side of myself

USAGE SUMMARY

'side of myself' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to refer to a part of your personality or behavior that you don't often express. For example, "I realized I needed to start exploring the more creative side of myself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I enjoy this side of myself.

The New York Times

"I don't like that side of myself," he said.

The New Yorker

I was neglecting the creative side of myself.

The Guardian - Music

It allows her to "explore another side of myself.

The Guardian

"I didn't understand a certain side of myself".

The New York Times

I don't really feel like I'm trying to exhibit a side of myself.

Independent

"I'm confident my fans will understand the ads were about showing a different side of myself".

The New York Times

But I've never seen myself as sexy or a side of myself that boys would like".

The New York Times

But I must say that it was fun exploring that side of myself.

The Guardian - Film

I was uneasy afterwards: I felt I shouldn't have shown that side of myself.

The Guardian - Arts

"That's a side of myself that I don't like," says Pascoe, "but that hasn't gone away.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, provide context to show your audience what specifically this "side" entails. This could be a skill, behavior, talent or preference, depending on the situation.

Common error

Avoid vague or generic statements like "I'm exploring a new side of myself" without clarifying what that side entails. Lack of context can leave the reader confused or uninterested.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "side of myself" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It references a specific aspect or characteristic of one's personality or identity, as Ludwig suggests. Ludwig's analysis confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

18%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "side of myself" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase employed to describe distinct facets of one's personality or identity. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a valid and usable expression in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves the purpose of personal description, often in reflective or explanatory narratives. While generally neutral in register, its effectiveness lies in providing sufficient context to clarify the specific aspect being discussed. The abundance of examples illustrates its versatility and common usage in contemporary writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

facet of my personality

Highlights a particular angle or dimension of one's overall character.

dimension of my self

Highlights one specific component of the personality.

part of my character

Emphasizes the characteristics and traits that define one's personality.

area of my persona

Focuses on the outward-facing aspects of one's identity and how they are perceived.

aspect of my being

Focuses on the inherent nature of the individual, rather than a specific behavioral trait.

characteristic of my person

Highlights a distinguishing attribute or quality.

element of my nature

Refers to an intrinsic component of one's disposition or inherent qualities.

aspect of my identity

Connects the phrase to the broader concept of self-identification and belonging.

portion of my psyche

Deals with the mental and emotional aspects of the self.

attribute of my being

Refers to a specific quality or feature inherent to one's existence.

FAQs

How can I use "side of myself" in a sentence?

You can use "side of myself" to describe an aspect of your personality, skills, or identity. For example, "I discovered a creative "side of myself" during the lockdown" or "He showed a vulnerable "side of myself" during the difficult conversation".

What is a good alternative to "side of myself"?

Alternatives include "aspect of my being", "part of my character", or "facet of my personality". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "aspect of myself" or "side of myself"?

"Side of myself" and "aspect of myself" are often interchangeable, but "side" can imply a hidden or less-known part, while "aspect" is a more general term for a feature or characteristic. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to express.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "side of myself"?

It's appropriate to use "side of myself" when discussing personal discoveries, changes in behavior, or revealing parts of your personality that are not commonly seen or expressed. It's useful in contexts of self-reflection, personal growth, or explaining behavior.