she told herself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'she told herself' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a character's internal dialogue when they are reassuring or encouraging themselves. For example, "She felt overwhelmed by the task ahead of her, but she told herself she could do it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So easy, she told herself.

Independent

Come on, she told herself.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Breathe," she told herself.

The Guardian - Books

"The time is now," she told herself.

The New York Times

She told herself to act cool.

The New Yorker

Nod, she told herself.

The New Yorker

She told herself, "I'm doing it".

The New York Times - Sports

"I can't do that," she told herself.

The New York Times - Magazine

That's love, she told herself.

The New Yorker

For research, she told herself.

The New Yorker

His head! she told herself.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "she told herself" to effectively convey a character's internal monologue, revealing their thoughts, motivations, and emotional state to the reader.

Common error

Avoid confusing "she told herself" with external dialogue. Ensure it's clear the words are unspoken, existing only within the character's mind.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she told herself" functions as a device to introduce internal monologue in narrative writing. It allows the writer to directly present a character's thoughts, feelings, and self-addressal. Ludwig's examples highlight how it sets the stage for the character's inner world.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "she told herself" is a grammatically sound and frequently used method for conveying internal thoughts in narrative writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and effective way to represent a character's inner voice. It appears most commonly in news articles and academic texts. While alternatives like "she thought to herself" or "she reminded herself" exist, the original phrase remains a versatile and reliable choice for writers aiming to reveal a character's internal world. Understanding its function and usage patterns can greatly enhance the depth and clarity of character portrayal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she thought to herself

This alternative is a more direct synonym, replacing "told" with "thought" for a slightly less assertive internal communication.

she reminded herself

This alternative emphasizes the act of bringing something to one's own attention, often a forgotten fact or intention.

she convinced herself

This alternative indicates an effort to persuade oneself of something, even if doubtful.

she mused

This alternative is a more concise way of indicating internal thinking, suggesting a thoughtful or contemplative state.

in her mind, she said

This alternative is a more descriptive way of expressing internal dialogue, highlighting the mental aspect.

she reflected

This alternative implies a deeper level of consideration or introspection.

she whispered to herself

This alternative implies a very quiet, almost secretive, self-addressal.

she muttered to herself

This alternative suggests a quiet or indistinct utterance, often expressing a private thought or feeling.

she inwardly declared

This alternative suggests a strong, firm internal assertion or decision.

she reasoned

This alternative suggests a logical or analytical thought process.

FAQs

How can I use "she told herself" in a sentence?

Use "she told herself" to indicate a character's internal monologue. For example, "She felt nervous about the presentation, but "she told herself" that she was well-prepared".

What are some alternatives to "she told herself"?

Alternatives include "she thought to herself", "she reminded herself", or "she convinced herself", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "she told herself" and "she said to herself"?

"She told herself" implies a more internal, private thought, whereas "she said to herself" suggests the character might be speaking aloud, even if softly. The first is internal monologue, while the second has an element of external expression.

Is it grammatically correct to use "she told herself" in formal writing?

Yes, "she told herself" is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in formal writing, particularly in narrative contexts where conveying a character's inner thoughts is important.