exercise self-control

USAGE SUMMARY

'exercise self-control' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to express advice, to describe a situation, or to emphasize the importance of controlling oneself. For example: "When faced with difficult decisions, it is important to exercise self-control."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Smash up your computer or exercise self-control and concentrate on playing well?

The Guardian - Opinion

You don't even try to exercise self-control because you're so obviously right.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Hadn't previous studies found restraint in one area makes it more difficult to exercise self-control in another?

The Guardian - Tech

Well, sometimes I "find" another $100 and keep going, but the method forces me to exercise self-control.

The New York Times - Magazine

Nasrallah's phone call also painted him as a statesman who called on all communities to exercise self-control.

The Guardian - Opinion

What's not changed is the fact that some people cannot exercise self-control and end up destroying their own lives.

Independent

In fact, self-regulation — the ability to exercise self-control and delay immediate rewards for future benefits — explained seventy per cent of the observed procrastination behaviors.

The New Yorker

What underlies these moral traits is the ability to put something else ahead of your own immediate desires and interests — to exercise self-control.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

We could, instead, try having some more faith in young men – they are, in fact, fully-formed humans with the capacity to exercise self control.

The Guardian - Opinion

Take deep breaths, exercise self control, and change topics.

Huffington Post

I take great pride in me being able to exercise self control, and what I did was inexcusable.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the importance of "exercise self-control", provide specific examples of situations where it is beneficial, such as managing finances, maintaining healthy habits, or navigating interpersonal conflicts.

Common error

Avoid implying that "exercise self-control" means suppressing emotions entirely. Instead, emphasize that it involves managing and channeling emotions in a healthy, constructive manner, rather than simply ignoring them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercise self-control" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, often used in an imperative or descriptive context. It describes the action of exerting control over one's impulses, emotions, or desires. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exercise self-control" is a common and grammatically sound expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, used to describe the act of managing one's impulses and emotions. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science and Academia, it serves to advise, encourage, or emphasize restraint, particularly in situations demanding discipline. While alternatives like "practice self-discipline" and "exert self-restraint" exist, "exercise self-control" maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. Remember that "exercise self-control" should not be mistaken for emotional suppression, but rather for the healthy management of feelings. Understanding its proper usage can significantly enhance clarity and impact in both writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

practice self-discipline

Focuses on the conscious effort to adhere to rules and standards.

exert self-restraint

Emphasizes the act of holding oneself back from impulses.

demonstrate self-mastery

Highlights the achievement of controlling one's desires and emotions.

show restraint

A more concise way to express the act of controlling one's actions or emotions.

maintain composure

Implies keeping a calm and controlled demeanor, especially in stressful situations.

keep a lid on

Informal way to say to keep something under control.

control impulses

Focuses specifically on managing sudden urges or desires.

govern oneself

Implies a broader sense of managing one's behavior and actions.

regulate emotions

Specifically refers to managing and controlling one's emotional responses.

temper desires

Suggests moderating or reducing the intensity of one's desires.

FAQs

How can I use "exercise self-control" in a sentence?

You can use "exercise self-control" to describe the act of restraining one's impulses or emotions. For example, "It's important to "exercise self-control" when dealing with stressful situations."

What is a good substitute for "exercise self-control"?

Alternatives to "exercise self-control" include "practice self-discipline", "exert self-restraint", or "demonstrate self-mastery", each offering a slightly different nuance.

What's the difference between "exercise self-control" and "suppress emotions"?

"Exercise self-control" involves managing emotions constructively, while "suppress emotions" implies completely ignoring or stifling them. The former is a healthy coping mechanism, while the latter can be detrimental in the long run.

In what situations is it important to "exercise self-control"?

It's important to "exercise self-control" in various situations, such as managing finances, maintaining healthy habits, navigating interpersonal conflicts, or resisting temptations.