control yourself

USAGE SUMMARY

"control yourself" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used as a command or instruction to someone to manage or regulate their emotions or behavior. Example: "Before you react, take a deep breath and control yourself. Don't let your anger get the best of you."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Control yourself!

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I said, 'Control yourself, Eddie.

The New York Times - Sports

You can control yourself better.

Independent

His advice to Lochte? "Control yourself.

The Guardian

"Control yourself, proud child," she advises.

The New York Times

You can't control yourself for four hours?

The New York Times

You've got to be able to control yourself".

The Guardian - Tech

Where in the sixties, it was, Don't control yourself!

The New Yorker

You try to control yourself, to be smooth," he writes.

The Guardian - Books

Anger is when you just can't control yourself.

The Guardian

You try to control yourself, to be smooth.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving advice or instructions, "control yourself" can be a direct and effective way to urge someone to manage their emotions or actions, especially in situations where impulsivity could lead to negative consequences.

Common error

While "control yourself" is a common phrase, it can sound too informal or direct in certain professional or academic contexts. Opt for alternatives like "exercise self-control" or "show restraint" to maintain a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "control yourself" functions primarily as an imperative, directly instructing or advising someone to manage their emotions, impulses, or behavior. This is evidenced by Ludwig's examples, where it's often used as a command. According to Ludwig AI, it is often used as a command or instruction to someone to manage or regulate their emotions or behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "control yourself" is a common imperative used to urge self-regulation, as Ludwig AI confirms. Its grammatical function is straightforward, serving as a direct command to manage emotions or behavior. While versatile, it's important to consider the context; more formal settings may benefit from alternatives like "exercise self-control". Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, "control yourself" offers a direct and accessible way to encourage restraint and thoughtful action. Examples from Ludwig highlight its application in diverse scenarios, reinforcing its role in promoting emotional and behavioral management.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

restrain yourself

This alternative emphasizes the act of holding back one's impulses or emotions.

exercise self-control

This alternative highlights the active effort required to manage one's behavior.

keep yourself in check

This alternative suggests maintaining a careful watch over one's actions and reactions.

curb your impulses

This alternative focuses specifically on managing sudden urges or desires.

manage your emotions

This alternative broadens the scope to encompass the regulation of feelings.

keep a lid on it

This is a more informal and idiomatic way to say "control yourself", suggesting suppression of emotions.

get a grip

This is an informal expression urging someone to regain control of their emotions or behavior.

pull yourself together

This alternative suggests recovering from a state of emotional distress or disarray.

behave yourself

This alternative is often used when addressing children, urging them to act appropriately.

show restraint

This alternative emphasizes the demonstration of controlled behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "control yourself" in a sentence?

You can use "control yourself" as a direct imperative, such as "Before you say something you regret, "control yourself" and think about the consequences".

What are some alternatives to "control yourself"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "restrain yourself", "exercise self-control", or "manage your emotions".

When is it appropriate to use "control yourself"?

It's appropriate to use "control yourself" when you want to directly advise or instruct someone to manage their emotions or behavior, particularly in situations where they might be losing composure or acting impulsively.

Is "control yourself" too informal for professional communication?

In some professional contexts, "control yourself" might be perceived as too direct or informal. Consider using more formal alternatives like "exercise self-control" or "show restraint" to maintain a professional tone.