gathering myself

USAGE SUMMARY

"gathering myself" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to indicate that the speaker/writer needs to take a moment to compose themselves before they can continue. Example: I took a deep breath, gathering myself before I could continue speaking.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"No, just gathering myself," Woods said later.

The New York Times - Sports

She calls it "gathering myself for my own third act".

The New York Times - Arts

"Bacon and scrambled eggs and coffee cake," I chanted, gathering myself to stand.

The New Yorker

I stood outside for a moment gathering myself, trying to really remember why I was making this film.

The New York Times

"I'm constantly gathering myself to see if I fit," he said in an interview at his home in a converted 1836-built barn on a spruce-studded 200-acre farm property in New Milford where he and his wife, Ruth, have lived since 1972.

The New York Times

I once attempted suicide on my lunch break, before somehow gathering myself and finishing my shift.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Some Austhenn Restaurants Are ServIng Hitler'startedrite Dish on his Birthday.

Vice

"Since Steinbeck's candidacy nevertheless appears to me to have a larger chance of gathering unqualified support, I consider myself free to give it precedence".

The Guardian - Books

Seth: Every time I return to São Paulo I rather selfishly organize a welcome-back gathering for myself, and this time I planned it for Filial, a traditional "boteco" so Doug could get a sense of old-school waiters, chopp (draft beer with thick foam), local bar snacks and animated Brazilian conversation.

The New York Times

Was I gathering more stuff or did I help myself become a better person?

Huffington Post

I found myself as a writer at a gathering deep in the mountains of eastern Kentucky.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gathering myself" when you want to convey a brief pause to regain composure, focus, or prepare for a subsequent action or statement.

Common error

Avoid using "gathering myself" in very casual conversations where simpler terms like "hold on" or "let me think" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

Gerund phrase acting as an adverbial modifier. The phrase "gathering myself" often modifies a verb, indicating the manner or circumstance in which an action is performed. It adds context by showing the actor's mental or emotional state before acting. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with multiple examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gathering myself" is a grammatically correct and understandable expression signifying a pause for self-composure. Ludwig AI analysis shows that it's most frequently used in news and media contexts to indicate someone taking a moment to collect their thoughts or emotions. While not overly common, it is a versatile phrase that conveys a deliberate act of self-management. Alternatives like "composing myself" or "collecting my thoughts" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in nuance. Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in overly casual situations, to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

composing myself

Focuses on regaining emotional control and calmness.

collecting my thoughts

Emphasizes the mental process of organizing one's ideas.

pulling myself together

Highlights the effort to overcome distress or disarray.

preparing myself

General term for getting ready, less specific about emotional state.

getting a grip

An informal way to describe regaining control after being overwhelmed.

steadying myself

Suggests a need to stabilize oneself, both mentally and physically.

regaining my composure

Formally expresses the act of becoming calm and self-possessed again.

bracing myself

Implies anticipating something difficult or unpleasant and preparing for it.

rallying myself

Signifies an effort to recover strength or energy after a setback.

getting my act together

An informal expression for organizing oneself and one's affairs.

FAQs

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

You can use "gathering myself" to describe a pause to regain composure, like in the sentence, "After hearing the news, I needed a moment for "gathering myself" before I could respond."

What are some alternatives to "gathering myself"?

Some alternatives include "composing myself", "collecting my thoughts", or "pulling myself together", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "gathering myself" formal or informal?

"Gathering myself" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for both professional and personal contexts where a degree of self-awareness is appropriate.

When is it inappropriate to use "gathering myself"?

It might be inappropriate to use "gathering myself" in very casual or informal settings where simpler language would suffice. Overusing it can also sound overly dramatic.