seclude oneself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seclude oneself" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to isolate oneself or to withdraw from society and be alone. Example: After the stressful week at work, she decided to seclude herself in a cabin in the mountains to find some peace and quiet.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Still, the urge to seclude oneself can get a president in trouble, as Mr. Obama discovered last year when the authorities thwarted an effort by a Nigerian man to blow up a Detroit-bound airliner on Christmas Day.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"One must show oneself deserving," he said.

The New Yorker

Is it possible to smack down oneself?

The New Yorker

Pacing oneself, thus, is virtually impossible.

The New York Times

The potential for enriching oneself is ample.

The New York Times

"The hardest coming out is to oneself".

The New Yorker

It is impossible to tear oneself away.

Independent

"Pretending to scare oneself," he announced.

The New York Times - Arts

To get rid of oneself.

The New Yorker

One's just oneself, writing.

The Guardian - Books

"It's about imagining oneself.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seclude oneself" when you want to emphasize a deliberate act of withdrawing for privacy, reflection, or escape from external pressures.

Common error

Avoid using "seclude oneself" when the intent is simply to avoid a specific person or situation without a genuine desire for solitude. Opt for phrases like "avoid" or "distance oneself" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seclude oneself" functions as a reflexive verb phrase, where the action of secluding is directed back to the subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe the act of withdrawing or isolating oneself. The examples show it in contexts where someone deliberately chooses to be alone.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seclude oneself" is a grammatically correct reflexive verb phrase used to describe the act of deliberately withdrawing for privacy or solitude. While relatively rare, as Ludwig AI indicates, it appears primarily in news and media, scientific, and wiki contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the intent is to convey a conscious choice to be alone, rather than simply avoiding someone or something. Alternatives such as "isolate oneself", "withdraw from society", or "retreat into solitude" can be used to similar effect, depending on the desired nuance. Use "seclude oneself" when you want to emphasize a deliberate act of withdrawing for privacy, reflection, or escape from external pressures. Avoid using "seclude oneself" when the intent is simply to avoid a specific person or situation without a genuine desire for solitude. Opt for phrases like "avoid" or "distance oneself" instead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

isolate oneself

Focuses on the act of setting oneself apart from others, emphasizing a deliberate separation.

withdraw from society

Implies a more significant and potentially longer-term detachment from social activities and interactions.

sequester oneself

Suggests a more formal or enforced isolation, often for a specific purpose or reason.

retreat into solitude

Emphasizes the personal desire for peace and quiet found in being alone.

go into seclusion

Highlights the state of being isolated and removed from the outside world.

distance oneself

Focuses on creating emotional or social space between oneself and others.

keep to oneself

Indicates a preference for avoiding social interaction and maintaining privacy.

live in isolation

Implies a long-term or permanent state of being separated from others.

cocoon oneself

Suggests creating a protective and comforting environment for oneself, often to avoid stress or discomfort.

separate oneself

Highlights a conscious decision to divide oneself from a group or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "seclude oneself" in a sentence?

"Seclude oneself" is a reflexive verb phrase. For example: After a stressful week, she decided to "seclude herself" in a cabin to relax.

What does "seclude oneself" mean?

The phrase "seclude oneself" means to isolate oneself or withdraw from social interaction, typically for privacy or relaxation.

Are there synonyms for "seclude oneself"?

Yes, alternatives include "isolate oneself", "withdraw from society", or "retreat into solitude", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "seclude oneself"?

Use "seclude oneself" when describing a conscious and intentional act of withdrawing from social interaction for a specific purpose, such as rest, reflection, or privacy. It implies a deliberate choice to be alone.