work on yourself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "work on yourself" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to suggest that someone should strive to improve themselves in some way. For example, you might say, "You have so much potential - why not take some time to work on yourself?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A lot of cinema actors feel awkward about themselves – we know we're really not that great, and theatre gives you a chance to work on yourself.

The Guardian

Do you work on yourself every day and have a childlike enthusiasm about meeting people?

Huffington Post

This idea that you should "work on yourself" before you start dating is what I call living in the future perfect tense.

Huffington Post

As you work on yourself though, you are not obligated to act as though you are still together with your ex.

WikiHow

If you're so insecure that you spend all of your time thinking about how others perceive you, then you'll never be able to work on yourself enough to catch your former man's eye again.

WikiHow

Work on yourself in developing a strength and then a newer one every time that thought of remembering comes back.

WikiHow

But you have to — even, like, work on yourself, learn to play a sport, do something.

The New York Times

You have to work on yourself and share your happiness with your spouse.

The New York Times

Ailsa – Do you base any of your work on yourself or anyone you know?

The Guardian

"That's the Zen practice you have to work on yourself: Take some deep breaths, create some sense of calm".

The New York Times

Shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves can be avoided only by rolling up your sleeves and going to work on yourself.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "work on yourself" during a period of self-reflection or after a significant life event.

Common error

Avoid using "work on yourself" without suggesting specific areas for improvement. Generic advice is often less helpful than targeted guidance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work on yourself" functions as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to engage in self-improvement or personal development. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and appropriate for use in written English, and it encourages self-reflection and positive change.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

30%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "work on yourself" is a correct and widely used expression that encourages self-improvement. Ludwig confirms its grammatical validity and provides numerous examples from sources like the Huffington Post and WikiHow. While it's versatile, it's best employed when providing specific guidance rather than offering vague encouragement. Consider related phrases such as "improve yourself" or "develop yourself" for nuanced communication. Ultimately, as Ludwig's examples demonstrate, "work on yourself" serves as a powerful and relatable call to personal growth and well-being.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

improve yourself

This alternative is more general and doesn't necessarily imply addressing specific issues.

develop yourself

This alternative focuses on personal growth and skill enhancement.

better yourself

This alternative emphasizes making oneself a better person overall.

focus on self-improvement

This alternative highlights the conscious effort and intention behind improving oneself.

invest in yourself

This alternative suggests dedicating time, resources, or effort to personal growth.

grow as a person

This alternative emphasizes the aspect of personal development and maturation.

address your weaknesses

This alternative focuses specifically on identifying and improving upon one's flaws.

overcome your shortcomings

This alternative suggests tackling limitations and deficiencies.

cultivate self-awareness

This alternative centers on developing a deeper understanding of oneself.

practice self-care

This alternative shifts the focus to maintaining one's well-being and mental health.

FAQs

What does it mean to "work on yourself"?

To "work on yourself" means to dedicate time and effort to improve your personal qualities, skills, or mental well-being. It involves self-reflection, identifying areas for growth, and taking actions to achieve positive changes.

What are some alternatives to saying "work on yourself"?

You can use alternatives like "improve yourself", "develop yourself", or "better yourself" depending on the context.

How can I "work on myself" effectively?

Effective self-improvement involves setting specific goals, creating a plan, seeking feedback from others, and consistently practicing new behaviors or skills. It also requires self-compassion and patience.

Is it selfish to "work on yourself"?

No, "working on yourself" is not selfish. It is a necessary part of personal growth and can lead to healthier relationships and a more fulfilling life. When you improve yourself, you can contribute more positively to the world around you.