composing herself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "composing herself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who is regaining their composure or calming themselves in a stressful situation. Example: "After the unexpected news, she took a moment to breathe deeply, composing herself before responding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"Sorry," she says, turning away from the camera before composing herself.

The Guardian - Sport

"Really, truly, from the bottom of my heart, it's the songs I'm most proud of", said Allen after composing herself.

The Guardian - Music

Every afternoon she would deliver the shopping and stay a while to chat after composing herself and putting on a cheerful expression.

The Economist

She sobbed before composing herself again, saying: "I thought I was all right to be honest when I was walking around until I saw Steve.

Independent

"Boy, if your mother could see you now!" Composing herself, she ambled down the street, wearing a thrift-shop overcoat several sizes too big for her slight frame.

The New York Times

She said that on numerous occasions, after she and her family had returned home from such a trip, she retreated to the bathroom to cry, in private, before composing herself.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Lame?" She composed herself.

The New Yorker

Susan tried to compose herself.

The New Yorker

Then she composes herself.

The New York Times - Magazine

After a moment, she composed herself.

The New York Times

" she said, struggling to compose herself.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "composing herself" to describe a deliberate act of regaining composure after experiencing a strong emotion such as shock, grief, or anger.

Common error

Avoid using "composing herself" when simply describing someone becoming calm in a general sense. The phrase implies a prior state of emotional distress or agitation from which the person is actively recovering.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "composing herself" functions as a gerund phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb, describing the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in narrating how individuals regain control after emotional disturbances.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "composing herself" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of regaining composure, often after experiencing a moment of emotional distress. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it implies a deliberate effort to regain control, distinguishing it from simpler terms like "calming down".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regaining her composure

Focuses on the act of getting back to a state of calmness after being upset.

collecting herself

Implies gathering one's thoughts and emotions to regain control.

pulling herself together

Suggests making a deliberate effort to become calmer and more organized.

getting a grip

An idiomatic expression for regaining control of one's emotions.

calming herself

Highlights the act of becoming calmer, often through conscious effort.

steadying herself

Suggests becoming stable and controlled, both emotionally and physically.

mastering her emotions

Emphasizes control and dominance over one's feelings.

getting herself under control

Highlights the act of bringing one's behavior and feelings into check.

recovering her equilibrium

Implies regaining balance, both emotionally and mentally.

finding her center

Suggests a return to a state of inner peace and stability.

FAQs

How can I use "composing herself" in a sentence?

Use "composing herself" to describe someone regaining their composure after experiencing a strong emotion. For example, "After hearing the news, she took a deep breath, "composing herself" before responding".

What are some alternatives to "composing herself"?

You can use alternatives like "regaining her composure", "collecting herself", or "pulling herself together depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "composing himself" in formal writing?

Yes, "composing himself" or ""composing herself"" is suitable for formal writing when accurately describing the act of regaining composure. It appears frequently in news articles and other professional contexts.

What's the difference between "composing herself" and "calming down"?

"Composing herself" implies a more active and deliberate effort to regain control after a significant emotional upset, while "calming down" can refer to a more gradual or passive return to a state of calmness.