exercising restraint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exercising restraint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of controlling one's impulses or actions, often in a context where moderation is required. Example: "In negotiations, exercising restraint can lead to more favorable outcomes for both parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

And Turkey's military leaders need to continue exercising restraint.

The New York Times

He added: "Rwanda is exercising restraint as of now.

The Guardian

Even if she was exercising restraint that was derived from her experience, she should have asked.

The New York Times - Sports

That is why Dean, in exercising restraint, made the better (or less bad) call than Attwell.

The Guardian - Sport

Municipalities must begin exercising restraint and use other tools to foster economic development.

The New York Times

So, to summarize, given the complexity of the causes, the regulatory agencies were likely right in exercising restraint.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

More have exercised restraint.

The New York Times - Magazine

All leaders should exercise restraint.

Independent

Companies need to exercise restraint.

The Guardian - Business

Israel must also exercise restraint.

The New York Times

We have exercised restraint," Mohan says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, specify who is "exercising restraint" and in what context. This will help readers understand the scope and impact of the restraint being practiced.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice in sentences describing "exercising restraint". Instead of saying "Restraint was exercised by the authorities", opt for the more direct and impactful "The authorities exercised restraint".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercising restraint" functions as a verb phrase, typically serving as a predicate in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and describes the action of controlling or limiting one's behavior or actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exercising restraint" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that conveys the act of controlling or limiting one's actions or impulses. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in various contexts, including news, academia, and business. It is particularly relevant in situations where moderation and careful judgment are required. Common alternatives include "showing moderation" and "demonstrating self-control". When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who is "exercising restraint" and the context in which they are doing so. Avoid overusing passive voice to maintain a direct and impactful tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrating self-control

Highlights the internal capacity to manage one's impulses.

holding back

Suggests preventing oneself from doing or saying something.

curbing impulses

Directly addresses the control of sudden urges or desires.

showing moderation

Focuses on the degree of action, implying a balanced approach.

tempering actions

Implies moderating the force or intensity of one's actions.

maintaining composure

Emphasizes keeping calm and collected, especially in a stressful situation.

applying discretion

Suggests using careful judgment to avoid causing offense or revealing private information.

exercising prudence

Involves acting with careful consideration for potential consequences.

practicing abstinence

Implies refraining completely from something, often a desire or habit.

keeping a lid on

An idiomatic expression for suppressing or controlling something.

FAQs

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

You can use "exercising restraint" to describe the act of controlling one's actions or impulses, as in "The diplomat was commended for "exercising restraint" during the tense negotiations".

What are some alternatives to "exercising restraint"?

Alternatives include "showing moderation", "demonstrating self-control", or "applying discretion", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "exercising restraint" or "showing restraint"?

Both "exercising restraint" and "showing restraint" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably, but ""exercising restraint"" often implies a more active and deliberate effort.

In what situations is "exercising restraint" particularly important?

"Exercising restraint" is crucial in situations that require careful judgment and avoidance of escalation, such as in international relations, conflict resolution, and personal interactions where emotions run high.