gather yourself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gather yourself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to compose themselves or regain their focus, often in a moment of stress or confusion. Example: "Before you speak in front of the audience, take a deep breath and gather yourself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

It gives you somewhere you can put your head down and gather yourself".

Independent

You've got to gather yourself together, hope the weather stays perfect and off you go again".

The Guardian - Sport

Gather yourself, and really focus on what you're trying to do next so you can at least make bogey.

The New York Times

"I know I didn't touch him on that play, but the ref called it and you have to gather yourself and get back to your game.

The New York Times - Sports

But for someone in my age group, it is a relatively rare thing to be able to gather yourself together and this collection now represents a lifetime.

The Guardian

In combat, when a device explodes and is followed by a rocket-propelled grenade or mortar fire, it is hard to gather yourself and decide on your next action.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

You may have less luck using seeds you have gathered yourself from previous year's sunflower harvest as these aren't always fertile.

WikiHow

You can even gather it yourself, so if you're visiting the coast in the coming weeks, you should look out for it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You can try out Gather for yourself from here.

TechCrunch

{You can also just gather with yourself, your sacred stones/candles, and the Sun}.

Huffington Post

[Turning to the defendant.] In the course of your examination understood you to say that you had never gathered to yourself an, of the art treasures of the Government General.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gather yourself" when you want to suggest a moment of pause before acting, especially in stressful situations. It implies a need for mental and emotional preparation.

Common error

Avoid using "gather yourself" in contexts that require a physical gathering or assembly. The phrase is primarily idiomatic and refers to mental or emotional preparation, not physical collection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gather yourself" serves as an idiomatic expression, functioning as an imperative to advise someone to regain composure, focus, or self-control. As supported by Ludwig AI, this phrase is common in guiding someone to mentally prepare before acting.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

33%

Huffington Post

17%

Less common in

Forbes

4%

Independent

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gather yourself" is a common idiomatic phrase used to advise someone to regain composure and focus, particularly in stressful situations. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. The phrase is versatile, fitting into neutral contexts while prompting mental preparation. Alternatives such as "collect yourself" or "compose yourself" can be used for slight variations in emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with its idiomatic intent and does not refer to physical assembly. It is commonly found in news and media, as well as in how-to guides.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collect yourself

Focuses more on mental and emotional composure.

compose yourself

Emphasizes maintaining a calm and dignified manner.

pull yourself together

Implies a need to overcome distress or emotional turmoil.

get a grip

A more informal way to say "gather yourself", often used when someone is panicking.

regain your composure

Highlights the act of returning to a state of calmness.

recover your senses

Suggests regaining awareness or rationality after a shock.

center yourself

Focuses on finding inner balance and stability.

recollect yourself

Highlights conscious effort to become oneself again.

get your act together

This is an informal expression to exhort one to improve their performance.

calm down

Offers direct and simple advice to relax or reduce emotional intensity.

FAQs

What does it mean to "gather yourself"?

To "gather yourself" means to take a moment to compose yourself, regain your focus, and prepare mentally or emotionally for what comes next. It often implies a need for self-control in a stressful situation.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "gather yourself"?

It's appropriate to use "gather yourself" when someone needs to "collect yourself" before proceeding, especially if they are flustered, overwhelmed, or about to face a challenge. It's a gentle suggestion to take a pause and regain composure.

Are there formal alternatives to "gather yourself"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "compose yourself" or "regain your composure". These options are suitable for professional settings or when addressing someone with respect.

Is "gather yourself" the same as "pull yourself together"?

While similar, "gather yourself" is generally gentler than "pull yourself together". The latter can sometimes imply impatience or a stronger need to overcome emotional distress, while "gather yourself" is more about preparation and focus.