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i said to myself vs i told myself

Both 'I said to myself' and 'I told myself' are correct, but they are slightly different in usage. 'I said to myself' is used when narrating or recounting something that you said internally, while 'I told myself' is typically used when emphasizing that you gave yourself a directive or advice.
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Explained by Vince
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: September 24, 2024 • 15823 views

i said to myself

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used when narrating or recounting something that you said internally to yourself. It is often used to express thoughts or reflections.

Examples:

  • I said to myself, 'I can do this.'
  • After the argument, I said to myself that I should have handled it differently.
  • Jan 14, 2023 ... ... I said to myself? For example: I saw a drone racing on ESPN the other day, and I was like "what the hell am I watching"?
  • Oct 21, 2024 ... "I said to myself, dirt doesn't burn," she recalls. "We should build a house of dirt." Glover, who is from Northern Ireland, and her Italian ...
  • Oct 19, 2024 ... I said to myself "I'll give it another try". ROCK AND STONE. Was not ... Was not anticipating to get the best run I've seen.
  • Sep 10, 2024 ... At work this week, I said to myself “I'm going to make time for a lunch run!” I dusted off my wall-locker stocked with gym clothes, ...
  • Dec 2, 2023 ... 1482 likes, 103 comments - disciplejoey on December 2, 2023: "“Wow. That really happened.” Words I said to myself as I crawled in bed last ...
  • Aug 12, 2023 ... “I grew up,” I said to myself. Today isn't even my birthday, and I feel like I grew up. I don't know why. Maybe it was because I've been ...
  • Aug 29, 2024 ...I said to myself. “Just a fun sketch, it shouldn't take me long” I said to myself. Six hours later I come to with this in front of me and ...
  • Jun 28, 2024 ... Ohhhhhh my goodness,” I said to myself as I clicked the shutter, “he has the sweetest face here!! The page is going to love this shot!
  • Jul 1, 2020 ... “Forget this class!” I said to myself during one of my first yoga classes a few years back. Starting from the first pose and moving into a ...

Alternatives:

  • I thought to myself
  • I whispered to myself
  • I mumbled to myself
  • I muttered to myself
  • I reflected to myself

i told myself

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used when emphasizing that you gave yourself a directive or advice. It is often used to express self-motivation or self-encouragement.

Examples:

  • I told myself I would finish the project by the end of the week.
  • Even though I was scared, I told myself to be brave.

Alternatives:

  • I reminded myself
  • I instructed myself
  • I advised myself
  • I encouraged myself
  • I motivated myself

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