By myself/myself
What's the difference in the meaning, if any, between these sentences?
I can do it myself.
I can do it by myself.
Top answer
In most contexts the meaning will be the same. 'By myself' suggests 'without any other people around', whereas 'myself' doesn't imply that there will be no-one else around. It's subtle, and to be honest there are few contexts where the difference is important.
- In most contexts the meaning will be the same.
- 'By myself' suggests 'without any other people around', whereas 'myself' doesn't imply that there will be no-one else around.
- It's subtle, and to be honest there are few contexts where the difference is important.
- 'Myself' is certainly the one I'd use unless you want to tell the other person to leave you alone while you carry out the action.
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In most contexts the meaning will be the same.
'By myself' suggests 'without any other people around', whereas 'myself' doesn't imply that there will be no-one else around. It's subtle, and to be honest there are few contexts where the difference is important. 'Myself' is certainly the one I'd use unless you want to tell the other person to leave you alone while you carry out the act
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