hold myself back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hold myself back" is a commonly used phrase in written English, and can be used in both literal and figurative senses.
For example, you might say, "I wanted to stand up and shout in the crowd, but I held myself back." In this sentence, the phrase is being used literally - the speaker is physically restraining themselves from taking an action. Alternatively, you might also say, "I had my doubts about starting a business, but I held myself back and took the plunge anyway." Here, the phrase is being used metaphorically - the speaker is taking the initiative and pushing past mental barriers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"I can't hold myself back!" I cried, lunging over him.

The New Yorker

I cannot hold myself back from looking inside".

The New Yorker

I couldn't hold myself back - I bought her five full outfits - but the stuff is amazing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I had to hold myself back and didn't even leave any tyre marks on the road".

The Guardian - Sport

"I've to hold myself back because I've got nothing positive to say about these tyres," he said "I don't understand why we struggled so much on them, and the only positive is that we got some points.

Independent

On the plus side I was beginning to get the hang of hurling myself down the lethal, rocky descents, although that might have had something to do with not having the energy to hold myself back.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"I held myself back from that.

The Guardian - Books

I'm just holding myself back by trying too hard.

The New York Times - Sports

But also I was willing to point out some of my faults on how I was holding myself back.

The New York Times

I'm not holding myself back by staying at the baseline".

The New York Times - Sports

I was holding myself back and, in the process, slowing the progress of the LGBT movement.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hold myself back" to describe a conscious effort to restrain oneself from acting on an impulse or emotion. Ensure the context makes it clear what you are restraining yourself from.

Common error

Avoid using "hold myself back" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language with synonyms like "restrain myself" or "inhibit myself" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold myself back" primarily functions as a reflexive verb phrase, indicating a deliberate action of self-restraint. As seen in Ludwig examples, this involves consciously preventing oneself from acting on an impulse or expressing a feeling.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hold myself back" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of consciously restraining oneself. Ludwig AI confirms this, indicating its usage in both literal and figurative contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase serves to convey self-control or restraint. Related phrases include "restrain myself" and "inhibit myself", offering nuanced alternatives. When writing, aim for clarity in expressing what you are restraining yourself from and avoid overuse. This is a versatile phrase applicable across various registers, though it is most frequently observed in journalistic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

restrain myself

Focuses on the act of consciously controlling one's actions or emotions.

inhibit myself

Highlights the suppression of natural impulses or behaviors.

control myself

Emphasizes the exertion of willpower to manage one's conduct.

keep myself in check

Suggests monitoring one's behavior to avoid overreaction or inappropriate actions.

curb my enthusiasm

Specifically refers to reducing excitement or eagerness.

temper my response

Implies moderating one's reaction to a situation or stimulus.

bite my tongue

Indicates refraining from speaking, often to avoid conflict or saying something regrettable.

suppress my feelings

Focuses on concealing or stifling emotions.

keep a lid on it

An informal way of saying to keep something under control or secret.

bottle up my emotions

Suggests keeping emotions inside, often leading to potential negative consequences.

FAQs

What does "hold myself back" mean?

The phrase "hold myself back" means to consciously restrain oneself from doing or saying something, often due to social norms, potential consequences, or personal reasons.

How can I use "hold myself back" in a sentence?

You can use "hold myself back" in a sentence to express restraint, such as, "I wanted to argue, but I decided to "hold myself back" to avoid a conflict."

What can I say instead of "hold myself back"?

You can use alternatives like "restrain myself", "control myself", or "inhibit myself" depending on the context.

Is it better to "hold myself back" or express my feelings?

Whether to ""hold myself back"" or express your feelings depends on the situation. Consider the potential impact of your words and actions on yourself and others, and choose the response that is most constructive and appropriate.