to devote myself to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to devote myself to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a commitment or dedication to a particular task, cause, or person. Example: "I have decided to devote myself to volunteering at the local shelter every weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

I have to devote myself to football".

The Guardian - Sport

I retire to devote myself to full-time bongo playing.

The New York Times - Arts

I decided to devote myself to the nation".

The Guardian

"Oppression and injustice compelled me to devote myself to fight for my country.

The New York Times

But I hope to devote myself to trying to find an answer.

The New York Times

I had to devote myself to an ancient and demanding foreign language.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

I decided to quit and devote myself to the business full time.

The New York Times

Suffice to say that I am extremely happy to have remained single ever since, as it has allowed me to fully devote myself to serving God, the Conservative party and my cats.

The Guardian - Books

"I've always thought the long summer holidays were a waste of time, so being able to fully devote myself to my subject all year round really appealed to me" says Florence Towler, who opted for a two-year degree at the University of Buckingham.

The Guardian

"I must devote myself to securing higher education while you open the medical profession for women".

The Economist

I decided to take a year off before starting college and devote myself to salaried excavation in exotic places.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to devote myself to", maintain a consistent tone throughout your writing. This phrase often implies a serious and thoughtful commitment, so ensure the surrounding text reflects this.

Common error

Avoid using "to devote myself to" casually or for trivial matters. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your commitment seem less genuine. Reserve it for significant dedications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to devote myself to" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing a personal commitment or dedication. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples show its use in diverse contexts, from personal decisions to professional endeavors.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to devote myself to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing a strong personal commitment. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and readily usable in English writing. The phrase appears most often in news and media, but also finds use in scientific and encyclopedic contexts, suggesting a versatile range of application. When using the phrase, ensure your tone remains consistent with the serious nature of dedication and avoid casual overuse. Alternatives like "to dedicate myself to" or "to commit myself to" can provide subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to dedicate myself to

This alternative is very similar, focusing on the act of setting oneself apart for a specific purpose.

to commit myself to

This alternative emphasizes the binding nature of the dedication, suggesting a firm decision.

to dedicate my life to

This alternative implies a lifelong commitment to a cause or person.

to give myself over to

This alternative suggests a more complete surrender or immersion in the activity or cause.

to apply myself to

This alternative focuses on the effort and focus brought to a task.

to immerse myself in

This alternative suggests a deep involvement and focus on a particular subject or activity.

to consecrate myself to

This alternative implies a sacred or solemn dedication, often to a religious or noble cause.

to pledge myself to

This alternative suggests a formal promise of dedication, often with a sense of duty.

to devote my energies to

This alternative focuses specifically on directing one's efforts and vitality toward a particular goal.

to surrender myself to

This alternative implies a yielding of control and a complete embrace of the activity or cause.

FAQs

What is the best way to use the phrase "to devote myself to" in a sentence?

The phrase "to devote myself to" is typically followed by a noun or gerund that represents the cause, activity, or person to which you are committing. For example, "I decided "to devote myself to charity"".

Are there any formal alternatives to "to devote myself to" for professional writing?

Yes, alternatives such as "to dedicate myself to" or "to commit myself to" can be used in more formal contexts. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

How does "to devote myself to" differ from "to dedicate myself to"?

While similar, "to dedicate myself to" often implies setting something aside for a specific purpose, whereas "to devote myself to" suggests giving one's time, energy, and attention wholeheartedly. Both can be used to express a strong commitment.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I am devoting myself to" instead of "to devote myself to"?

Yes, "I am devoting myself to" is grammatically correct. It uses the present continuous tense to describe an ongoing commitment, while "to devote myself to" is the infinitive form, often used to express an intention or a decision.