my very self

USAGE SUMMARY

'my very self' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to emphasize or reinforce the idea that a person is speaking of himself/herself, or the personal experiences that he/she has gone through. For example: "I can attest to this because I have seen it with my very self!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The girl who is being suffocated feels "my very self, fluttering in my chest and trying to get out of there, exultant, like it had been living in the wrong person and was finally going home".

The Guardian - Books

He came between me and my very self," he said.

The New York Times

I feel the fear not in my head but in my very self, cracking and thrashing against the part of me that knows how to be a person at all.

The Guardian - Opinion

I began to remember the raw beauty of life's paradox of love, of loss, of hope, of compassion for my very self and for the man who pulled the trigger.

The Guardian

She thought me raving, as well she might, and yet it was some time before I could prevail on myself to admit that the Guido whose penitence had won her back for me was myself; and while I cursed bitterly the monstrous dwarf, and blest the well-directed blow that had deprived him of life, I suddenly checked myself when I heard her say-Amen! knowing that him whom she reviled was my very self.

Columbia University

On the other hand, to give up these facets of my own personality would seem to me to give up my very self.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

I left my very self-involved life in Los Angeles last Wednesday and haven't really looked back once, not because I don't miss it, but because I have been so focused on everything that is right in front of me.

Huffington Post

Of her heroine's shopping mania, she says, "It speaks to me because I keep my lifestyle very self-contained.

The New York Times

I was taking a pain felt by many performers of color and turning it into my own very self-centered thing, as if I were the only one experiencing discrimination in the industry.

Huffington Post

It's where I become my very best self.

The Guardian - Music

"I wish to serve my very fantastic self," answered Amir-Abbas, 11, provoking peals of laughter from the parents.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "my very self" to emphasize a personal connection or experience. It adds a layer of intensity and ownership to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "my very self" excessively in formal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly dramatic or self-centered. Opt for simpler alternatives like "myself" or "I" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "my very self" functions as an emphatic reflexive pronoun. It emphasizes the personal connection to a statement, suggesting that something is deeply connected to one's identity. Ludwig AI confirms this use, showcasing examples where it highlights personal experiences and strong feelings.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "my very self" is a grammatically correct and emphatic way of referring to oneself. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's often used to emphasize a personal connection or experience, adding a layer of intensity and ownership to a statement. While its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to academic writing, it's important to be mindful of the potential for sounding overly dramatic, especially in formal settings. Consider alternatives like "myself" or "the real me" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

my essential self

Adds "essential" to highlight the core identity.

my inner self

Highlights the internal aspect of identity.

my authentic self

Highlights genuineness and lack of pretense.

my own being

Replaces "self" with "being", focusing on existence.

my core identity

Emphasizes the fundamental aspects of self.

my innermost being

Emphasizes the deepest part of the self.

my individual essence

A more formal and philosophical alternative.

myself

Simple reflexive pronoun, less emphatic.

my true nature

Focuses on inherent qualities.

the real me

Informal way to express one's authentic self.

FAQs

What does "my very self" mean?

The phrase "my very self" is an emphatic way of referring to oneself, highlighting a strong sense of personal identity or experience. It emphasizes that something is deeply connected to who you are.

When is it appropriate to use "my very self"?

It's appropriate to use "my very self" when you want to emphasize a personal connection, a strong feeling, or a direct experience. It's often used in reflective or expressive writing, but avoid overuse in formal contexts.

What are some alternatives to "my very self"?

Alternatives to "my very self" include "myself", "my own being", or "the real me". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of emphasis you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "my self" and "my very self"?

While "my self" can refer to one's identity, "my very self" adds a layer of emphasis. It suggests a deeper connection or a more profound sense of personal involvement. It's a stronger, more emphatic way to speak about yourself.