act with restraint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "act with restraint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is advised to control their impulses or reactions, often in situations that require patience or moderation. Example: "In heated discussions, it's important to act with restraint to avoid escalating the conflict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

But you must act with restraint".

The Economist

Israel should act with restraint.

The New York Times

He did not say act with restraint.

The Guardian

Law enforcement should also act with restraint.

The New York Times

Having seen one intervention after another fail, he is determined to act with restraint.

The New Yorker

"It is in the interests of the United States to act with restraint regarding this incident".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

So I think they acted with restraint".

The New York Times - Sports

He said officers had acted with restraint against "criminal acts by a tiny minority of lawbreakers".

The Guardian

Insisting they were mindful of labor's concerns, administration officials said they had acted with restraint.

The New York Times

In Syria, however, it has a few weapons and trainers and otherwise has acted with restraint.

The Guardian

In the end, they also acted with restraint, I thank them for that," Mr. Menino said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To sound more formal use the expression "exercise self-control" instead.

Common error

While "act with restraint" is widely applicable, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using simpler phrases like "hold back" or "take it easy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act with restraint" functions primarily as a directive, advising or urging someone to control their actions or emotions. It is commonly found in contexts where there is a potential for conflict or escalation. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "act with restraint" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that advises moderation and self-control. As indicated by Ludwig, it's deemed correct and is applicable across various professional, neutrall, and formal settings, as seen in news reports and official statements.

While predominantly found in "News & Media", it also appears in business and academic contexts, suggesting its versatility. When using "act with restraint", remember to consider the specific context and choose alternatives like "exercise self-control" or "show moderation" to fit the situation better. Avoid overuse in very informal settings, where simpler expressions might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise self-control

Focuses on the internal discipline required.

show moderation

Emphasizes avoiding extremes in behavior.

behave cautiously

Highlights the element of careful consideration.

practice prudence

Implies wisdom and careful planning.

demonstrate composure

Stresses maintaining a calm demeanor.

keep a lid on

Suggests suppressing strong emotions or actions.

temper actions

Indicates adjusting actions to be less severe.

hold back

Simple and direct way of saying someone is preventing themselves from doing something.

remain composed

Highlights maintaining a calm state, especially in stressful situations.

take a measured approach

Implies a deliberate and careful way of acting.

FAQs

How can I use "act with restraint" in a sentence?

You can use "act with restraint" to advise someone to control their actions or emotions, especially in a difficult situation. For example, "The police were urged to "act with restraint" during the protests."

What's a more formal way to say "act with restraint"?

A more formal alternative to "act with restraint" is to "exercise self-control", which emphasizes the internal discipline required to manage one's impulses.

What can I say instead of "act with restraint" in a casual setting?

In more casual situations, you can use alternatives such as "hold back" or "take it easy". These options are less formal and more suitable for everyday conversation.

What does it mean to "act with restraint"?

To "act with restraint" means to control your behavior or emotions, especially in a situation where you might be tempted to react strongly. It suggests a deliberate effort to avoid overreacting or using excessive force.