indulging myself

USAGE SUMMARY

"indulging myself" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the act of enjoying something that gives pleasure, especially something that is considered a luxury, such as a treat or privilege. For example, "I'm indulging myself with a massage and spa day this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Is this just an indulgent profession, am I indulging myself?

The Guardian - Film

"I may appear to be indulging myself now with this package," he adds.

The Guardian - Music

Who did I think I was, indulging myself with intellectual pursuits and abandoning the family?

The New York Times

The driving included a bit of freeway cruising, but I spent more time indulging myself on the back roads of Santa Barbara County.

The New York Times

While Barber has made a career out of creating beautiful cosmetic looks, to him the most important aspect is the person underneath: "When I first started, every face was a canvas and I was indulging myself.

Independent

I've spent the last week indulging myself by watching a four-part documentary called The Wilderness Years on YouTube, a fascinating account of the Labour Party between 1979 and the ascent of Tony Blair in 1994.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

I perhaps indulged myself more than I should".

The New York Times - Sports

I indulged myself then, and every day after.

The New Yorker

I can indulge myself to the max and still feel like I'm saving the planet.

The New York Times

"I now can indulge myself on an airplane," Mr. Hermé said.

The New York Times

When I arrived, I was led to a spot near the free snack bar and motioned to indulge myself.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "indulging myself" when you want to express that you are allowing yourself to enjoy something pleasurable, especially something that could be seen as a luxury or a treat. Consider the context to ensure it aligns with the connotation of self-enjoyment.

Common error

Avoid using "indulging myself" in highly formal or professional writing where a more neutral or objective tone is preferred. Opt for phrases like "enjoying" or "participating in" for a more appropriate register.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indulging myself" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the action of allowing oneself to enjoy something pleasurable. Ludwig AI confirms this is a valid construction with many real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "indulging myself" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe allowing oneself to enjoy something pleasurable. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, highlighting its function as a gerund phrase. While generally neutral, it's best to avoid using it in formal contexts. Related phrases include ""treating myself"" and "pampering myself", each carrying slightly different nuances. When writing, consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of self-enjoyment. The primary occurrences are in News & Media. Therefore, "indulging myself" is a valuable addition to express self-enjoyment with a pinch of luxury.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

treating myself

Focuses on a specific act of kindness or reward toward oneself, often implying a tangible item or experience.

giving myself a treat

Highlights the act of providing oneself with something enjoyable, often something simple.

indulging in self-care

Highlights the focus on taking care of one's own well-being and needs.

rewarding myself

Implies deserving something pleasurable after an effort or achievement.

pampering myself

Suggests a more luxurious and attentive level of self-care.

letting myself enjoy

Emphasizes permission or allowance, suggesting one might usually restrict oneself.

enjoying myself

A more general term that lacks the connotation of luxury or excess.

allowing myself a luxury

Directly refers to permitting oneself something expensive or rare.

splurging on myself

Specifically refers to spending money on something one might not usually buy.

immersing myself in pleasure

Suggests a deep and thorough experience of enjoyment.

FAQs

How can I use "indulging myself" in a sentence?

You can use "indulging myself" to describe enjoying something pleasurable. For instance, "I'm "treating myself" with a spa day" or "I'm "enjoying myself" with a good book and a cup of tea".

What's a more formal alternative to "indulging myself"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "enjoying a moment of leisure" or "partaking in a recreational activity" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it correct to say "indulging himself" or should it always be "indulging myself"?

The correct form depends on the subject. "Indulging himself" is used when referring to a male subject, while "indulging herself" is for a female subject. "Indulging myself" is specifically for when you are the one indulging.

When is it appropriate to use "indulging myself" versus "spoiling myself"?

"Indulging myself" implies enjoying a pleasure, possibly a luxury, while "spoiling myself" suggests treating oneself with excessive generosity. The choice depends on the degree of self-pampering you wish to convey.