gathered myself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gathered myself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of regaining composure or self-control, often after a moment of distress or confusion. Example: "After the shocking news, I took a moment to breathe and gathered myself before responding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

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

The Guardian - Film

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

Having just left his wife, he sees his son out with the nanny on the street but cannot approach him because he cannot find the words to explain why he will no longer be living at home: "I gathered myself and walked down Crosby Street, through SoHo, across Canal Street and back to my studio, where I rolled on the floor and sobbed again.

The New York Times - Books

I gathered myself up to my hands and knees.

Huffington Post

I quickly gathered myself and was able to say the words once again.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gathered myself" when you want to convey a sense of regaining control or composure after a physically or emotionally disruptive event. It implies a deliberate effort to collect oneself.

Common error

Avoid using "gathered myself" when simply describing the act of collecting physical objects. It specifically refers to regaining emotional or mental composure, not collecting things.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gathered myself" functions as a reflexive verb phrase, where the action of gathering is directed back to the subject. It signifies the act of regaining control or composure, often after a moment of distress or confusion. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Huffington Post

30%

Vice

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gathered myself" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to describe regaining composure or control after a disruptive experience. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, supported by various examples primarily from news and media contexts. While alternatives like ""collected myself"" or "composed myself" exist, "gathered myself" often emphasizes a more deliberate and physical effort to regain stability. Remember to use "gathered myself" when you wish to convey the act of regaining emotional or mental control, rather than simply collecting physical items.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collected myself

Focuses on regaining emotional control and composure.

composed myself

Highlights the act of calming down and achieving a state of serenity.

regained my composure

Emphasizes the return to a state of calmness after being disturbed.

pulled myself together

Suggests an effort to organize one's thoughts and emotions.

got a grip

An informal way of saying someone is controlling their emotions after being upset.

recovered myself

Implies a return to a normal state after a period of difficulty or shock.

steeled myself

Focuses on preparing oneself mentally and emotionally for a difficult situation.

braced myself

Highlights the act of preparing oneself for an impact or shock.

rallied myself

Suggests a renewed effort to overcome a challenge or obstacle.

organized my thoughts

Emphasizes the process of arranging one's thoughts in a coherent manner.

FAQs

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

You can use "gathered myself" to describe regaining composure after a shock, like in the sentence, "After the surprising announcement, I took a deep breath and "gathered myself" before responding".

What's the difference between "gathered myself" and "collected myself"?

While both phrases are similar, "gathered myself" often implies a more physical or effortful act of regaining control, whereas "collected myself" focuses more on mental or emotional composure. Both "gathered myself" and "collected myself" are used to express the act of regain equilibrium, the main difference is the conotation.

What can I say instead of "gathered myself"?

You can use alternatives like "composed myself", "pulled myself together", or "regained my composure" depending on the context.

Is "gathered myself" formal or informal?

"Gathered myself" is generally considered to be neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it might be slightly more common in narrative or descriptive writing.