turning himself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "turning himself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is physically or metaphorically changing direction or perspective, often referring to self-reflection or transformation. Example: "After much contemplation, he found himself turning himself towards a more positive outlook on life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They broach the idea of his turning himself in.

The Guardian - Books

Prince irritated editors by turning himself into that symbol.

The Guardian - Music

Legend has it that he escaped the flames by turning himself into a mosquito.

The New York Times - Books

He is now talking about turning himself in and having himself deported.

The New Yorker

But he was not terribly interested in running a business, or in turning himself into one.

The New York Times

John McCain has made a good job of turning himself into the party's heir presumptive.

The Economist

When Chaplin was twelve, he set himself free by turning himself into someone else onstage.

The New Yorker

But he has a 95 average and is focused on turning himself into an engineer.

The New York Times

Antonio escaped from prison but later made the fatal mistake of turning himself in.

Independent

Their father dropped them off at a neighbor's home before turning himself in.

The New York Times

Others claimed he was killed after being tricked into turning himself in.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "turning himself" to describe a change in character or behavior, ensure the context clarifies the nature and direction of the transformation.

Common error

Avoid using "turning himself" when the subject is not male or when the action is not directed back at the subject. For example, it would be incorrect to say "The company is turning himself around"; instead, use "turning itself around".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turning himself" functions as a reflexive gerund phrase, indicating an action performed by a male subject that directly affects himself. Ludwig's examples show this phrase used to describe both literal transformations (like escaping into an animal) and figurative changes (like becoming a different person).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Books

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "turning himself" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a male subject undergoing a transformation, either literal or figurative. As Ludwig AI confirms, this transformation is self-directed, with the subject actively involved in the process. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, suggesting its versatility across various narrative styles. Remember to use "turning himself" only when the subject is a male individual and the action is directed back at himself; otherwise, "turning itself" or other appropriate reflexive pronouns should be used. The alternative phrases suggested provide nuances that can more precisely capture the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

transforming himself

Focuses more on a complete change in character or appearance, implying a more profound shift than a simple redirection.

changing his ways

Emphasizes altering one's behavior or habits, often in a moral or ethical context, which is a specific kind of turning.

reforming himself

Highlights improving one's character or behavior, particularly after a period of wrongdoing or decline.

readjusting himself

Suggests adapting to a new situation or environment, implying a change in perspective or approach.

dedicating himself

Indicates committing oneself to a specific cause, activity, or goal, involving a shift in focus and effort.

committing himself

Implies a strong decision to pursue a particular course of action, suggesting a change in priorities or direction.

becoming someone else

Emphasizes adopting a new identity or persona, often as a disguise or for personal growth.

reinventing himself

Focuses on creating a new version of oneself, often to overcome past failures or limitations.

presenting himself

Highlights the manner in which someone showcases their personality, skills or attributes to others, implying a deliberate construction of self-image.

surrendering himself

Specifically refers to giving oneself up to an authority, typically in a legal or conflict situation.

FAQs

How can I use "turning himself" in a sentence?

You can use "turning himself" to describe someone who is changing his character, behavior, or direction in life. For instance, "After years of struggling, he dedicated himself to "turning himself around"".

What is an alternative to "turning himself" that emphasizes self-improvement?

If you want to emphasize self-improvement, you could use phrases like "reforming himself" or "bettering himself".

When is it appropriate to use "turning himself" versus "turning itself"?

"Turning himself" is used when the subject is a male individual, reflecting the action back on himself. "Turning itself" is used when the subject is an object, company, or entity that is not a person. For example, "The company started "turning itself around" after restructuring".

What does it mean when someone is described as "turning himself into" something?

When someone is "turning himself into" something, it means they are actively transforming or dedicating themselves to becoming that thing. This can be literal, like "turning himself into a lizard" through body modifications, or metaphorical, like "turning himself into a leader" through study and practice.