i restrained myself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'i restrained myself' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where you showed great self-control in a tough or difficult situation. For example, "I was so angry at him but I restrained myself and didn't say anything."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 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

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

The Guardian - Film

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

The New York Times

I restrained myself for an obligatory minute or two before approaching.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 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

(I restrain myself greatly). I don't know that anyone but her inner circle knows who Nicki Minaj really is.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "i restrained myself" to highlight a deliberate effort to control an immediate impulse or reaction. It's particularly effective when describing a situation where the urge to act was strong.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "i restrained myself" in casual conversation might sound overly formal or stilted. Consider simpler alternatives like "i held back" or "i didn't say anything" for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i restrained myself" functions as a statement of self-control. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a situation where the speaker consciously held back from acting on an impulse or urge. The examples in Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts, from refraining from speaking to resisting a purchase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "i restrained myself" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe the act of consciously controlling one's actions or emotions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media. While "i held back" serves as a more informal alternative, phrases like "i exercised self-control" or "i showed restraint" may be more appropriate depending on the situation's formality. Keep in mind that, while correct, overly frequent use in casual settings might sound unnatural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i held back

This alternative is less specific about the effort involved in controlling oneself.

i exercised self-control

This alternative emphasizes the deliberate and conscious act of controlling one's actions or emotions.

i showed restraint

This alternative focuses on the demonstration of controlled behavior, especially in public.

i bit my tongue

This idiom specifically refers to refraining from speaking, often to avoid saying something regrettable.

i kept my cool

This alternative focuses on maintaining composure and avoiding anger or panic.

i refrained from

This is a more formal way of saying someone avoided doing something.

i suppressed my urge

This alternative emphasizes the active effort to prevent an impulse from being acted upon.

i checked myself

This suggests a quick, corrective action to regain control of one's behavior.

i mastered my emotions

This implies a high degree of control over one's feelings, often in a challenging situation.

i desisted

This is a formal and somewhat archaic term for ceasing to do something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "i restrained myself" is used to indicate that you deliberately controlled your actions or words, often in a situation where you felt a strong urge to do otherwise. For example, "I wanted to argue, but "i restrained myself"."

What can I say instead of "i restrained myself"?

You can use alternatives like "i held back", "i showed restraint", or "i controlled myself" depending on the context.

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

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "I restrained myself" suggests holding back a specific impulse, while "i controlled myself" indicates a more general act of self-control.

What is the difference between "i restrained myself" and "i suppressed my feelings"?

"I restrained myself" typically refers to controlling an action or immediate response, whereas "i suppressed my feelings" means to consciously hold back or hide emotions, which may not always involve an outward action. They can be used in similar contexts but emphasize different aspects of self-control.