refer to yourself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refer to yourself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to mention or identify themselves in a particular context. Example: "In your essay, make sure to refer to yourself in the first person to convey your personal experiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You refer to yourself as a stripper, don't you?

The Guardian - Music

You refer to yourself as both an artist and an illustrator.

The New York Times

"Do you always refer to yourself in the third person?" Mountford inquires.

The Guardian - Sport

On your Web site, you refer to yourself as a serial entrepreneur.

The New York Times - Sports

Even how you refer to yourself when talking to yourself can make a difference.

The New York Times

Do not refer to yourself as he, she or they (unless it's a quote about you from someone else).

The Guardian

One of the things unlimited buckets of money can buy you: the right to refer to yourself in third person as a brand.

The Guardian

Dogsbody You might refer to yourself as a dogsbody if your job requires a lot of running around, doing tasks no one else is willing to do.

The Guardian

That said, some folk might argue that if you're happy to publicly refer to yourself as a 'Spurs fan', it's difficult to imagine how you could find any other label more demeaning, offensive or derogatory.

The Guardian - Sport

You refer to yourself as a drummer – do you really think you've got anything in common with, say, the drummer of some anarcho-punk band who travels from gig to gig in the back of a Transit van living off £30 a week.

The Guardian - Music

If you refer to yourself as a "cat parent" or to your cat as a "fur baby," and feel as though the hate vibes you're sensing represent some kind of feline adolescence, remember that the only parental force the animal recognizes is the jungle law of kill or be killed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing texts, consider the implications of how an author chooses to "refer to yourself", as it can reveal insights into their self-perception and rhetorical strategy.

Common error

Avoid unintentionally switching between first-person and third-person perspectives when you "refer to yourself" in writing. Maintain a consistent voice throughout your text to prevent confusing your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refer to yourself" functions as a directive or instruction, commonly used in writing or speaking to guide individuals on how to mention or identify themselves within a particular context. Ludwig's examples show its utility across diverse scenarios, from grammar guides to personal narratives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "refer to yourself" serves as a versatile directive, guiding writers and speakers on how to appropriately mention themselves across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. Whether instructing on grammatical person or suggesting alternative self-identifiers, the phrase is widely employed in news, wikis, and business communications. Mastering its use is crucial for clear and effective communication, ensuring you convey your message with precision and avoid common pitfalls like unintended shifts in perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mention yourself

Focuses on simply naming or alluding to oneself.

call yourself

Highlights the label or name one uses for oneself.

identify as

Emphasizes self-identification, often in terms of roles or characteristics.

describe yourself

Focuses on providing a description or account of oneself.

speak of yourself

Emphasizes the act of talking about oneself.

designate yourself

Implies a formal or official assignment of a title to oneself.

present yourself as

Highlights how one wishes to be perceived by others.

style yourself

Emphasizes the image or persona one projects.

think of yourself

Focuses on one's self-perception or self-image.

regard yourself as

Highlights how one evaluates or assesses oneself.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to "refer to yourself" in the third person?

Referring to yourself in the third person is generally uncommon but can be used in specific contexts, such as formal reports, creative writing for effect, or when establishing a brand. Be mindful of the audience and purpose to avoid sounding pretentious or detached.

What's the difference between "refer to yourself" and "describe yourself"?

"Refer to yourself" is a more general term that means to mention yourself in some way, while "describe yourself" implies providing specific details or characteristics about yourself.

How can I avoid sounding arrogant when I "refer to yourself" in a positive way?

Use humble language, focus on your accomplishments rather than personal attributes, and provide context to show how your achievements benefit others. For example, instead of saying "I'm the best," you might say "I'm proud of the results I've achieved, and I'm eager to contribute further."

What are some alternatives to "refer to yourself" in a cover letter?

In a cover letter, instead of "refer to yourself", consider using phrases like "I am writing to express my interest", "My skills align with", or "I bring experience in" to highlight your qualifications directly and professionally.