rewarding myself

USAGE SUMMARY

"rewarding myself" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to taking some kind of action as a reward for your accomplishments. For example, "After finishing the project, I rewarded myself with a day off from work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Having time off doesn't mean I'm slacking off – it's a way of recognising my hard work in 2015, and rewarding myself.

The Guardian

Buzzing from my fresh adrenaline high, I decided to reward myself for rewarding myself with a nice overpriced snack.

Vice

Then I'll squeeze in a workout and get back to my desk, answering emails, screwing around online, rewarding myself for the morning's work.

Huffington Post

Rewarding myself at the end of every day became a significant part of my motivation, a ritual -- a time for all of us to share our experiences.

Huffington Post

Here's how my day went down: DESSERT FIRST Because I knew I would spend the bulk of the day dealing with insurance, I started off by rewarding myself with a little cash.

The New York Times

I've tried various strategies to ease the tedium (rewarding myself with a Lindt truffle per tick was a particularly regrettable one), but I can conclude any relief is merely superficial and momentary.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Once something starts to take shape (on paper, in longhand), I reward myself by putting it up onscreen.

The New Yorker

Mission accomplished, I rewarded myself by reading Chapter 9 of Michael Crichton's new thriller, "Time line".

The New York Times

"Now, don't you want to reward yourself with the very best?" This set off many thoughts: I should wait till I'm dead to reward myself?

The New York Times

I overate, I now recognise, to reward myself for my hard work and I simply didn't have the time to exercise in any meaningful way.

Independent

I'd rather sit there all night thinking until I couldn't think any more, then reward myself the next day with a pair of Louboutins.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rewarding myself" to emphasize the positive reinforcement of your actions. It can be a powerful motivator for achieving goals. For example, "After completing the marathon, I am "rewarding myself" with a relaxing vacation."

Common error

Avoid using "rewarding myself" excessively, as it can sound self-centered or boastful. Instead, vary your language by using alternatives like "treating myself" or "acknowledging my efforts" to maintain a balanced and relatable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rewarding myself" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. Ludwig confirms its correct usage for describing the act of providing oneself with positive reinforcement after an accomplishment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rewarding myself" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the act of self-gratification after an accomplishment. According to Ludwig, it is correct and appropriate to use in writing. While not overly formal, it's suitable for a range of contexts, particularly in news, media and personal narratives. Remember to balance its use to avoid sounding self-absorbed, and consider alternatives like "treating myself" for variety. By being mindful of these points, you can effectively incorporate "rewarding myself" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

treating myself

Simple substitution of "rewarding" with "treating", maintaining the same core meaning.

gifting myself

Focuses on the act of giving a gift as a reward.

celebrating my achievements

Highlights the accomplishment that warrants a reward.

indulging myself

Conveys a sense of luxury or extravagance.

acknowledging my efforts

Shifts the focus to recognizing effort rather than a tangible reward.

recognizing my accomplishments

Similar to acknowledging efforts but emphasizes finished achievements.

giving myself a pat on the back

An idiomatic expression for self-congratulation.

showing myself appreciation

Emphasizes self-compassion and gratitude.

offering myself a bonus

Suggests a more substantial or formal reward.

compensating myself

Implies making up for effort or hardship.

FAQs

What are some simple ways of "rewarding myself"?

Simple ways of "rewarding myself" can include taking a break, enjoying a favorite snack, watching a movie, or engaging in a hobby you enjoy. The key is to choose activities that bring you joy and help you relax.

Is it grammatically correct to use the phrase "rewarding myself"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Rewarding" functions as a gerund in this context, and "myself" is the reflexive pronoun indicating the action is directed back to the subject.

What can I say instead of "rewarding myself" to vary my writing?

You can use alternatives like "treating myself", "giving myself a treat", or "acknowledging my efforts" to add variety to your writing while maintaining a similar meaning.

How can I ensure I'm not overdoing it with the concept of "rewarding myself"?

Balance is key. Ensure your rewards are proportional to your efforts and that you're not using rewards as a constant crutch. Focusing on intrinsic motivation alongside occasional rewards can help maintain a healthy approach.