gain composure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gain composure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of calming oneself or regaining control over one's emotions or reactions, often after a stressful or overwhelming situation. Example: "After a few deep breaths, she was able to gain composure and continue with her presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I tried to gain composure and looked at my mom through the tears in my eyes.

Huffington Post

Gain composure over yourself.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Stumbling toward a chair, she gains composure, fumbles for another cigarette and waits for an imaginary beau to light it, engaging in small talk with him while she waits.

The New York Times

Gaining composure and asserting yourself on the stage is vital and you can afford five seconds to avoid the impression of a manic hyena, before you launch into your winning pitch.

TechCrunch

I pulled her into myself, holding her, letting her cry, letting her feel the fullness of being wrong, but having a mama who loved her anyway, loved her enough to expect the best from her. "I'm sorry, Mama," she whispered, gaining composure.

Huffington Post

No matter what the upset is, do not act until you have gained calm and composure.

Huffington Post

"And I know what it is about," he said, tearing up and pausing in an attempt to gain his composure.

The New York Times

Her testimony, which was graphic at times, came in fits and starts, interrupted as she sought to gain her composure.

The New York Times

QUOTABLE "Now that I have had time to gain my composure I can see that while I don't agree with the unfair line call, in the heat of battle I let my passion and emotion get the better of me and as a result handled the situation poorly," Williams said in a news release.

The New York Times - Sports

I was shocked, and somehow managed to gain enough composure to articulate my disbelief.

Huffington Post

Arrive early so that you have plenty of time to gain your composure, review your notes, and catch your breath before you speak.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gain composure" when you want to emphasize the process of actively achieving a state of calmness and self-control, particularly after experiencing a moment of stress, shock, or emotional upheaval. It suggests a deliberate effort to regain balance.

Common error

Avoid using "gain composure" when the situation requires more than just calming down. If active problem-solving or addressing the root cause of the distress is needed, focus on actions rather than just achieving a calm state. For example, instead of simply "gaining composure" after a mistake, focus on correcting it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gain composure" functions as a verb phrase, where "gain" is the main verb indicating the action of acquiring something, and "composure" is a noun representing a state of calmness and self-control. As confirmed by Ludwig, it describes the process of attaining calmness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gain composure" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase used to describe the act of becoming calm and self-controlled, as stated by Ludwig AI. While not extremely common, it appears across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When writing, focus on scenarios where there's a deliberate effort to regain calmness after a disturbance and consider more active alternatives if simply staying calm is not enough. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is adaptable to both formal and informal contexts, providing a versatile option for conveying emotional self-regulation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regain one's composure

Focuses more on the act of recovering from a state of agitation or loss of control.

compose oneself

A more formal alternative that suggests a deliberate effort to achieve a calm state.

collect oneself

Emphasizes the process of gathering one's thoughts and feelings to restore order.

pull oneself together

Highlights the effort involved in overcoming emotional distress or disarray.

get a grip

An idiomatic expression suggesting a firmer control over one's emotions or situation.

calm down

A more direct and simple way of expressing the act of becoming less agitated or excited.

master one's emotions

Emphasizes the control one has over their emotional state.

recover equilibrium

Focuses on restoring balance after a disturbance.

find inner peace

Highlights the achievement of a state of calmness and tranquility.

sober up

Implies a return to a more serious or controlled state of mind, often after a period of heightened emotion.

FAQs

How can I use "gain composure" in a sentence?

You can use "gain composure" when referring to the act of calming oneself or regaining control over one's emotions. For instance, "After the unexpected announcement, it took him a moment to "gain composure" before he could speak."

What are some alternatives to "gain composure"?

Some alternatives to "gain composure" include "regain one's composure", "collect oneself", or "calm down". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "gain composure" or "regain composure"?

Both "gain composure" and "regain composure" are correct. "Gain composure" implies initially achieving a calm state, while "regain composure" suggests returning to a previously calm state after a disturbance.

In what situations is it most suitable to use the phrase "gain composure"?

The phrase "gain composure" is most suitable when describing the conscious effort to control and stabilize one's emotions or reactions, particularly in stressful or surprising situations. It emphasizes the act of finding inner calm and control.