exercise patience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'exercise patience' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to encourage someone to remain calm and resist the urge to act rashly. For example, you might say, "In this situation, it's best to exercise patience instead of rushing in without a plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Exercise patience and let them talk it out.

The Guardian

And the method may increase a person's ability to exercise patience.

University of California, Berkeley

To try extra hard to exercise patience, politeness, and imagination on those with whom I disagree.

The New Yorker

Their experience shows the need to use experts and exercise patience.

Independent

What has your father taught you about leadership? A. How to exercise patience.

The New York Times

He recommended that passengers call ahead, check United's Web site and "exercise patience".

The New York Times

"It's hard to exercise patience, but that is what is needed," she says.

MIT Technology Review

Like a good point guard, he has learned to exercise patience, call the right plays and often orchestrate a comeback.

The New York Times

Those employing Mr. Barber need to exercise patience and calm not usually found among the soon-to-be-married.

The New York Times - Style

Perhaps its most powerful symbol was Ban Ki Moon urging those who have lost everything to exercise patience.

The Guardian - Opinion

No community can exercise patience, something that nonviolent resistance demands, in the face of young men killing themselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exercise patience", consider the specific context. In situations involving negotiations or conflict resolution, it emphasizes the importance of allowing time for dialogue and understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "exercise patience" as an excuse for inaction when decisive action is required. It's a call for measured response, not avoidance of responsibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercise patience" functions as a directive or recommendation, often used to advise or encourage someone to remain calm and avoid rash decisions. Ludwig provides many examples where this phrase is used in contexts requiring careful consideration and restraint.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Wiki

9%

Unknown

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exercise patience" is a common and grammatically sound expression, primarily used to encourage restraint and careful consideration in decision-making. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability across contexts ranging from news and media to academic and scientific discussions. While synonyms such as "show forbearance" or "demonstrate composure" offer subtle variations in meaning, the core message remains consistent: a call for measured action. Remember to avoid misinterpreting "exercise patience" as an excuse for inaction, ensuring it promotes thoughtful engagement rather than passive avoidance. As Ludwig's examples demonstrate, this phrase is a valuable tool for promoting calm and reasoned discourse in various aspects of life.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show forbearance

Focuses on restraining from acting, especially in the face of provocation.

demonstrate composure

Highlights maintaining a calm and controlled demeanor.

maintain self-control

Emphasizes the act of restraining one's own impulses.

practice restraint

Suggests a deliberate effort to control one's actions or emotions.

cultivate equanimity

Implies a development of mental calmness, especially in a difficult situation; more formal.

keep your cool

An informal way of advising someone to remain calm.

hold your horses

An idiomatic expression meaning to delay action or decision.

take a deep breath

Suggests pausing to calm down before reacting; often used in stressful situations.

play the waiting game

Implies a strategic approach where success depends on waiting.

adopt a wait-and-see approach

Suggests observing the situation before making a decision.

FAQs

How can I use "exercise patience" in a sentence?

You can use "exercise patience" to advise someone to remain calm and not rush into a decision. For example, "In negotiations, it's crucial to "exercise patience" and hear all perspectives before making a decision."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "exercise patience"?

Alternatives include "show forbearance", "demonstrate composure", or "maintain self-control", each with slight nuances in meaning.

Is it better to "exercise patience" or "be patient"?

"Exercise patience" implies a conscious and active effort to remain calm, whereas "be patient" is a more general state of mind. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the effort involved.

When is it not appropriate to "exercise patience"?

It's inappropriate to "exercise patience" when immediate action is required to prevent harm or injustice. There are times when decisive action is more important than waiting.