poor myself

USAGE SUMMARY

"poor myself" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used when someone is making a statement of humility or to express self-deprecating feelings. For example: "I made a mess of things, poor myself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

That's because I'm poor myself, when you compare me to Mark Zuckerberg.

The New Yorker

So I actually grew up around a lot of rich people, but I was poor myself.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I don't do poor performance myself and I don't see why anyone else should".

The Guardian

Don't we have an obligation, as the printed word becomes more and more beleaguered, to encourage poor saps (myself included) who devote years and years to perfecting a work and who rarely earn living wages?

The New York Times - Books

Yoko is a three-tatami woman, and she's been working on me to get rid of this possessions complex, which is something that happens to people who were poor like myself — not starving but poor".

The New Yorker

A poor correspondent myself, I file her jewelled emails separately since they reward rereading: rheumy sketches of human foibles, and unforgettable images – those vast Wyo skies, swept free of contrails after 9/11.

The Guardian - Books

What in the world could possibly be worth such a sacrifice, or the nine years of my own life that I spent willing to die for America in a conflict which many view in retrospect as a poor idea, myself included?

The New York Times

"I have poor eyesight myself," he says, "and could not function without glasses.

Huffington Post

JL: I'd made some poor decisions myself in the past, but I'd never really had a great relationship with any label I'd worked with either.

Huffington Post

Now do you see why I consider myself poor?

The New Yorker

It seemed like a bargain, particularly for a poor correspondent like myself.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "poor myself" sparingly and consider the context. While grammatically correct, it can sound self-pitying or insincere if overused. Opt for more direct expressions of regret or responsibility when appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "poor myself" as a way to deflect criticism or avoid taking accountability. Genuine humility involves acknowledging one's shortcomings without seeking sympathy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "poor myself" functions as an expression of self-pity or mock sorrow. As Ludwig examples show, it's often used ironically or to downplay one's own situation in comparison to others.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "poor myself" is a self-deprecating expression used to express mock sorrow or to downplay one's situation, as confirmed by Ludwig. While grammatically correct, its infrequent usage suggests it should be used with caution, primarily in informal contexts. As demonstrated in Ludwig's examples, it's often employed ironically or humorously, and alternatives like "I feel sorry for myself" or "I pity myself" may be more appropriate depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I feel sorry for myself

Expresses self-pity more directly than "poor myself".

I pity myself

A stronger expression of self-pity, implying a deeper sense of sorrow.

Woe is me

An archaic expression of lament, often used ironically or humorously.

I'm to blame

Shifts focus to accepting responsibility for a negative situation.

It's my fault

Directly acknowledges responsibility for an error or misfortune.

I made a mistake

Acknowledges an error in judgment or action.

I regret my actions

Expresses remorse for past behavior or decisions.

I'm disappointed in myself

Conveys a sense of personal letdown or failure.

I messed up

Informal way of admitting a mistake.

I should have known better

Expresses regret and self-reproach for a past action.

FAQs

What does "poor myself" mean?

The phrase "poor myself" is a self-deprecating expression, often used to express mock sorrow or to downplay one's own situation, sometimes ironically.

When is it appropriate to use "poor myself"?

Use "poor myself" when you want to express a light-hearted, self-deprecating sentiment about a minor misfortune or perceived disadvantage. Avoid using it in serious or highly sensitive situations.

What are some alternatives to "poor myself"?

You can use alternatives like "I feel sorry for myself", "I pity myself", or "woe is me", depending on the context and desired tone.

Is "poor myself" grammatically correct?

Yes, "poor myself" is grammatically correct, although it is not a very common phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, though it is important to use it in appropriate contexts.