sense of self

USAGE SUMMARY

"sense of self" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe an individual's understanding or awareness of who they are and their unique qualities. For example, "She struggled with her sense of self throughout her teen years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Losing sense of self.

Harvard Business Review

It creates a stable sense of self.

The New York Times

My sense of self has changed.

The New Yorker

He slowly regained his sense of self.

The New York Times - Health

My sense of self.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Our sense of self vanishes.

Harvard Business Review

I gained a stronger sense of self.

Princeton University

You lose the sense of self.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I developed a much higher sense of self awareness.

Columbia University

How does one retain a sense of self?

Stanford University

But my sense of self began to change.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing psychological or philosophical concepts, use "sense of self" to convey a person's subjective experience of their own identity and existence.

Common error

Avoid using "sense of self" when you actually mean self-esteem. "Sense of self" refers to one's understanding of who they are, while self-esteem refers to how positively they evaluate themselves.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of self" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates its frequent use in describing an individual's understanding of their own identity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense of self" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe an individual's understanding and awareness of their own identity. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific domains. While closely related to concepts like self-esteem and self-awareness, it's crucial to use "sense of self" accurately to refer to identity comprehension rather than self-worth. Alternatives such as "self-perception" or "self-identity" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance needed. Using "sense of self" appropriately in writing can enhance clarity and precision when discussing psychological and philosophical concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-perception

Focuses specifically on how an individual perceives themselves.

self-identity

Highlights the qualities and beliefs that differentiate a person or group.

self-awareness

Emphasizes the conscious knowledge of one's own character and feelings.

self-regard

Highlights the respect and consideration an individual has for themselves.

consciousness of self

Emphasizes an acute awareness of one's existence and individuality.

self-image

Refers to the mental picture one has of oneself, which may not align with reality.

self-concept

Focuses on the collection of beliefs one holds about themselves.

personal identity

Highlights the unique characteristics that define an individual.

self-understanding

Emphasizes the comprehension of one's own motives, capabilities and character.

subjective identity

Focuses on identity as it is experienced from the individual's perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "sense of self" in a sentence?

You can use "sense of self" to describe someone's understanding or awareness of their own identity. For example, "Losing a job can negatively impact one's "sense of self"."

What are some alternative phrases for "sense of self"?

Alternatives include "self-perception", "self-identity", and "self-awareness". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "sense of self" and self-esteem?

"Sense of self" refers to your understanding of who you are, your values, and your place in the world. Self-esteem, on the other hand, is how you feel about yourself – your self-worth.

How does trauma affect one's "sense of self"?

Trauma can significantly disrupt an individual's "sense of self", leading to feelings of detachment, confusion about identity, and difficulty in forming healthy relationships.