his true self

USAGE SUMMARY

"his true self" is correct and usable in written English.
It typically refers to the inner, authentic version of someone's personality, which they may keep hidden from the public. For example: When he was around his family, he was able to express his true self.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But as Liam understands it, "his true self had gone away from him and had a crucial experience without him and failed to come back afterward".

The New York Times - Books

Is Tony Blair's style his true self?

The Guardian - Books

Modin wrote of him: "He never revealed his true self.

The Guardian - Books

His true self was dragged to the surface by Trump.

The Guardian - Opinion

His true self, the variations suggest, was to be found in the transitions.

The New Yorker

On Sunday, he said it did not capture his true self.

The New York Times - Sports

Jim relentlessly scratches at the meaning of Tulsa and Adrienne to discover his true self.

The New York Times - Books

And he can't relate to his true self, whoever that is.

The New Yorker

He'd been hiding his nature — his true self — from everyone except his closest friends.

The New York Times

During his United States Open quarterfinal loss to Stanislas Wawrinka, he showed his true self.

The New York Times - Sports

But still he is unable to connect, to reveal his true self to anyone.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "his true self" when you want to emphasize the contrast between someone's outward behavior and their internal, authentic identity. It's particularly effective when describing a journey of self-discovery or instances where someone is being disingenuous.

Common error

Avoid using "his true self" to describe fleeting moods or superficial characteristics. The phrase denotes a deeper, more consistent aspect of identity, not just temporary states or preferences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "his true self" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. It denotes the authentic and genuine essence of an individual, often in contrast to an assumed or presented identity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "his true self" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to describe the authentic and genuine nature of an individual. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and applicability across various contexts, predominantly within News & Media. It is frequently employed to highlight the contrast between one's internal identity and external presentation. For alternatives, you might consider "his authentic self" or "his real self". To avoid common errors, ensure that you use the expression to refer to deep-seated aspects of identity rather than superficial traits.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

his authentic self

Replaces "true" with "authentic", emphasizing genuineness.

his real self

Substitutes "true" with "real", focusing on what is genuine versus perceived.

his inner self

Emphasizes the internal aspect of his identity.

his genuine nature

Replaces "self" with "nature", highlighting inherent qualities.

who he really is

Expresses the concept in a more descriptive, less direct way.

his essential being

Highlights the core and fundamental aspect of his identity.

his true character

Shifts focus to moral and personal qualities.

his unmasked persona

Focuses on the revealed, undisguised aspect of his character.

his intrinsic identity

Highlights the inherent and unchanging aspects of self.

his core identity

Emphasizes the central, fundamental aspects of his identity.

FAQs

How to use "his true self" in a sentence?

"His true self" is typically used to describe the authentic personality of an individual, often in contrast to a public persona or a hidden identity. For example, "He only felt comfortable expressing "his true self" around close friends".

What can I say instead of "his true self"?

You can use alternatives like "his authentic self", "his real self", or "who he really is" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "his true self" or "his truly self"?

"His true self" is the correct and standard usage. "His truly self" is grammatically incorrect. The adjective "true" modifies the noun "self."

What's the difference between "his true self" and "his public persona"?

"His true self" refers to the genuine, authentic aspects of a person's character and personality, while "his public persona" is the image or role he presents to the outside world. The two may or may not align.