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Hans51 Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

For (by) oneself = alone?

Here in my country, many people think that by oneself and for oneself are sometimes interchangeable for the same meaning of "doing something alone". Do you agree with this? Or do you think that the two expressions can be interchangeable for the same meaning sometimes? And do "For oneself" have two meanings; for one's sake and doing something without anyone's help? What do you native English speakers think?

Thank you so much as usual in advance.
  

Top answer

Hans51 Here in my country, many people think that by oneself and for oneself are sometimes interchangeable for the same meaning of "doing something alone". Do you agree with this? No.

— Mister Micawber

  • Hans51 Here in my country, many people think that by oneself and for oneself are sometimes interchangeable for the same meaning of "doing something alone".
  • Do you agree with this?
  • No.
  • 'For myself' to me means 'for my own benefit' while 'by myself' means without assistance.
  • There is also 'doing something oneself' which generally means not permitting someone else to do it.
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2 Answers
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Hans51Here in my country, many people think that by oneself and for oneself are sometimes interchangeable for the same meaning of "doing something alone". Do you agree with this?
No. 'For myself' to me means 'for my own benefit' while 'by myself' means without assistance.
There is also 'doing something oneself' which generally means not permitting someone
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Thank you so much and here is one thing I would like to clear, so you just gave me three different usage of oneself or do you mean there is a meaning of 'doing something oneself' in for oneself? I am sorry about not being smart again.
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