to remove himself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to remove himself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is stepping away from a situation or withdrawing from a group or activity. Example: "He decided to remove himself from the discussion to avoid further conflict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Nevertheless, Hitchens felt compelled formally to remove himself from the American left.

The New Yorker

Stuart Miller, the federation's antidoping manager, applauded Cilic's willingness to remove himself from competition.

The New York Times - Sports

Embarrassingly for him, it might be likelier if he were to remove himself from the campaign.

The Economist

Even Riley had to remove himself from the bench in Miami.

The New York Times - Sports

For the most part, Rose tried to remove himself from it all.

The New York Times

Orpheus bowed low to Persephone and promised to remove himself from their joyless kingdom.

The Guardian - Books

As usual, his attempts to remove himself from harm's way have the opposite effect.

The Guardian - Books

When his back stiffened during batting practice, Posada said he used that as an excuse to remove himself.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet Mr. Hoyle still maintains a shadowy presence onstage despite a desire to remove himself from the narrative.

The New York Times

The Manhattan district attorney's office began an investigation, and Mr. Mahony moved to Connecticut to remove himself from the ballot.

The New York Times

Whatever the challenges, Lovett-Murray has never wanted to remove himself from his people and his community.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to remove himself", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the removal, providing clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase with non-reflexive pronouns. For example, it's incorrect to say "to remove him" when the subject and object are the same person. Use "to remove himself" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to remove himself" functions as an infinitive phrase. It indicates an action that a subject performs upon themselves. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, serving as a clear way to express withdrawal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

16%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to remove himself" is a grammatically correct and very common infinitive phrase used to describe the act of a person withdrawing or distancing themselves from a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, encyclopedias, and wikis. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in the context to specify the reason for the removal. Be mindful of using the correct reflexive pronoun. Alternative phrases, such as "to withdraw from the situation" or "to distance himself", can provide subtle differences in meaning depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to withdraw from the situation

Focuses on the act of pulling back from a specific set of circumstances.

to distance himself

Emphasizes creating emotional or physical space between himself and something.

to absent himself

Highlights the physical act of not being present.

to detach himself

Suggests severing a connection or emotional tie.

to step down

Implies resigning from a position or role.

to take a step back

Indicates reducing involvement or responsibility.

to disassociate himself

Highlights severing ties or affiliations.

to excuse himself

Suggests a polite withdrawal from a situation.

to recuse himself

Specifically refers to abstaining from a legal or official proceeding due to a conflict of interest.

to bow out

Informal way of saying to withdraw or retire from something.

FAQs

What does "to remove himself" mean?

The phrase "to remove himself" means to withdraw or distance oneself from a particular situation, group, or responsibility. It implies a deliberate act of separation.

What can I say instead of "to remove himself"?

You can use alternatives like "to withdraw from the situation", "to distance himself", or "to absent himself" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "to remove himself"?

It's appropriate when a person is deliberately stepping away from a situation, responsibility, or group. This could be due to conflict, ethical concerns, or personal reasons.

Is "to remove himself" formal or informal?

The phrase "to remove himself" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the specific context might suggest a more formal or informal alternative is more suitable.