remove oneself

USAGE SUMMARY

"remove oneself" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the act of distancing oneself from a situation or place. Example: "She decided to remove herself from the conversation to avoid conflict." Alternative expressions include "withdraw oneself" and "step away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

– Sydney Morning Herald "The wish to remove oneself from all forms of social pressure or obligation.

The Guardian - Books

E: The wish to remove oneself from all forms of social pressure or obligation.

The Guardian - Books

For some, to take a photograph is to remove oneself from the moment.

The New York Times

It was much easier to remove oneself completely from the world into the vast architecture of the novel.

The Guardian - Books

Gramercy Park offers the chance to be a part of that excitement, or to remove oneself from it.

The New York Times

I've got my Nook, and it's the only way to remove oneself from the tedious experience of flying.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Yi Chŏng-Bo wrote of the pleasure of removing oneself from worldly cares.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Having to portray violence involves an element of real fear and distress, because removing oneself completely is impossible.

The Guardian - Film

This is why removing oneself from the city to explore issues in different contexts is so important.

Columbia University

Removing oneself from Facebook is hard, but that doesn't mean it can't be done or is not worth trying.

The Guardian - Tech

Mr. Collins, a Republican, had said he would not seek re-election, but removing oneself from the ballot in New York is no easy task.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remove oneself" when you want to express a deliberate act of distancing or withdrawing from a situation, responsibility, or environment. It suggests a conscious decision to create separation.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "remove oneself" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "leave", "step away", or "back off" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remove oneself" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an action taken by an individual to distance or withdraw from a situation or environment. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "remove oneself" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies a conscious decision to withdraw or distance from a situation. As suggested by Ludwig, its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various contexts, though simpler alternatives may be preferable in informal settings. The phrase is prominent in News & Media and Academia, indicating its relevance in both reporting and scholarly discussions. While synonyms like "extract oneself" or "disengage" may offer nuanced meanings, "remove oneself" provides a clear and direct way to express the act of creating separation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

withdraw from a situation

Focuses on the act of stepping back or retreating from a particular context or circumstance.

extract oneself from a situation

Emphasizes the effort and process of freeing oneself from a challenging or undesirable situation.

disengage from

Highlights the act of detaching or disconnecting from something, often involving a relationship or commitment.

step away from

Suggests a temporary or intentional separation from something, often to gain perspective or avoid involvement.

distance oneself from

Focuses on creating emotional or physical separation to avoid association or involvement.

detach oneself from

Emphasizes the act of freeing oneself from emotional or mental attachment.

absent oneself from

Highlights the physical act of not being present in a specific location or situation.

bow out of

Implies a formal withdrawal from an activity or commitment, often with a sense of resignation.

seclude oneself

Suggests a deliberate act of isolating oneself, often for privacy or contemplation.

isolate oneself

Emphasizes a more complete separation from others, potentially due to loneliness or a desire for solitude.

FAQs

What does "remove oneself" mean?

The phrase "remove oneself" means to deliberately distance or withdraw from a situation, responsibility, or environment. It implies a conscious decision to create separation.

How to use "remove oneself" in a sentence?

You can use "remove oneself" in a sentence like, "She decided to "withdraw from a situation" to avoid further conflict" or "He had to "distance oneself from" the project due to ethical concerns."

What are some synonyms for "remove oneself"?

Some synonyms for "remove oneself" include "extract oneself from a situation", "disengage from", "step away from", and "distance oneself from".

Is it always appropriate to use "remove oneself"?

While grammatically correct, "remove oneself" can sometimes sound overly formal. In informal situations, simpler alternatives like "leave" or "step away" might be more suitable. In formal contexts, "extract oneself" might be a more suitable alternative.