became less restrained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became less restrained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something has become more free or less inhibited over time. Example: "As the party progressed, the guests became less restrained, dancing and laughing without a care in the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Once the magnitude of the crimes sank in here, the government's expressions of sympathy became less restrained and President Jiang Zemin, in a friendly phone call to President Bush, made a vague promise of support for a global attack on terrorism.

The New York Times

Towards the end of the meeting cognac was served, and after that the conversation became less restrained.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A Look at the Future Some officials close to the president worry that Mr. Biden might become less restrained in sharing his personal positions — as he did Sunday on same-sex marriage — in the service of his own political ambitions.

The New York Times

EU members are growing increasingly skeptical that you will ever seek peace based on a two-state solution, and they will more than likely over time become less restrained to impose sanctions.

Huffington Post

Taxation became less burdensome.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Individuals became less important.

The New York Times

The language became less esoteric, less specialized.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I became less flippant, less patient.

Independent

Bindings, too, became less expensive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Our talking became less excellent.

The New Yorker

The scenes became less crowded.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a gradual shift in behavior or policy, use "became less restrained" to indicate a move towards greater freedom or openness.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "became less restrained" can sometimes sound informal. In highly formal contexts, consider using more precise or sophisticated vocabulary to convey the same meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became less restrained" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a change in state. It describes a transition from a more controlled or inhibited state to one with fewer restrictions. Ludwig AI shows examples of it modifying expressions of sympathy or conversation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "became less restrained" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes a shift towards decreased inhibition or control. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While appearing most frequently in news and media contexts, it's also found in encyclopedias and general-knowledge wikis. Alternative phrases like ""grew more uninhibited"" or ""became more liberated"" offer similar meanings. Remember to use it to clearly denote a transition from a restricted to a more open state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became less inhibited

Direct synonym, replacing 'restrained' with 'inhibited'.

grew more uninhibited

Emphasizes the growth of a lack of inhibition.

became more liberated

Focuses on gaining freedom from restrictions.

loosened up

Informal way of saying someone relaxed their control.

relaxed their guard

Implies a release of vigilance or caution.

lost their reserve

Highlights the disappearance of formality or shyness.

threw caution to the wind

Indicates a deliberate abandonment of carefulness.

became more expressive

Focuses on a greater display of emotions or thoughts.

opened up

Suggests a greater willingness to share personal feelings or information.

let their hair down

Informal way of saying someone became more relaxed and uninhibited, especially in a social setting.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "became less restrained"?

You can use alternatives like "grew more uninhibited", "became more liberated", or "loosened up" depending on the context.

Is "became less restrained" formal or informal?

"Became less restrained" sits in the neutral to slightly formal register. For extremely formal contexts, consider alternatives like "exhibited greater latitude" or "demonstrated reduced constraint".

What does it mean when someone "becomes less restrained"?

It means they are exhibiting fewer inhibitions or limitations, becoming more open, free, and expressive in their actions or words.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "became less restrained"?

It's appropriate when describing a shift in behavior, policy, or artistic expression where there is a noticeable decrease in limitations or inhibitions. For example, describing a politician's speaking style or a company's policies.