orienting oneself, both physically and mentally, in a new or confusing situation.

FAQs

How can I use "gather myself" in a sentence?

You can use "gather myself" to describe the action of needing a moment to regain composure, clarity, or control, for example: "After the shock, I needed a moment to "gather myself" before responding."

What's a more formal alternative to "gather myself"?

In a more formal setting, you could use phrases like "compose myself" or "collect my thoughts" to convey a similar meaning with a slightly more elevated tone.

Is it correct to say "gather myself together"?

Yes, "gather myself together" is also a valid expression, adding emphasis to the act of consolidating one's emotional or mental state. Both ""gather myself"" and "gather myself together" are correct.

What's the difference between "gather myself" and "pull myself together"?

"Pull myself together" often implies a more forceful effort to overcome a difficult or distressing situation, whereas ""gather myself"" can suggest a more gentle or reflective process of regaining composure.