harsh on myself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'harsh on myself' is correct and usable in written English.
It is most commonly used when one is reflecting on the way they personally judge themselves, and is usually preceded by the phrase 'too' or 'very'. For example, "I am often too harsh on myself, and fail to recognize the good things I have achieved".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I'm probably too harsh on myself.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet maybe I am unduly harsh on myself.

The New York Times

I've always played my game, been vocal, demanded a lot from myself and been harsh on myself, and I'm harsh on my team-mates and have demanded a lot of them too.

The Guardian - Sport

I was being really harsh on myself.

Huffington Post

I can be super harsh on myself.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I wanted to be the harshest on myself, and I think I was and I think anybody who chooses to read it will conclude that.

The New York Times - Sports

Changes in the season typically make me harsher on myself.

Huffington Post

"My immediate reaction, I was probably a little too harsh, a little hard on myself," Collins said.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Bush told reporters in South Carolina today, "I think I can defend myself without being harsh on him".

The New York Times

He sounds harsh on illegal immigration.

The Economist

"It was harsh on our team.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "harsh on myself", consider adding context to explain the reason behind the self-criticism. This provides clarity and depth to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "harsh on myself" as a general statement without providing specific examples or reasons. Overusing it can make your writing seem vague or self-pitying.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "harsh on myself" functions as a self-reflective statement, expressing a tendency to be overly critical or demanding towards oneself. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "harsh on myself" is used to describe a tendency to be overly critical or demanding of oneself. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct. It's relatively rare but appears in News & Media. When using it, providing context and specific examples can enhance clarity and impact. Alternatives include "too critical of myself" and "hard on myself". Avoid overusing the phrase without justification to maintain credibility. Overall, "harsh on myself" is a useful phrase for expressing self-awareness regarding self-critical tendencies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard on myself

A more concise and direct synonym.

my own worst critic

Suggests that one's internal criticism is more severe than external criticism.

too critical of myself

Focuses more directly on the act of criticism rather than the degree of harshness.

overly judgmental towards myself

Emphasizes the judgmental aspect of self-criticism.

very demanding of myself

Highlights the high expectations one sets for oneself, leading to self-criticism.

severe with myself

Emphasizes the intensity of self-judgment.

self-critical to a fault

Indicates that the self-criticism is excessive and detrimental.

unforgiving of myself

Emphasizes a lack of self-compassion.

expect too much from myself

Highlights the setting of unrealistic expectations, leading to self-disappointment.

nitpick at myself

Focuses on finding small faults in oneself.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "harsh on myself"?

Being "harsh on myself" means being overly critical and judgmental of your own actions, performance, and character. It involves setting high standards and being unforgiving of mistakes.

What can I say instead of "harsh on myself"?

You can use alternatives like "too critical of myself", "overly judgmental towards myself", or "very demanding of myself" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it healthy to be "harsh on myself"?

While some level of self-reflection and accountability is healthy, being consistently "harsh on myself" can lead to negative consequences such as low self-esteem, anxiety, and reduced motivation. Balance is key.

How can I stop being so "harsh on myself"?

Practicing self-compassion, challenging negative self-talk, setting realistic expectations, and focusing on progress rather than perfection are effective strategies to reduce being "harsh on myself".