self

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "self" can be correct and usable in written English, depending on the context in which it is used.
You can use it when referring to oneself, often in discussions about identity, psychology, or personal development. Example: "Understanding the self is crucial for personal growth and self-awareness."

✓ Grammatically correct

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Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Selfridges recently announced that it was getting rid of gendered floors and would just have three floors of fashion merchandised together so that customers could shop according to an expression of "self".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They have introduced "self service" machines that perform most library duties, and have radically cut down on staff.

The Guardian - Books

The great shame for rural and regional people is that a once head-kicking party representing country interests has become an anodyne shadow of its former self.

The Guardian

There was a certain amount of tutting on social media when Kennedy was on Question Time in March, clearly confused and not his usual, sharp self.

The Guardian - Opinion

Plus it helps create a buffer zone around you to protect you from all of the rubbish we have to deal with on a daily basis that makes us question our self worth, such as air-brushed images of so-called perfection.

The Guardian

Larkin's poem, written about his friend Winifred Arnott, sees the lost maiden name as a symbol of the erasure of a woman's youthful and sexually desirable self, now swallowed up in domestic duties and motherhood.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Every country in the world has a right to self-defence and I'm determined to put Britain's first-class defence industry at the forefront of this market, supporting 300,000 jobs across the country".

The Guardian - Business

We have taken these positions because we believe that freedom and self-determination are not unique to one culture.

The New York Times

As a classic self-delusional narcissist, I reckoned third place would be OK.

The Guardian - Books

One brief, unmitigated disaster later, Rangers were returning to the man who self-evidently could not win the trophy they most covet.

The Guardian - Sport

The principle is simple in theory — Beijing is responsible for the city's defence and foreign affairs; Hong Kong enjoys limited self-governance and civil liberties, including an independent judiciary and unrestricted press.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "self" to refer to the individual's experience, identity, or nature. Ensure clarity by specifying which aspect of "self" you are addressing, such as self-esteem, self-awareness, or self-control.

Common error

Be specific when using "self". Avoid vague statements like "the self is important" without specifying which aspect of self is being discussed. For example, specify "self-confidence" or "self-discipline" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The noun "self" functions as a central concept in discussions of identity, consciousness, and personal attributes. It serves as the subject of experience and reflective awareness. As Ludwig confirms, "self" is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Lifestyle

20%

Books

10%

Less common in

Sport

5%

Travel

5%

Arts

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "self" is a versatile noun that plays a crucial role in discussing identity, consciousness, and individual attributes. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically sound and finds frequent use across a diverse array of contexts, ranging from news and lifestyle articles to academic discussions. Its broad utility lies in its ability to facilitate conversations about self-awareness, personal perception, and the essence of individual existence. While "self" enjoys wide acceptance, remember to specify which facet you're addressing to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

oneself

Formal alternative to "self", often used when the subject and object of a verb are the same.

sense of self

Highlights the awareness and understanding of one's own identity and individuality.

self-awareness

Highlights the conscious knowledge of one's own character, feelings, motives, and desires.

personal identity

Emphasizes the unique characteristics and attributes that define an individual.

one's own being

Highlights existence and sense of being.

individual nature

Highlights the inherent qualities and disposition of a person.

intrinsic character

Underscores inherent traits and moral qualities that define "self".

inner being

Focuses on the internal, psychological aspects of a person.

the ego

Psychological term referring to the part of the mind that mediates between the conscious and unconscious and is responsible for reality testing and a sense of personal identity.

subjectivity

Emphasizes personal feelings, opinions, and perspectives.

FAQs

How can I use "self" in a sentence?

The term "self" can be used as a noun referring to one's own being or identity. For example: "Understanding your "sense of self" is key to personal growth."

What phrases can I use instead of "self" when referring to personal identity?

Alternatives include "personal identity", "individual nature", or "inner being", each emphasizing different aspects of individuality.

Which is correct, "self-esteem" or "self esteem"?

"Self-esteem" is generally preferred as a compound word, indicating a feeling of self-worth. "Self esteem" is less common but not incorrect. The hyphenated form is more widely accepted.

What's the difference between "self" and "oneself"?

"Self" refers to the individual person as the object of their own consciousness. "Oneself" is a more formal and reflexive pronoun, used when the subject and object of a verb are the same. For example, "One must believe in "one's own being"" is more formal than "You must believe in your self".