know themselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "know themselves" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing self-awareness or self-knowledge, often in the context of personal growth or understanding one's identity. Example: "To truly succeed in life, individuals must take the time to know themselves and understand their strengths and weaknesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Do they know themselves?

The New Yorker

Italians know themselves.

The Guardian

They don't know themselves what they believe".

The New Yorker

Perhaps the producers don't know themselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

But they know themselves too well.

The New York Times

They didn't seem to know themselves.

The Guardian - Sport

He knows them perhaps better than some know themselves.

The New York Times - Sports

"Some people at twenty years old know themselves.

The New Yorker

Max answered: "What people really are they don't know themselves.

The New Yorker

But the coaches know themselves all too well.

The New York Times - Sports

Many musicians don't know themselves what they're entitled to.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a group, use "know themselves" to show an awareness and understanding as a collective unit.

Common error

Avoid using "know themselves" when you intend to convey a different reflexive action. For example, "prepare themselves" implies readiness, not self-knowledge. Always ensure the verb accurately reflects the intended reflexive meaning.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "know themselves" is as a reflexive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the verb is also the object, signifying self-awareness or understanding. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "know themselves" is a grammatically sound and frequently used reflexive phrase that underscores the importance of self-awareness and understanding. According to Ludwig, it appears across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general writing. Remember that alternatives like "understand their own nature" or "recognize their true selves" can offer nuanced expressions of self-knowledge. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended reflexive meaning to avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grasp their self-identity

Focuses on the understanding and acceptance of one's own identity.

recognize their true selves

Emphasizes acknowledging an authentic identity, adding an element of truth.

perceive their individuality

Highlights the recognition of unique personal characteristics.

understand their own nature

Focuses on comprehending inherent qualities rather than a general awareness.

be conscious of their attributes

Highlights the awareness of one's qualities and characteristics.

appreciate their unique qualities

Emphasizes valuing individual attributes and characteristics.

comprehend their inner workings

Implies grasping the complexities of one's thoughts and feelings.

fathom their own depths

Suggests exploring and understanding the profound aspects of oneself.

be aware of their own being

Highlights consciousness of existence, broader than just self-knowledge.

realize their inner potential

Shifts the focus to understanding one's capabilities and possibilities.

FAQs

How can I use "know themselves" in a sentence?

You can use "know themselves" to emphasize self-awareness, for example: "It is crucial for leaders to "know themselves" and their strengths to effectively guide others."

What does it mean to "know themselves"?

To ""know themselves"" means to have a deep understanding of one's own character, feelings, motives, and abilities. It involves self-awareness and introspection.

What are some alternatives to saying "know themselves"?

Some alternatives include "understand their own nature", "recognize their true selves", or "be aware of their own being", depending on the specific context.

Is "know themselves" grammatically correct?

Yes, ""know themselves"" is grammatically correct. It is a reflexive verb phrase used to indicate that the subject is both performing and receiving the action of knowing.