exercising self-control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exercising self-control" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of managing one's impulses, emotions, or behaviors in various contexts, such as personal development or decision-making. Example: "In order to achieve his goals, he focused on exercising self-control during moments of temptation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Mentally, we're already living in Jeremy Bentham's panopticon: we are exercising self-control, because we might be watched.

The New York Times

There is a large body of evidence showing that exercising self-control, doing "good" things (such as practising golf all day from infancy) leads to "ego-depletion".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Urban civilization and machinofacture depend increasingly on the population exercising self-control, both physical and mental; the replacement of animal strength by industrial power has meant that there are increasingly fewer occasions when workers in any industry can go "all out" physically. . . .

The New Yorker

The bigoted treatment that people with obesity face every day stems directly from a widespread public misperception that one can choose not to be obese merely by exercising self-control, a misperception completely at odds with the overwhelming body of current scientific evidence.

The New York Times

Substantial evidence from psychology suggests that resisting temptation (exercising self-control) in one domain subsequently reduces one's capacity to regulate behavior in other domains.

Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization

Because the members of this minority participate in a democratic process characterized by majority rule, they might be said to be free on the grounds that they are members of a society exercising self-control over its own affairs.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the development of personal habits, use "exercising self-control" to highlight the active effort involved in managing impulses.

Common error

Avoid using "exercising self-control" in contexts where the behavior has become automatic or habitual. The phrase implies an active and ongoing effort, which may not always be accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercising self-control" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English. It describes the action of actively managing and regulating one's own impulses, emotions, and behaviors.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exercising self-control" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that describes the act of actively managing one's impulses and behaviors. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, carrying a neutral to slightly formal tone. To enhance your writing, consider using related phrases such as "practicing self-restraint" or "demonstrating willpower", depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey. When using the phrase, remember that it implies an active and ongoing effort, making it less suitable for describing habitual behaviors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

practicing self-restraint

Focuses on the act of restraining oneself, emphasizing the suppression of impulses.

demonstrating willpower

Highlights the strength of will required to control one's actions.

showing discipline

Emphasizes adherence to rules and order in one's behavior.

regulating one's behavior

Focuses on the act of managing and adjusting one's actions.

inhibiting impulses

Highlights the suppression of spontaneous urges.

managing one's emotions

Focuses specifically on controlling emotional responses.

applying restraint

Emphasizes the application of controlled behavior.

controlling one's actions

Directly addresses the management of physical actions.

maintaining composure

Focuses on preserving a calm and controlled demeanor.

holding oneself back

Highlights the act of preventing oneself from acting on an impulse.

FAQs

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

You can use "exercising self-control" to describe the act of managing one's impulses or desires. For example, "Exercising self-control is crucial for achieving long-term goals".

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

Alternatives include "practicing self-restraint", "demonstrating willpower", or "showing discipline", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "practicing self-control" instead of "exercising self-control"?

Both "exercising self-control" and "practicing self-control" are grammatically correct and widely used. The choice depends on the desired emphasis; "exercising" suggests an active application, while "practicing" implies ongoing development.

What does it mean to be "exercising self-control"?

To be "exercising self-control" means you are actively managing your impulses, emotions, or desires to align with your goals or values. It involves resisting temptations and making conscious choices that support your long-term well-being.