propel myself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "propel myself" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to taking action to advance or motivate oneself. For example: "With a few simple steps, I was able to propel myself to a higher level of success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

If somebody buried me in the earth, I'd be able to propel myself out of it.

The Guardian

If I had all that energy back — all the hours and neurochemicals and facial musculature I have expended in my wanton pursuit of likedness — I could propel myself to Mars and back.

The New York Times

I could, I said, work out how to clip the drips and drains on to a kind of trolley thing and use it to propel myself to the room with the table and the toast.

Independent

I propel myself to the bottom of the pool, bend my legs and spring to the surface, enjoying myself and generally feeling like the T.S.I. logo, a hybrid of a human and a dolphin.

The New York Times - Sports

Using a fixed rope to propel myself through the satiny smooth sand, leaving perfect footprints with every step, I climbed 100 feet above the camp and sat on a rise in silence, watching the landscape darken and the vanishing sun burnish the sky indigo, pink and crimson.

The New York Times - Travel

And: "I keep wondering how do I propel myself out of the bar world, where I look cute and pour beer, into a world where I have thoughtful conversation about the world rather than stuff like why do people clap at the end of good movies.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The Benefits Some of my best ideas have surfaced as I propelled myself through water, worldly stresses soothed by the steady rhythm of my strokes.

The New York Times

Here, I have to jump out of the water, propelling myself not against anything as solid as the floor of the pool but simply by straightening my bent arms and legs to achieve lift.

Independent

Holding the bathhouse doorway with both hands as if ready to parachute, I propelled myself down the stairs, skittered across the pool deck and fell into the serenely warm water.

The New York Times - Travel

But later, in my early 20's, with a regular income to spend on vacations, I propelled myself to warmer climates, surfing Rincón, Puerto Rico Blacks Beachh by San Diego; Sebastian Inlet by Cocoa Beach; Nags Head and Cape Hatteras.

The New York Times

With a running start and a girlish yawp, I propelled myself around the wall of the wheel and allowed gravity to complete my 360 degree turn.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "propel myself" to convey a sense of active, intentional movement towards a specific goal or outcome.

Common error

While "propel" suggests forward motion, avoid using it in contexts where it creates an overly literal or unintentionally humorous image. Ensure the image aligns with your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "propel myself" functions as a reflexive verb phrase, where the action of propelling is directed back to the subject. It expresses the act of actively pushing or driving oneself forward. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "propel myself" is grammatically correct and signifies actively driving oneself forward. It is most commonly found in News & Media contexts. While versatile, consider synonyms like "motivate myself" or "push myself" for nuanced expression. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, suggesting its usefulness in both literal and figurative scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

motivate myself

Focuses on the internal drive and inspiration for action.

push myself

Emphasizes effort and overcoming resistance or obstacles.

drive myself forward

Highlights sustained effort and progress towards a goal.

advance myself

Implies upward movement and improvement in status or position.

promote myself

Suggests actively showcasing one's abilities to gain recognition or opportunities.

boost my own efforts

Indicates enhancing or improving one's current endeavors.

spur myself on

Highlights encouragement and stimulation of oneself.

encourage myself

Focuses on providing oneself with support and confidence.

urge myself forward

Implies a strong internal prompting to take action.

galvanize myself into action

Highlights the stimulation into sudden activity.

FAQs

What does "propel myself" mean?

The phrase "propel myself" means to drive or push oneself forward, often with force or momentum, towards a specific goal or direction. It suggests an active and intentional effort to advance or progress.

How can I use "propel myself" in a sentence?

You can use "propel myself" in various contexts, such as: "I need to "motivate myself" to finish this project" or "She used her passion to "drive herself forward" in her career".

What are some alternatives to "propel myself"?

Alternatives to "propel myself" include "motivate myself", "push myself", or "drive myself forward", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "propel myself" in a formal context?

Yes, "propel myself" is generally acceptable in formal contexts, but consider whether a more precise or sophisticated synonym might be more appropriate for the specific situation, such as "advance myself" or "boost my own efforts".