has given himself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has given himself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has dedicated or committed themselves to a cause, task, or situation. Example: "He has given himself entirely to the project, working late nights and weekends to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Verrit's founder has given himself away.

The Washington Post

Throughout his career, Raf Simons has given himself tough challenges.

The New York Times

But the French president has given himself a daunting task.

The Economist

Mr. Rajan has given himself some political cover, however.

The New York Times

Muhly has given himself no time to wallow however.

The Guardian - Music

Not surprisingly, Mr. Bush has given himself high marks.

The New York Times

He has given himself some wiggle room, however.

The New York Times

Mr. Vongerichten has given himself some wiggle room.

The New York Times - Food

He has given himself the title of chief executive.

The New York Times

Two years later, Martin has given himself structure.

The New York Times - Sports

Contemptuous of his opponents, he has given himself permission to do the nasty and negative thing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has given himself" to convey a conscious decision to allocate time, resources, or effort towards a specific purpose or undertaking. Be mindful of the reflexive nature of the phrase, ensuring the subject is both the giver and receiver of the action.

Common error

Avoid using "has given himself" when the intent is to describe an action directed towards someone else. For example, instead of saying "He has given himself a gift to his brother", say "He has given a gift to his brother."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has given himself" functions as a verb phrase indicating a completed action where the subject is both the actor and the recipient. It describes a situation where someone has provided something (time, opportunity, permission) to themselves. Ludwig confirms the correct usage of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has given himself" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase to describe a completed action where someone provides something to themselves. As Ludwig confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, the phrase carries a neutral register and serves to convey intentionality and self-direction. Remember to use it reflexively, ensuring the subject is both the giver and receiver. Consider related phrases like "has devoted himself" or "has allowed himself" for nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has devoted himself

Implies a strong commitment or dedication to a cause or activity, emphasizing selflessness.

has dedicated himself

Similar to "has devoted himself", but can also suggest a formal setting apart for a specific purpose.

has committed himself

Indicates a firm decision to undertake a certain action or responsibility.

has allowed himself

Suggests granting permission to oneself, often in the context of indulging in something.

has permitted himself

Similar to "has allowed himself", implying a more formal granting of permission.

has assigned himself

Implies taking on a role or task, often without external instruction.

has set himself

Focuses on establishing a goal or target for oneself.

has presented himself

Indicates how someone appears or behaves in a particular situation.

has styled himself

Suggests adopting a certain image or persona.

has nominated himself

Implies self-selection or proposal for a role or position.

FAQs

How can I use "has given himself" in a sentence?

The phrase "has given himself" indicates that a person has dedicated or committed something to themselves. For instance, "He "has given himself" a day off after working hard." It suggests a deliberate action where the subject is both the giver and the recipient.

What are some alternatives to "has given himself"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "has devoted himself", "has dedicated himself", or "has allowed himself". Each carries a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.

What's the difference between "has given himself" and "has given to himself"?

"Has given himself" is a reflexive construction, meaning the subject is acting upon themselves. "Has given to himself" is less common and can sound awkward. It is better to use ""has given himself"" when the action is directed back to the subject.

When is it appropriate to use "has given himself" over other similar phrases?

Use ""has given himself"" when you want to emphasize that someone has intentionally provided something (like time, opportunity, or responsibility) for their own benefit or action. It highlights self-direction and agency.