keep your temper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep your temper" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used as a piece of advice or a reminder for someone to stay calm and not become angry or lose control of their emotions. Example: "During arguments with your spouse, it's important to keep your temper and avoid saying things you might regret later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

He advises Alice to "Keep your temper".

The New York Times

Do try to keep your temper.

The Guardian - Film

Keep your temper, my boys, keep you temper.

The Guardian - Books

Here, such an approach (even if you keep your temper in check) might be greeted with polite dismissal.

The New York Times

Competitive sports, Hamer says, can teach you how to keep your temper and how to respect others: "It helps students become good people who can contribute to the community in a variety of ways, whether that is in leadership roles or supporting others.

The Guardian

Remember not to mind about being told about your physical "shortcomings" to your face and to keep your temper when asked if you have ever worked on camera by someone half your age who doesn't seem to understand the letters "BBC" on your CV.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

This will keep your tempers in check and avoid a fight that will have a negative impact on your kids.

WikiHow

That said, it's important to keep your expectations tempered when it comes to Android 4.2 — it's rather telling that Google thought it substantive enough to get a decent version number bump but not enough to garner a new dessert-themed codename.

TechCrunch

"Remember you have a right not to agree with the draft board, but do not lose your temper, keep your voice quiet, just stick a copy of the law under their noses," she said.

The New York Times

They distributed more than 100,000 posters in black sections of the city, which read "Keep Your Heads and Your Tempers!... Treat other people as you would be treated".

Wikipedia

This will help you keep your sanity and control your temper.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving advice, use "keep your temper" to encourage someone to remain calm in a difficult situation. It is a direct and easily understood expression.

Common error

Avoid substituting "temper" with "temperature". "Temper" refers to one's emotional state, while "temperature" refers to how hot or cold something is. For example, you wouldn't say "keep your temperature low during an argument"; instead, use "keep your temper".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep your temper" functions primarily as an imperative, offering advice or a command to maintain emotional control. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

38%

News & Media

35%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep your temper" is a common and grammatically sound piece of advice, as affirmed by Ludwig. It encourages emotional control and is particularly useful in stressful or confrontational situations. While the expression is versatile, it's important to consider the context, differentiating it from similar phrases like "stay calm" or "control your anger". Ludwig's examples showcase its usage across various platforms, including news media and instructional guides, highlighting its relevance in both personal and professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

control your anger

Focuses on managing the feeling of anger itself.

keep a cool head

Highlights the importance of remaining rational and composed under pressure.

stay calm

Emphasizes maintaining a state of calmness, avoiding agitation.

don't lose your cool

Warns against becoming agitated or losing composure.

hold your horses

An idiomatic expression suggesting to slow down and not get overly excited or angry.

restrain yourself

Highlights the act of actively preventing oneself from acting out in anger.

manage your emotions

Suggests a broader approach to regulating feelings, including anger.

exercise patience

Promotes tolerance and the ability to endure provocation without getting angry.

practice self-restraint

Stresses the need for disciplined control over one's actions and reactions.

take a deep breath

Suggests a method for calming oneself when feeling angered.

FAQs

How can I use "keep your temper" in a sentence?

Use "keep your temper" to advise someone to stay calm and avoid getting angry, especially in stressful situations. For example, "It's important to keep your temper during negotiations to achieve the best outcome."

What are some alternative phrases to "keep your temper"?

Alternatives include "stay calm", "control your anger", or "hold your horses". The best choice depends on the specific context and level of formality.

Is it better to say "keep your temper" or "control your temper"?

Both "keep your temper" and "control your temper" are acceptable, but "keep your temper" is more idiomatic. "Control your temper" might sound slightly more formal or clinical.

In what situations is it most important to "keep your temper"?

It's crucial to "keep your temper" in situations where escalating emotions could lead to negative consequences, such as during arguments, negotiations, or when dealing with frustrating situations. Maintaining composure can help achieve better outcomes.