other than yourself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "other than yourself" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person or thing that is separate from another person or thing you are discussing. For example, "I can't think of anyone more qualified for the job, other than yourself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Are they paid for by someone other than yourself?

The New York Times

"You do things for someone other than yourself.

The New York Times

Passing as anything other than yourself just seemed sad.

The New Yorker

"Your job as Vice President is to be someone other than yourself.

The New Yorker

"I think you should write about something other than yourself," she says.

The New Yorker

"Excuse me, do you have a minute for someone other than yourself, you selfish bastard?" November 2, 2017.

The New Yorker

They are in love, but they can't stand the agony that love requires: being known to someone other than yourself.

The New Yorker

If you work for someone other than yourself, you're likely to receive an annual performance review from your boss.

Independent

"Character is everything to our family because when you have faith in something other than yourself, then you become humble.

The New York Times - Sports

Along the smouldering autumnal sidewalks, the secretive coffee-shops, bright flower stalls, wandering the Village in search of another subject other than yourself, it is yourself you meet.

The New York Times - Books

It's very moving and more than a little disturbing to watch your child fall in love with a character other than yourself.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "other than yourself" when you want to encourage consideration for others or something beyond personal interests. For example, "Think about someone "other than yourself" when making decisions."

Common error

Avoid using "other than yourself" when a simple "other people" or "others" would suffice and be more direct. Overusing reflexive pronouns can make your writing sound awkward or unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "other than yourself" functions primarily as a prepositional modifier. It specifies an entity distinct from the person being addressed, directing attention or consideration towards someone or something else. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

29%

Huffington Post

12%

Less common in

Science

3%

The Guardian - Opinion

1%

The New York Times - Books

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "other than yourself" serves as a prepositional modifier, directing focus away from the individual being addressed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. As demonstrated by the numerous examples, it is frequently used in news and media, as well as on wikis. The phrase encourages consideration for others, and while generally neutral in register, it can be adapted for formal or informal communication. Related phrases, such as "besides yourself" or "excluding yourself", offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis. When using "other than yourself", consider the specific context and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall tone and purpose of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

besides yourself

This phrase offers a direct synonym, substituting "other" with "besides" to indicate exclusion from a group.

apart from yourself

This phrase uses "apart from" to denote separation or distinction, similar to "other than".

excluding yourself

This alternative is more explicit in its act of setting something apart, specifically through the act of exclusion.

not including yourself

Similar to "excluding yourself", this variation emphasizes that someone or something is not being counted.

someone else

This alternative simplifies the phrasing by focusing on another person rather than explicitly excluding oneself.

another person

A more formal way of saying "someone else", it refers to an unidentified individual, not you.

someone different

This phrase emphasizes the different identity of a person.

external to yourself

This phrase uses a spatial metaphor to express the separation from oneself, implying what is outside one's own being.

beyond your own concerns

This phrase broadens the scope to encompass concerns or interests that extend past oneself.

outside of your own perspective

This version stresses shifting from a personal point of view to consider something more objectively.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "other than yourself" in a more formal context?

In formal contexts, you might consider using phrases such as "excluding oneself", "apart from your own involvement", or "external to your own interests" to maintain a professional tone.

When is it appropriate to use "other than yourself" in a sentence?

Use "other than yourself" when you want to emphasize that the focus is on someone or something else, not the person being addressed. For example, "Consider the needs of people "other than yourself"."

What's a simpler way to express "other than yourself"?

Simpler alternatives include "someone else", "another person", or just "others", depending on the context of your sentence. For instance, instead of "Think of someone "other than yourself"", you could say "Think of others".

How does "other than yourself" differ from "besides yourself"?

While "other than yourself" and "besides yourself" are quite similar, "besides yourself" often implies 'in addition to you' or 'except for you', whereas "other than yourself" places stronger emphasis on excluding the individual from consideration. They're largely interchangeable, but context might make one preferable.