looking at oneself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking at oneself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing self-reflection, introspection, or self-examination. Example: "In moments of solitude, she found herself looking at oneself and contemplating her life choices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

And looking at oneself in the mirror and saying: "Who was that person?" So I would like to direct "A Little Night Music" again, this time with Emma Thompson as Desirée, John Lithgow as Fredrik, Donna Murphy as Charlotte and Hugh Jackman as Carl-Magnus.

The New York Times

Often likened to "looking at oneself into a mirror," reflection has generally been considered an essential aspect of self-understanding, contemplation, and meditation in philosophies of life.

International Journal for Educational Integrity

Secondary outcome parameters include: duration of lymphoedema reduction and improvement of the concomitant symptomatology (degree of pain, sensation of swelling and functional limitation in the affected extremity, subjective feeling of being physically less atractive and less feminine, difficulty looking at oneself naked and dissatisfaction with the corporal image).

BMC Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's quite hard to look at oneself in such an intense way," Ms. Wintour said.

The New York Times

Now, to me, "damaged goods" is a very typical American way to look at oneself, in commercial terms.

The New York Times - Magazine

To do so would be to look at oneself, and at the need for power that rests at the heart of every man and woman who grows up in this country, where competition and knowingness is like mother's milk.

The New Yorker

Molly Carleton, my aunt, who has died aged 103, said that the secret of a long and happy life was to look at oneself in the mirror every morning and laugh.

The Guardian

Among the best are many small, clumsy-looking stoneware sculptures of imaginary devices, including a machine to make illegal aliens legal, a phone to talk to the sea, a microscope to look at oneself and even a computer to slow oneself down.

The New York Times

(But footnotes are far superior: while hyperlinks can be highly useful, one never finds oneself looking at an error message at the bottom of the page where a footnote used to be).

The New York Times - Books

He gives the example of looking at an old photograph, pointing to oneself and saying This one here is I at the age of 12.But of course many traditional grammars do prescribe it is he and so on.

The Economist

But to do that requires an honest look at oneself — exactly what White felt he couldn't afford in his public pictures.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "looking at oneself", ensure the context clearly indicates self-reflection or introspection to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what aspect of oneself is being examined, such as one's actions, beliefs, or appearance.

Common error

Avoid using "looking at oneself" when the intention is to describe observing another person or thing. This phrase specifically refers to observing the self, and using it incorrectly can confuse the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking at oneself" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the object of the action. It typically modifies a verb, specifying that the action of looking is directed towards the self. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Science & Research

23%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "looking at oneself" signifies introspection or self-examination. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While not extremely common, the phrase is versatile, appearing in news, scientific articles, and general discussions. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly implies self-reflection to avoid ambiguity, and explore alternatives like "examining oneself" or "reflecting on oneself" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

examining oneself

Focuses on the act of scrutinizing one's own character or actions.

reflecting on oneself

Highlights the process of thoughtful consideration about one's identity and experiences.

considering one's own nature

Emphasizes the assessment of one's inherent qualities and traits.

assessing oneself

Implies a formal or structured evaluation of one's strengths and weaknesses.

evaluating oneself

Suggests a judgment or appraisal of one's performance or worth.

analyzing one's own character

Indicates a detailed and methodical examination of one's moral or ethical standing.

taking stock of oneself

Conveys the idea of reviewing and appraising one's current situation and resources.

self-assessment

A noun form that refers to the act of evaluating oneself.

self-reflection

A noun form that emphasizes the thoughtful consideration of one's own thoughts and feelings.

introspecting

Describes the act of looking inward and exploring one's own mental and emotional states.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "looking at oneself"?

To be "looking at oneself" implies engaging in self-reflection, introspection, or self-examination. It suggests taking a close look at your own thoughts, feelings, actions, and motivations.

How can I use "looking at oneself" in a sentence?

You can use "looking at oneself" to describe a process of self-discovery or critical self-evaluation. For example: "After the experience, he spent a long time "reflecting on himself" and "looking at oneself"."

What are some alternatives to "looking at oneself"?

Alternatives include "examining oneself", "reflecting on oneself", or "introspecting", which all convey a similar sense of self-analysis.

Is "looking at oneself" formal or informal?

The phrase "looking at oneself" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone and vocabulary of the writing or speech.