exercise restraint

USAGE SUMMARY

"exercise restraint" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to express not acting or behaving in an impulsive or uncontrolled manner. For example, "It's hard to do, but I'm trying to exercise restraint with my spending habits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Exercise restraint.

The New York Times

All leaders should exercise restraint.

Independent

Companies need to exercise restraint.

The Guardian - Business

Israel must also exercise restraint.

The New York Times

Britain called on China to exercise restraint.

The Guardian

"But we believe the Russians should exercise restraint.

The New York Times

But all in all, South Korea continues to exercise restraint.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, it told the UN it would exercise restraint.

The Economist

We develop teams that can exercise restraint, that understand that our actions have strategic consequences.

Yale University

The US embassy called on all sides to "exercise restraint" and not escalate the violence further.

The Guardian

"The parties concerned should keep calm and exercise restraint," China's deputy permanent representative, Wu Haitao, said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to "exercise restraint", clearly state the specific area where restraint is needed (e.g., spending, speech, aggression).

Common error

Don't let "exercise restraint" be an excuse for complete inaction. Restraint involves careful consideration and measured responses, not necessarily doing nothing at all.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercise restraint" primarily functions as a directive or recommendation. It advises or urges someone to control their actions, emotions, or impulses in a given situation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and frequently used. Examples from Ludwig show its use in political, social, and personal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

18%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exercise restraint" is a commonly used phrase that advises control over one's actions or emotions, particularly in situations where impulsivity could lead to negative outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. The phrase is versatile, appearing in contexts ranging from news reports and formal business communications to academic discussions. While its register is generally neutral, its impact is often significant, aiming to promote stability and prevent escalation. Alternatives include "show self-control", "practice moderation", and "act with caution", each with slightly different nuances. When using the phrase, consider the specific context and the desired outcome to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show self-control

Focuses on the internal ability to control one's actions.

practice moderation

Emphasizes avoiding extremes in behavior.

act with caution

Highlights careful and deliberate actions.

hold back

Suggests suppressing an immediate reaction.

keep a lid on

Implies controlling emotions or actions to prevent escalation.

remain composed

Stresses maintaining a calm demeanor.

temper one's response

Highlights adjusting the intensity of a reaction.

curb impulses

Focuses on suppressing sudden urges.

practice forbearance

Suggests patiently enduring provocation without retaliation.

take a measured approach

Emphasizes a deliberate and thoughtful method.

FAQs

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

You can use "exercise restraint" to advise someone to control their actions or emotions. For instance, "In this tense situation, it's crucial to "exercise restraint" and avoid escalating the conflict."

What are some alternatives to "exercise restraint"?

You can use alternatives like "show self-control", "practice moderation", or "act with caution" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to advise someone to "exercise restraint"?

It's appropriate to advise someone to "exercise restraint" when they are in a situation where their actions or emotions could have negative consequences, such as during a negotiation or in a conflict.

What's the difference between "exercise restraint" and "show indifference"?

"Exercise restraint" implies a conscious effort to control one's reactions, while "show indifference" suggests a lack of concern or interest. Restraint is about controlled action, indifference is about apathy.