i kept myself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I kept myself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to maintaining one's own well-being, composure, or self-control in a situation. Example: "During the stressful meeting, I kept myself calm and focused on the task at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sport

Lifestyle

Music

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I kept myself entertained.

The New York Times - Books

I kept myself busy.

The Guardian

I kept myself in distress.

The New York Times

"I kept myself to myself.

The Guardian - Sport

The other three dollars I kept myself.

The New Yorker

Mr. Joel said: "I kept myself away.

The New York Times

I kept myself in very good shape.

The New York Times

I kept myself to myself at first.

The Guardian - Books

I kept myself on a rather rigorous art-making schedule.

University of California, Berkeley

I kept myself and my son out of trouble".

The New York Times

I kept myself up until around 1 a.m., and then got ready for bed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I kept myself" to describe deliberate actions taken to maintain a certain state, whether it's emotional control, physical fitness, or simply staying occupied. For example, "I kept myself busy during the stressful period by volunteering."

Common error

Avoid using "I kept myself" when the action doesn't directly involve oneself. For example, instead of "I kept myself the book", say "I kept the book".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I kept myself" functions as a reflexive construction, where the subject performs an action that affects the subject itself. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in contexts of self-regulation, occupation, and maintenance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

12%

Sport

7%

Less common in

Lifestyle

5%

Music

4%

Opinion

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I kept myself" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for describing intentional self-regulation or engagement in activities. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it appears across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and personal narratives. The most frequent contexts are News & Media and Academia, showing the versatility of the expression. When aiming for alternative wording, options such as "I restrained myself" or "I occupied myself" can be considered, adjusting for the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to use this phrase when the action directly affects oneself to avoid grammatical errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i controlled myself

Indicates managing one's behavior or emotions.

i kept myself in check

Emphasizes monitoring and regulating one's behavior.

i restrained myself

Suggests holding back from an impulse or reaction.

i maintained my composure

Highlights preserving a calm and steady demeanor.

i busied myself

Focuses on actively engaging in activities to avoid idleness or boredom.

i stayed in control

Implies retaining power or authority over one's actions.

i occupied myself

Highlights filling one's time with tasks or activities.

i entertained myself

Emphasizes finding ways to enjoy one's own company or resources.

i avoided others

Focuses on maintaining distance from other people, often for protection or privacy.

i remained solitary

Highlights being alone or isolated.

FAQs

How can I use "i kept myself" in a sentence?

Use "i kept myself" to describe an action you took to maintain a state or condition. For example, "I kept myself busy" or "I kept myself calm".

What can I say instead of "i kept myself"?

You can use alternatives like "i restrained myself", "i occupied myself", or "i controlled myself" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "i keep myself"?

Yes, "i keep myself" is grammatically correct. It is often used to describe a habitual action or ongoing effort to maintain a certain state or condition. For example, "I keep myself active by going to the gym regularly."

What's the difference between "i kept myself busy" and "i was busy"?

"I kept myself busy" implies a deliberate action to avoid idleness or boredom. "I was busy" simply states that you had tasks to do, without necessarily implying a conscious choice to fill your time.