exercise restraint with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exercise restraint with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to control their actions or emotions in a particular situation. Example: "During negotiations, it is important to exercise restraint with your emotions to maintain a professional atmosphere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Kayani said he was going to exercise restraint with India, but would respond to an Indian attack.

The Guardian

Although the prelates reaffirmed a resolution that had been passed at the 2006 convention calling on church officials to "exercise restraint" with regard to such matters, conservatives in the Anglican Communion were not satisfied.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Accounts from witnesses indicate that the rebels exercised restraint, with only a very small number of white men were killed.

Wikipedia

Although there have been moments where police have exercised restraint with protesters, there have been other instances where law enforcement used excessive force.

Huffington Post

The navy had promised to exercise restraint in dealing with the flotilla, and the bloodshed involved in the operation will inevitably leave Israel open to charges of excessive force.

The Guardian

"We urge the Brazilian authorities to exercise restraint in dealing with spreading social protests in the country, and also call on demonstrators not to resort to acts of violence in pursuit of their demands," said a spokesman for the High Commissioner.

BBC

If I possess insurmountable power, why should I exercise restraint in dealing with the powerless?" Absolutely binding moral presuppositions -- e.g., "no one's freedom entitles them to harm others" -- undergird even our most open-ended moral claims.

Huffington Post

Kayani said he was determined to exercise restraint in his actions with India.

The Guardian

He called on the police to exercise restraint as they dealt with the rioters.

The New York Times

Six weeks after the attack Pakistan's army chief, General Ashfaq Kayani, said he was "determined to exercise restraint in his actions with India".

The Guardian

A spokeswoman for the US State Department said launching the flights would be "inconsistent with the region's commitments to exercise restraint from actions that could complicate or escalate disputes".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exercise restraint with", ensure the context clearly indicates what or who the restraint is being applied to. For example, "exercise restraint with criticism" provides better clarity than just "exercise restraint".

Common error

Avoid vagueness by explicitly stating the area where restraint is needed. Saying "exercise restraint" without specifying the 'with' component can leave the reader wondering where caution should be applied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercise restraint with" functions as a directive, advising or recommending the application of self-control or moderation in relation to a specific thing, person, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and conveys a clear meaning.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exercise restraint with" is a grammatically correct and semantically valid expression used to advocate for moderation or caution in particular situations. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While relatively rare, its appearance in news media, encyclopedias, and wiki contexts highlights its relevance across different domains. When using the phrase, it's vital to clearly specify the object or situation where restraint is advised to avoid ambiguity and ensure effective communication. Alternatives such as "show moderation toward" or "practice self-control with" can be employed for variety while maintaining the core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show moderation toward

Replaces "exercise restraint" with "show moderation", focusing on demonstrating moderate behavior towards something.

practice self-control with

Emphasizes personal control and discipline in dealing with a particular thing or person.

demonstrate temperance with

Highlights the act of showing temperance or moderation specifically when interacting with someone or something.

use discretion regarding

Shifts the focus to using careful judgment and avoiding causing offense or revealing private information about someone.

act with prudence concerning

Focuses on acting carefully and thoughtfully to avoid risks or negative consequences related to a particular subject.

apply judiciousness toward

Highlights the application of sound judgment and careful decision-making when dealing with someone or something.

maintain composure around

Emphasizes staying calm and in control of one's emotions when in the presence of or dealing with a specific person or situation.

keep a tight rein on

Uses a metaphor to suggest maintaining firm control and limiting the actions or behavior related to something.

curb impulses concerning

Focuses on suppressing or restraining sudden desires or urges in relation to a particular topic or person.

hold back regarding

Indicates a conscious effort to refrain from taking action or expressing opinions on a particular matter.

FAQs

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

Use "exercise restraint with" to advise caution or moderation in specific interactions. For example, "It's crucial to exercise restraint with sensitive topics" or "The negotiator must exercise restraint with aggressive demands".

What's a good alternative to "exercise restraint with"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "show moderation toward", "practice self-control with", or "use discretion regarding".

What does it mean to "exercise restraint with" something?

To "exercise restraint with" something means to control your actions or emotions, or to limit your behavior, especially to avoid causing problems or offense. It implies a conscious effort to moderate your approach.

Is it better to say "exercise restraint" or "exercise restraint with"?

While "exercise restraint" is grammatically correct, adding "with" clarifies the object or area where the restraint is being applied. For example, "exercise restraint with your spending" is more specific and informative.