great self-control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great self-control" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who exhibits a high level of discipline or restraint in their actions or emotions. Example: "Her ability to resist temptation and stick to her diet shows great self-control."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"It went to me," Sally said, with flat disappointment but great self-control.

The New Yorker

Because of this vicious cycle, even people with great self-control in the rest of their lives can have a terrible time remaining slim.

The New York Times

Those with great self-control might just sneak in a mains-only evening meal at the award-winning Curry Fever (139 Belgrave Road, [phone]; thecurryfever.co.uk) or Ashoka (257 Melton Road, [phone]) - which has interesting things like tandoori trout on the menu - for around £10-a-head.

The Guardian - Travel

Mr Carter-Stephenson said the Chelsea player was a "truthful witness" and added: "Mr Terry is a man with very considerable mental strength, and great self-control.

BBC

People see Nicky and are impressed with her great self-control, or willpower.

Vice

Alexander accumulated a harem in the style of Persian kings, but he used it rather sparingly; showing great self-control in "pleasures of the body".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The online world, she argues, may require students to exercise much greater self-control than a physical book.

The New Yorker

So in a second experiment Dr van Vugt tried to determine whether it is because greenery inspires greater self-control.

The Economist

After several weeks, the students were more resistant to ego depletion in the lab and showed greater self-control in their lives.

The New York Times - Books

Early on, Trump had greater self-control than he had as a candidate, but he couldn't quite crack the likability factor and, maybe, he didn't want to.

The New Yorker

When such infants experienced mutually synchronous mother-infant interaction, however, they displayed greater self-control than did children manifesting much less negativity as infants.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "great self-control" to showcase a character's inner strength in literature, highlighting their ability to overcome temptations or difficult circumstances.

Common error

While "great self-control" is perfectly acceptable, using it too frequently can sound overly formal or repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using alternatives like "strong willpower" or "remarkable discipline" to keep your writing engaging and natural, especially in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great self-control" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or preposition to describe the quality of possessing a high degree of restraint or discipline. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

30%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "great self-control" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe a high level of discipline and restraint. Ludwig AI confirms that it functions primarily as a noun phrase and is most frequently found in News & Media, Science and Wiki sources. While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, be mindful of overusing it and consider alternatives like "strong willpower" or "remarkable discipline" for variety. Use "great self-control" to highlight admirable qualities of composure and emotional regulation, while avoiding overuse in overly casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkable self-discipline

Emphasizes discipline as a key aspect of self-control.

immense willpower

Highlights the strength of will required for self-control.

considerable restraint

Focuses on the act of holding back impulses or emotions.

strong emotional regulation

Highlights the ability to manage one's emotions effectively.

exemplary self-discipline

Indicates an outstanding level of discipline.

superior self-governance

Emphasizes the ability to control one's own actions and behavior.

notable temperance

Stresses moderation and avoidance of excess.

admirable composure

Highlights the ability to remain calm and collected, especially in challenging situations.

impressive self-command

Focuses on the ability to control one's actions and behavior effectively.

effective impulse control

Highlights the ability to resist impulsive behaviors.

FAQs

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

You can use "great self-control" to describe someone who demonstrates a strong ability to regulate their emotions and actions. For instance, "Despite the provocation, she showed "great self-control" and remained calm."

What are some synonyms for "great self-control"?

Alternatives to "great self-control" include "strong willpower", "remarkable discipline", and "considerable restraint". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "great self-control" formal or informal?

"Great self-control" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very casual settings, you might prefer more colloquial alternatives like "staying cool" or "keeping it together."

What's the difference between "great self-control" and "greater self-control"?

"Great self-control" describes a high degree of self-restraint. "Greater self-control" implies an increase or improvement in one's ability to regulate their actions and emotions over time or in comparison to a previous state.