keeping to myself

USAGE SUMMARY

'keeping to myself' is a correct and usable phrase in written English
It can be used when someone wants to remain isolated from others or keep their opinions and feelings private. For example, "I'm going to keep to myself and not get involved in the argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"I'm just keeping to myself.

The Guardian - Sport

I am typically introverted, keeping to myself and preferring alone-time to social events.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I'm not always very good at keeping to myself," Rattner told me.

The New Yorker

"I have an apartment in Miami now so it'll be nice; a bit different not staying in hotels and whatnot, keeping to myself.

The Guardian - Sport

"If I'm walking around and I'm very modestly dressed and I'm keeping to myself and someone attacks me, then I'd say that's his fault.

The Guardian

"If I'm walking around and I'm very modestly dressed and I'm keeping to myself and someone attacks me, then I'd say that's his fault," she told the Sunday Times.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

When she asked me what the hell I was doing, I confessed this secret I'd been keeping to myself Lance Bass of *NSYNC and I have been chatting online all week, are in love, are in love, and will soon be meeting.

Vice

So do I just start keeping things to myself?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In effect, I was keeping Tessa to myself.

The New Yorker

But I'll be keeping that to myself".

The Guardian - Sport

I've compiled that one separately and I'm keeping it to myself.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keeping to myself" to convey a deliberate choice to remain private, whether for personal reflection, safety, or strategic reasons.

Common error

While "keeping to myself" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can sound informal or evasive. Opt for more professional alternatives like "maintaining discretion" or "limiting social interaction" in business reports or academic papers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeping to myself" primarily functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a subject complement or part of a larger verb phrase. It describes an action or state of being. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keeping to myself" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes a state of solitude or privacy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally informal to neutral, it's crucial to consider the context when choosing this phrase in professional settings. Alternatives such as "remaining isolated" or "maintaining privacy" might be more suitable for formal writing. Understanding its appropriate usage and available alternatives ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remaining isolated

Focuses on the state of being separate from others.

staying solitary

Emphasizes being alone and self-sufficient.

maintaining privacy

Highlights the act of protecting one's personal space and information.

remaining secluded

Suggests a deliberate withdrawal from society.

not socializing

Directly refers to avoiding social interactions.

avoiding company

Implies actively steering clear of other people's presence.

holding back

Focuses on restraining oneself from expressing opinions or feelings.

concealing my thoughts

Highlights the act of hiding one's internal thoughts.

being discreet

Emphasizes acting with caution and reserve.

not divulging information

Refers specifically to withholding information from others.

FAQs

How can I use "keeping to myself" in a sentence?

You can use "keeping to myself" to describe a state of solitude or privacy. For example: "I've been "keeping to myself" lately to focus on my studies."

What are some alternatives to saying "keeping to myself"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "remaining isolated", "staying solitary", or "maintaining privacy".

Is it always appropriate to "keep to myself"?

While it's healthy to have personal space, consistently "keeping to yourself" might be perceived as antisocial or withdrawn. Balance privacy with social engagement.

What's the difference between "keeping to myself" and "being reserved"?

"Keeping to myself" often refers to physical or social isolation, while "being reserved" describes a personality trait characterized by a quiet and thoughtful demeanor.