to conduct oneself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to conduct oneself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing behavior or how someone carries themselves in a particular situation. Example: "In a professional setting, it is important to conduct oneself with integrity and respect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Takes a lot of courage to conduct oneself with such composure at a time like this.

The Washington Post

How to conduct oneself in a war on terror is what our politicians should be talking about.

The New Yorker

Leonard A. Lauder, chairman emeritus at the Whitney Museum, offered his practical dos-and-don'ts for how to conduct oneself when being interviewed for a directorship.

The New York Times - Arts

The Center also offers instruction both to individuals and groups in methods of oral presentation (how to write a speech, how to use visual aids, how to conduct oneself when presenting scientific or nonscientific information).

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It was as if the artistic look were surplus to requirements; or, rather, as if to don the outer crust of an insurance agent or an advertising man — to conduct oneself like the steady Nebraskan citizen that Kees might have stayed to become — struck him as the slyest of disguises, enabling him to slip his poems under the door, without being noticed or making a scene.

The New Yorker

He covers how to "get into" a community, how to conduct oneself once inside, and how to shape and structure the stories that emerge.

University of Chicago

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Playing on the double meaning in French of the verb conduire which means to lead or drive, and se conduire which means to behave or conduct oneself, it follows Foucault's suggestion that power is all about the 'conduct of conducts'.

History of the Human Sciences

The starting point for such studies is that discourse guides certain ways of talking about a topic, defining 'acceptable' ways to talk, write or conduct oneself and that this can serve a range of social functions.

Family Practice

If life is hard and often destructive, the question Sophocles asks is not how did this come to be or why did such a misfortune have to happen but rather, given the circumstances, how must one conduct oneself, how should one act, and what must one do.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To survive in such a world, and perhaps emerge victorious, one must conduct oneself with honour, courage, endurance, and dignity, a set of principles known as "the Hemingway code".

Encyclopedia Britannica

To survive in such a world, and perhaps emerge victorious, one must conduct oneself with honour, courage, endurance, and dignity, a set of principles known as "the Hemingway code". To behave well in the lonely, losing battle with life is to show "grace under pressure" and constitutes in itself a kind of victory, a theme clearly established in The Old Man and the Sea.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a professional tone in writing, use "to conduct oneself" to convey a sense of formality and adherence to standards of behavior. It's suitable for discussing ethical guidelines, workplace behavior, or expected conduct in formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "to conduct oneself" in casual conversations or informal writing. It sounds overly formal and can come across as stilted or unnatural. Opt for simpler alternatives like "behave" or "act" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to conduct oneself" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as part of a larger verb phrase. It describes the manner in which someone behaves or acts, typically in accordance with certain standards or expectations. Ludwig examples show usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to conduct oneself" is a formal infinitive phrase used to describe how someone behaves, especially in relation to certain standards or expectations. Ludwig's AI categorizes the phrase as grammatically correct. While relatively uncommon, it is most frequently used in News & Media, Academic and Scientific sources. It implies a conscious effort to behave in a specific manner, and is best suited for formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "to behave appropriately" in less formal settings to avoid sounding stilted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to behave appropriately

Focuses on acting in a manner that is suitable for a given context or situation.

to carry oneself well

Emphasizes posture and demeanor in conveying a positive impression.

to act with decorum

Stresses maintaining proper etiquette and dignified behavior.

to comport oneself

A more formal way of saying to behave, often used in official or ceremonial contexts.

to manage one's actions

Highlights the control and direction of one's own deeds.

to regulate one's behavior

Focuses on controlling and adjusting behavior based on rules or expectations.

to govern one's conduct

Implies a sense of self-rule and disciplined behavior.

to show good manners

Highlights polite and respectful behavior.

to display proper etiquette

Emphasizes adherence to social norms and customs.

to present oneself

Concerns the overall image and impression one gives to others through behavior and appearance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "to conduct oneself" in a professional context?

In a professional context, consider using alternatives like "to behave professionally", "to act responsibly", or "to demonstrate integrity" for a more impactful expression.

What is the difference between "to conduct oneself" and "to behave"?

"To conduct oneself" is generally more formal and implies a conscious effort to adhere to certain standards of behavior, whereas "to behave" is a more general term for how someone acts. For instance, you might say "it is important to "to behave" in a polite manner", but in official guidelines, "to conduct oneself with integrity" is often preferred.

When is it most appropriate to use the phrase "to conduct oneself"?

The phrase "to conduct oneself" is most appropriate in formal settings or when discussing ethical standards, rules of conduct, or professional expectations. It is commonly found in policy documents, legal contexts, and formal guidelines.

Are there situations where using "to conduct oneself" would be inappropriate?

Yes, in informal settings, using "to conduct oneself" can sound stilted or overly formal. In casual conversations or relaxed environments, it is better to use simpler alternatives like "to act", ""to behave"", or "to act like."