exercise more restraint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exercise more restraint" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to be more cautious or to control their impulses in a given situation. Example: "In discussions about sensitive topics, it's important to exercise more restraint to avoid escalating tensions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Without Cablevision's corporate largesse, the Knicks could be forced to exercise more restraint.

The New York Times

If she wants to steer chic twentysomething Muscovites away from Zara, she will need to exercise more restraint on the accessories front.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I am really disappointed that people who make these decisions don't exercise more restraint when covering an issue that causes such distress".

The Guardian

India should now move quickly to sign the nuclear test ban treaty, which Mr. Vajpayee has promised, and to exercise more restraint on the deployment of missiles and production of fissile materials, since failure to do so will not only provoke Pakistan but raise anxiety in Beijing.

The New York Times

If tax cuts are hard to reverse for political or economic reasons, it is easy to see that they exercise more restraint on future government spending.

Johns Hopkins University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The prime minister might have exercised more restraint, but many people would have exercised far less.

The Guardian - Opinion

There are also suggestions that Iran may be exercising more restraint.

The New York Times

But in the games since then, Backes has exercised more restraint.

The New York Times - Sports

The police were widely criticized for violently suppressing protests by the coalition earlier this year, but appeared to be exercising more restraint on Saturday.

The New York Times

Kenyan officials have not commented, but more eyes are turning to a possible row between the police and the army, with some Western officials saying police officers had exercised more restraint in the early hours of the rescue effort.

The New York Times

Judge Rakoff posed his own question to Mr. Trott for the jury's sake, exercising more restraint in his description: "Is he a very large and well-known investor?" "Yes," Mr. Trott acknowledged.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing feedback, "exercise more restraint" by focusing on specific behaviors rather than making general judgments about character.

Common error

Avoid excessive apologizing when you need to "exercise more restraint". Instead, clearly state your boundaries or expectations without unnecessary softening language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercise more restraint" functions as a directive, urging someone to exhibit greater control over their actions, emotions, or expressions. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English when advising caution or impulse control.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exercise more restraint" is a grammatically correct phrase used to advise moderation and self-control. Ludwig AI confirms its valid usage in English, particularly when advocating caution in sensitive situations. It's commonly found in news media and academic writing, denoting a neutral to formal register. While it's not extremely common, understanding its usage can help writers provide constructive feedback or set clear boundaries effectively. Related phrases include "show greater self-control" and "practice more moderation", offering alternative ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show greater self-control

Focuses on internal control rather than external actions.

practice more moderation

Emphasizes balance and avoidance of extremes.

demonstrate greater prudence

Highlights wisdom and carefulness in decision-making.

exhibit increased temperance

Implies a conscious effort to control impulses and desires.

adopt a more cautious approach

Suggests a deliberate change in strategy to avoid risks.

apply greater circumspection

Focuses on being watchful and discreet in actions and speech.

employ more discretion

Highlights the use of good judgment and sensitivity.

curb one's impulses

Directly addresses the control of sudden urges.

hold back

A simple, direct way to say to limit one's actions or words.

keep a lid on

Suggests suppressing or controlling something that could escalate.

FAQs

How can I use "exercise more restraint" in a sentence?

You can use "exercise more restraint" to advise someone to control their actions or emotions in a specific situation. For instance, "In negotiations, it's wise to "exercise more restraint" to avoid revealing your bottom line too early".

What are some alternatives to saying "exercise more restraint"?

Alternatives include "show greater self-control", "practice more moderation", or "demonstrate greater prudence", depending on the context.

Is it better to "exercise restraint" or "show restraint"?

Both "exercise restraint" and "show restraint" are correct, but "exercise restraint" implies a more active and conscious effort to control oneself. "Show restraint" can suggest a more passive demonstration of control.

What's the difference between "exercise more restraint" and "exercise more caution"?

"Exercise more restraint" focuses on controlling one's impulses or actions, while "exercise more caution" suggests being more careful and avoiding risks. Restraint is about self-control, while caution is about avoiding danger.