find oneself

To notice that you are doing or experiencing something without having planned it.

• I found myself crying.
• She often finds herself thinking about her childhood.
• Have you ever found yourself agreeing with someone you usually dislike?

How to use it: find oneself doing something (I found myself smiling at the memory.); find oneself + adjective (She found herself responsible for the whole team.)

Common phrases: find oneself wondering, find oneself laughing, find oneself struggling

To discover what kind of person you are and what you want to do with your life.

• I need time to find myself.
• He found himself through painting and working with children.
• Are you hoping to find yourself during your year abroad?

How to use it: find oneself (She travelled alone because she wanted to find herself.)

Similar words: discover oneself, understand oneself

Common phrases: find oneself spiritually, find oneself abroad, find oneself again

To discover or get something that you personally need or want.

• I must find myself a job.
• She found herself a comfortable seat near the window.
• Have you found yourself somewhere to live?

How to use it: find oneself something (I need to find myself a quiet place to work.)

Similar words: find for oneself, get oneself

Common phrases: find oneself something, find oneself work, find oneself accommodation

To realize that you are in a particular place, often without expecting to be there.

• I found myself in a strange room.
• We took the wrong bus and found ourselves at the airport.
• She woke up to find herself on a train.

How to use it: find oneself in/at somewhere (After a wrong turn, we found ourselves in a narrow alley.)

Common phrases: find oneself outside, find oneself somewhere, find oneself abroad

To feel a particular way when you consider your own state of mind.

• I find myself quite cheerful today.
• How do you find yourself after yesterday's sad news?
• She found herself in better spirits after a quiet evening.

How to use it: find oneself + adjective (After some rest, she found herself much calmer.); how do you find yourself? (How do you find yourself this morning?)

Similar words: feel

Common phrases: find oneself cheerful, find oneself melancholy, find oneself calm