hold oneself

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold oneself" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is used to express the idea of taking responsibility or control over one's own actions and choices. For example: "By holding oneself to a high moral standard, we can make the world a better place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

When ruling out ideas, it is important to hold oneself to a high standard.

Stanford University

"And it is good to hold oneself accountable but not good to rein yourself in because you can't predict what people will pick up.

The New York Times - Arts

Last year, in a television ad for Putin's third Presidential campaign, he said, "One needs to be able to hold oneself presidentially, so that people reckon with the country.

The New Yorker

(On my blog, you can see a campaign video that Gergiev made for Putin last year: "One needs to be able to hold oneself … Presidentially … so that people reckon with the country. I don't know if it's fear? Respect? Reckoning").

The New Yorker

Indeed, he is skeptical that Westlund's account can maintain its neutrality and contends that "[t]o hold oneself answerable, in any concrete situation, is to…to be disposed to apply in that situation some normative expectation to oneself" (Benson 2011).

SEP

In saying such wills are free from a practical point of view, he is saying that in engaging in practical endeavors — trying to decide what to do, what to hold oneself and others responsible for, and so on — one is justified in holding oneself to all of the principles to which one would be justified in holding wills that are autonomous free wills.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Giving the appearance of holding oneself out as a possible pope is one of the worst political mistakes ahead of a conclave, and he avoided it.

The New York Times

Yes, seeming gay – broadly speaking, being camp – is a way of holding oneself, a way of dressing, but it's in large part a way of speaking.

The Guardian - Opinion

One feat Mr. Bufalino has mastered that he didn't think possible is the crow pose: resting the knees against the elbows and holding oneself up on the hands.

The New York Times - Style

In my New Parents Project, an ongoing longitudinal study of nearly 200 dual-earner couples who welcomed their first children in 2008-2009, I have tried to measure this "parenting perfectionism" – that is, holding oneself to impossibly high standards for parenting, and, perhaps even more important, believing that others hold you to impossibly high standards for parenting.

The Guardian - Opinion

"One holds oneself differently wearing a tiara.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hold oneself" when you want to emphasize personal accountability and responsibility for one's actions.

Common error

Avoid using "hold oneself" solely to meet external expectations; it should primarily reflect internal standards and values.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold oneself" functions as a reflexive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject is both performing and receiving the action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hold oneself" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey personal responsibility and self-regulation. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. While not exceedingly common, it finds usage across various contexts, from news and media to academic writing. Related phrases like "conduct oneself" and "restrain oneself" offer similar meanings with subtle differences. When using "hold oneself", emphasize internal standards and avoid confusing it with merely meeting external expectations. Remember that this phrase emphasizes taking ownership of one's actions and decisions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conduct oneself

This alternative focuses on the manner of behavior in various situations, emphasizing outward actions and demeanor.

restrain oneself

This implies exercising control over one's impulses or emotions to avoid inappropriate behavior.

control oneself

Similar to restrain oneself, but it can also refer to maintaining composure in challenging situations.

discipline oneself

This suggests a commitment to a strict regimen of self-control and improvement.

manage oneself

This implies the ability to handle one's affairs and responsibilities effectively.

compose oneself

Focuses on regaining emotional stability or calmness, especially after being upset.

govern oneself

Implies ruling or directing one's own actions and thoughts, often with a moral dimension.

handle oneself

Focuses on the ability to navigate social situations or challenges with skill and grace.

behave oneself

This emphasizes adhering to social norms and expectations of proper conduct.

carry oneself

This alternative highlights the way someone presents themselves physically and emotionally.

FAQs

How can I use "hold oneself" in a sentence?

You can use "hold oneself" to describe someone taking responsibility for their actions, for example, "She strives to "hold herself" accountable for her mistakes".

What does it mean to "hold oneself" accountable?

To "hold oneself accountable" means to accept responsibility for your actions and be willing to face the consequences.

Is "hold oneself" formal or informal?

"Hold oneself" is generally considered a neutral to formal expression, suitable for professional and academic contexts.

What are some synonyms for "hold oneself"?

Synonyms include "conduct oneself", "restrain oneself", and "control oneself", each with slightly different nuances.