push myself

USAGE SUMMARY

"push myself" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to mean to try hard to accomplish something and can be used in a variety of situations. Example: I need to push myself to stay focused on my studies this semester.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

To push myself".

The New Yorker

"I continuously push myself.

The New York Times - Sports

I push myself.

The New York Times - Sports

"I will push myself.

The Guardian - Sport

It made me push myself".

The Guardian - Music

I'll push myself very hard.

The Guardian - Sport

"I push myself," she told me.

The New York Times - Magazine

I like to push myself.

The New York Times

"I really wanted to push myself.

The New York Times - Arts

Please help me to push myself aside.

The New Yorker

I know how to push myself".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "push myself", be specific about the area in which you are striving for improvement. Instead of saying "I need to push myself", try "I need to push myself to finish this project on time."

Common error

Avoid using "push myself" excessively, as it can suggest an unhealthy level of self-criticism or pressure. Balance self-improvement with self-acceptance and realistic expectations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "push myself" is as a verb phrase indicating an action performed by the speaker on themselves. It describes the act of self-motivation or self-exertion. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "push myself" is a versatile phrase used to express the act of self-motivation and striving for improvement. As Ludwig AI validates, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While generally neutral, it's essential to use the phrase mindfully, avoiding excessive self-pressure. Alternatives like "challenge myself" or "motivate myself" can provide nuanced meanings depending on the context. Remember to be specific about the area of improvement and avoid overuse to maintain a healthy balance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenge myself

Emphasizes facing difficulties to grow.

motivate myself

Highlights the act of providing oneself with a reason to act.

exert myself

Focuses on the physical or mental effort expended.

stretch myself

Suggests expanding one's abilities or comfort zone.

drive myself

Implies forcing oneself towards a goal.

discipline myself

Highlights the need for self-control and regulation.

force myself

Suggests overcoming resistance to do something.

urge myself

Emphasizes encouragement and internal prompting.

compel myself

Indicates a strong inner obligation.

endeavor to improve

Formal way of expressing intent to make progress

FAQs

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

You can use "push myself" to express the act of challenging or motivating yourself to achieve a goal or improve a skill. For example, "I need to push myself harder if I want to succeed."

What does it mean to "push myself"?

To "push myself" means to challenge your own limits, exert extra effort, and strive for self-improvement. It implies a deliberate effort to overcome obstacles and achieve more than you thought possible.

What can I say instead of "push myself"?

You can use alternatives like "challenge myself", "motivate myself", or "exert myself" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to "push myself" or "drive myself"?

Both phrases imply self-motivation, but "push myself" suggests a more balanced approach to self-improvement, while "drive myself" might imply a more forceful or relentless pursuit, which can sometimes be detrimental.