we please ourselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we please ourselves" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the idea of self-satisfaction or doing what one desires without concern for others. Example: "In this project, we please ourselves by choosing the themes and styles that resonate with us the most."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"We please ourselves.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

When we masturbate, we can please ourselves exclusively without hurting anyone.

The Guardian - Opinion

William Sarokin Mount Kisco, N.Y., Nov. 4, 2010 • To the Editor: Little-known fact: more than 200 years ago, John Adams predicted the rise of the Tea Party: "We may please ourselves with the prospect of free and popular governments.

The New York Times

Because high streets have made us lazy about discovering our own personal style and personal style is how we dress to please ourselves as individuals.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And, of course, most of all we lie to please ourselves.

Forbes

Yaknow, it was like we were playing to just please ourselves.

Vice

Then we try to please people and please ourselves.

Vice

From time immemorial, we have made up stories to please ourselves with the telling.

Los Angeles Times

But we have not been given parental authority to please ourselves.

Huffington Post

We want to discover a sweet-spot that will allow us to treat big nights like passing interests, to come and go as we please without leaving anything of ourselves behind.

Vice

But we're content with the applause on an airplane or in a ballpark, we're pleased with ourselves for delivering the "thank you for your service" line early and often.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we please ourselves" to clearly communicate independence and self-determination in decision-making, especially when emphasizing a contrast to external pressures or expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "we please ourselves" when the context implies disregard for the needs or feelings of others. Instead, consider using phrases like "we prioritize our goals" or "we act according to our principles" to convey self-direction without the negative connotation of selfishness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we please ourselves" primarily functions as a statement of self-determination and autonomy. It asserts that a group's actions are guided by their own desires and preferences, rather than external influences or expectations. As seen in Ludwig, this can be used in various contexts from personal expression to business decisions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we please ourselves" communicates a sense of autonomy and self-direction. Ludwig AI analysis reveals that it is grammatically correct, though used with moderate frequency, predominantly in news and media contexts. The phrase indicates a group making decisions based on their own desires, potentially without considering external opinions. As indicated by Ludwig, using "we please ourselves" appropriately involves being mindful of its potential connotations of selfishness and ensuring it aligns with the intended tone of independence and self-reliance. While it can express a healthy sense of self-determination, carefully choose alternate phrases like "we satisfy our desires" or "we do as we wish" to mitigate unintended negative impressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we satisfy our desires

Focuses on fulfilling personal wants or needs, highlighting a sense of contentment.

we do as we wish

Emphasizes freedom of action and the absence of external constraints.

we follow our own path

Highlights individuality and a rejection of conformity or external expectations.

we are self-indulgent

Carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting excessive gratification of one's desires.

we cater to our whims

Emphasizes the impulsive and often frivolous nature of the actions taken.

we call the shots

Highlights the power and authority to make decisions without external influence.

we are in control of our actions

Indicates autonomy and responsibility for one's behavior.

we act independently

Stresses the lack of reliance on others and the capacity for self-governance.

we march to the beat of our own drum

Conveys a sense of nonconformity and uniqueness in behavior and decision-making.

we answer to no one

Emphasizes a complete lack of accountability or obligation to others.

FAQs

How can "we please ourselves" be used in a sentence?

The phrase "we please ourselves" is used to indicate that a group is acting according to its own desires or standards, without necessarily considering the preferences of others. For example, "In this project, "we please ourselves" by choosing the themes and styles that resonate with us the most."

What are some alternatives to saying "we please ourselves"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use alternatives like "we satisfy our desires", "we do as we wish", or "we follow our own path". These options provide varying degrees of emphasis on self-determination and potential disregard for external influences.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "we please ourselves"?

The appropriateness of using "we please ourselves" depends on the context and the intended tone. It's important to consider whether the phrase might imply selfishness or a lack of consideration for others. In situations where collaboration and compromise are valued, alternative phrasing may be more suitable.

What's the difference between "we please ourselves" and "we are selfish"?

"We please ourselves" suggests a focus on fulfilling one's own desires or preferences, while "we are selfish" implies a disregard for the needs and feelings of others. The key difference lies in the intent and impact of the actions taken; selfishness carries a negative connotation of prioritizing oneself at the expense of others.