stop ourselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stop ourselves" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of preventing oneself or a group from doing something. Example: "We need to stop ourselves from making the same mistakes again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

And we're unable to stop ourselves".

The Guardian - Music

"It was a question of whether we could stop ourselves.

The New York Times - Sports

We cannot stop ourselves doing what we are doing".

The Guardian - Film

We could not stop ourselves smiling like simpletons under a fog of nostalgia.

Independent

We stop ourselves every now and then and say: What are our hopes and dreams here?

The New York Times

"I hope we can stop ourselves going off the cliff like lemmings," he said.

The Guardian

What's worse, we can't seem to stop ourselves from drawing other people's attention to it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"We stopped ourselves.

The New York Times - Sports

"We probably stopped ourselves for the most part," he said.

The New York Times

On our new album you can see us not stopping ourselves.

The Guardian - Music

We were the only things stopping ourselves.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using alternatives like "restrain ourselves" or "prevent ourselves" when a more nuanced meaning is needed.

Common error

While "stop ourselves" is widely acceptable, it might sound too informal in highly formal or academic writing. In such cases, opt for more formal alternatives like "refrain from" or "inhibit ourselves".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stop ourselves" functions as a reflexive verb phrase, where the action of 'stopping' is directed back to the subject ('ourselves'). This indicates a conscious effort to prevent oneself or a group from performing a certain action. Ludwig AI validates this function through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stop ourselves" is a common and grammatically sound reflexive phrase used to indicate the act of preventing oneself or a group from doing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives like "refrain from" or "inhibit ourselves" might be preferred in academic or highly professional settings. Remember to use "stop ourselves" when emphasizing the conscious effort to avoid a particular action, and be mindful of the context to choose the most appropriate wording.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

restrain ourselves

Focuses on actively holding back an impulse or action, implying a degree of effort.

prevent ourselves

Emphasizes blocking or averting an action before it starts, highlighting a proactive approach.

inhibit ourselves

Suggests a more internal or psychological barrier, implying a suppression of natural impulses.

hold ourselves back

Conveys a sense of reservation or reluctance, implying a missed opportunity or potential.

curb our impulses

Specifically targets controlling sudden desires or urges, emphasizing discipline.

refrain from

Formally indicates abstaining from something, often due to rules or principles.

avoid doing something

Highlights the act of evading or steering clear of a particular action.

exercise self-control

Focuses on the conscious effort to manage one's actions and emotions.

govern our actions

Emphasizes the importance of guiding or regulating one's behavior.

keep ourselves in check

Suggests maintaining vigilance to avoid overstepping boundaries or losing control.

FAQs

How can I use "stop ourselves" in a sentence?

You can use "stop ourselves" to indicate preventing oneself or a group from doing something. For example: "We need to "stop ourselves" from making the same mistakes again."

What are some alternatives to "stop ourselves"?

You can use alternatives like "restrain ourselves", "prevent ourselves", or "inhibit ourselves" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "stop ourselves"?

Yes, "stop ourselves" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It functions as a reflexive phrase, where the action of stopping is directed back to the subject.

When is it appropriate to use "stop ourselves" versus more formal alternatives?

"Stop ourselves" is suitable for most general contexts. For more formal or academic writing, consider alternatives like "refrain from" or "exercise self-control".