i restrain myself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I restrain myself" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that you have the discipline and willpower to resist doing something that you know would be wrong or unwise. For example, "Whenever I'm tempted to make an impulsive purchase, I restrain myself and wait before making the decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

I restrain myself.

The New Yorker

Why did I restrain myself?

The New Yorker

I restrain myself from telling Claire this.

The Guardian - Books

Mostly I restrain myself from talking about it.

The Guardian

But I restrain myself now because I want to tackle another topic that is more pertinent to the UK.

The Guardian

Here's where I restrain myself from pontificating about the homogenization of American culture.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

I restrained myself.

The New Yorker

But I restrained myself.

The New York Times - Style

Of course, I restrained myself, the press preferring high seriousness.

The New Yorker

I restrained myself, but with hindsight I would have had no shame at suffering thelegal consequences.

The New York Times

But all that blood!, I restrained myself from sputtering as they passed.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "i restrain myself", ensure the context clearly indicates what action or expression you are consciously holding back from. For example, "I restrain myself from interrupting when others are speaking" provides a clear understanding of the situation.

Common error

While "restrain" is a valid word, consider using less formal alternatives like "hold back" or "control" in casual conversations. Overusing "restrain" can make your speech sound overly formal or stilted in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i restrain myself" functions as an intransitive verb phrase where the subject ("i") performs the action of restraining upon themselves. It indicates a conscious effort to control or hold back one's own impulses, actions, or expressions, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "i restrain myself" is a grammatically correct expression used to convey the act of consciously holding back one's actions or expressions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and indicates its common usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While not overly formal, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. When choosing this phrase, ensure clarity in the context of what you are holding back from, and consider less formal alternatives like "hold back" in casual settings. This comprehensive analysis provides a solid understanding of how to effectively use "i restrain myself" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i hold back

This alternative uses a more general verb phrase to indicate a similar action of preventing oneself from doing something.

i control myself

This phrase emphasizes the aspect of self-control and discipline in preventing oneself from acting on an impulse.

i abstain

This option implies a deliberate choice to refrain from something, often with moral or ethical considerations.

i forbear

This word choice suggests a more formal and conscious act of refraining, often implying patience and tolerance.

i keep myself in check

This expression highlights the active effort of monitoring and managing one's behavior.

i suppress my feelings

This variant focuses specifically on the act of holding back emotional expressions.

i bite my tongue

This idiom means to avoid saying something that might be offensive or inappropriate.

i avoid saying

This one means the user is stopping themselves from saying something.

i hold my horses

This idiomatic expression urges patience and restraint before taking action.

i keep a lid on it

This informal phrase indicates an effort to keep something, usually emotions or information, under control.

FAQs

How can I use "i restrain myself" in a sentence?

You can use "i restrain myself" to indicate that you are consciously holding back from doing or saying something. For example, "I wanted to argue, but I restrained myself from saying anything."

What phrases are similar to "i restrain myself"?

Alternatives to "i restrain myself" include "i hold back", "i control myself", or "i bite my tongue", each carrying a slightly different nuance.

Is it better to say "i restrain myself" or "i controlled myself"?

The choice between "i restrain myself" and "i controlled myself" depends on the tense. "I restrain myself" implies a present, ongoing effort to hold back, while "i controlled myself" indicates a past instance of doing so.

What's the difference between "i restrain myself" and "i limit myself"?

While both phrases suggest self-imposed boundaries, "i restrain myself" typically refers to holding back from a specific action or expression, whereas "i limit myself" usually implies setting broader restrictions on one's activities or choices.