indulge oneself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indulge oneself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to allowing oneself to enjoy something, often in a way that may be considered excessive or self-gratifying. Example: "After a long week of work, I decided to indulge myself with a spa day and some delicious desserts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Business

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Perhaps it is not a bad thing to remember it and to indulge oneself again.

The New York Times - Arts

Record high employment, wage increases and the general feeling to indulge oneself have driven private consumption.

The Guardian - Business

This is a place to indulge oneself in the wine department, because the Weissmans track down the best and price it gently.

The New York Times - Food

To indulge oneself in something so wonderful and also be linked into a new business model that gives all of its profits to charity!

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Finding the balance between simplifying life and indulging oneself.

Huffington Post

Along with learning how to indulge variously without making a fool of oneself and other useful adult skills, this is a big part of what college is all about.

Los Angeles Times

The situation may, however, leave people who indulge in hanging upside down in the United States--a popular way to treat oneself for backache--somewhat up in the air.

Los Angeles Times

There are some intriguing ideas here about how a sense of identity and faith in oneself – or indeed a God – can be totally reshaped by a simple decision, and The Paper Lovers doesn't indulge Arnold's point of view.

The Guardian - Books

Indulge me.

The New York Times

Indulge yourself.

Independent

"One must show oneself deserving," he said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "indulge oneself" when you want to emphasize the act of allowing oneself a particular pleasure, especially after a period of restraint or hard work. It suggests a deliberate choice to enjoy something.

Common error

While "indulge oneself" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for more neutral phrases like "enjoy" or "experience" if the context doesn't require the specific nuance of self-indulgence.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "indulge oneself" is as a verb phrase. It describes the action of allowing oneself to enjoy something pleasurable. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Food

25%

Arts

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "indulge oneself" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of allowing oneself a pleasure or luxury. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. While versatile, it's more suited for neutral to informal registers and should be used judiciously in formal academic or business settings. Consider alternatives like "treat oneself" or "pamper oneself" for subtle variations in meaning. Be mindful of the context to ensure the phrase aligns with your intended tone and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Treat oneself

This alternative is more general and applicable to smaller acts of self-care or enjoyment.

Give oneself a treat

This alternative is similar to "treat oneself" but emphasizes the act of giving.

Pamper oneself

This alternative suggests a more luxurious or elaborate form of self-indulgence.

Reward oneself

This alternative suggests that the indulgence is earned or deserved.

Splurge on oneself

This alternative implies spending money, often on something not strictly necessary.

Allow oneself

This alternative is a broader term that encompasses indulgence but isn't limited to it.

Enjoy oneself

This alternative means finding pleasure or satisfaction in something, which could be an indulgence or not.

Satisfy one's cravings

This alternative specifically relates to fulfilling strong desires, especially for food or other sensory experiences.

Go to town

This alternative idiomatically means to do something enthusiastically and without restraint.

Live it up

This alternative suggests living in a lavish and unrestrained manner.

FAQs

What does "indulge oneself" mean?

The phrase "indulge oneself" means to allow oneself to enjoy something pleasurable, often something that is considered a luxury or not strictly necessary. It suggests a deliberate act of self-gratification.

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

You can use "indulge oneself" in sentences like: "After finishing the project, I decided to "treat oneself" to a nice dinner" or "It's important to "pamper oneself" after a stressful week".

Are there any synonyms for "indulge oneself"?

Yes, some synonyms for "indulge oneself" include "treat oneself", "pamper oneself", "splurge on oneself", and "reward oneself".

When is it appropriate to use "indulge oneself" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "indulge oneself" when you want to convey the idea of someone deliberately allowing themselves a pleasure or luxury. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but consider the tone and audience of your writing.