losing his composure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "losing his composure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is becoming emotionally unstable or unable to maintain their calmness in a stressful situation. Example: "During the heated debate, he started losing his composure and raised his voice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Worse, dirt was flying in the colt's face and Animal Kingdom was losing his composure.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's not good," he said of the ankle, losing his composure.

The New York Times - Sports

That's all there is to it "I know Roy will face it without losing his composure.

Independent

Thursday's match took on its personality in the first set, when Murray began losing his composure.

The New York Times - Sports

Howe recalled losing his composure two or three times last season, usually ending in an ejection.

The New York Times - Sports

Boehner, upset that Republicans had not been allowed to offer their own measure on the tax-cut extension, came close to losing his composure.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

He seldom loses his composure.

The New York Times - Sports

Again, Ghonim loses his composure.

The New Yorker

He loses his composure.

The New York Times

But DiMarco did not lose his composure.

The New York Times - Sports

Peterson lost his composure and fell into hysteria.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "losing his composure", consider the specific context and choose synonyms like "losing his cool" or "losing his temper" if they better convey the intensity of the emotional response.

Common error

Avoid using "losing his composure" when a stronger term like "losing his mind" or "flying off the handle" is more appropriate, as "composure" suggests a relatively mild state of emotional control.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "losing his composure" functions as a noun phrase acting as the object of a verb or preposition, describing an action of relinquishing emotional control. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sports

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "losing his composure" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, particularly in news and sports reporting, to describe a decline in someone's ability to remain calm and controlled. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is considered correct. While generally neutral, it's important to consider the context and choose synonyms like "losing his cool" or "losing his temper" if a more specific emotional intensity is intended. Be mindful of the subtle differences in meaning to ensure accurate portrayal of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

losing his cool

Replaces "composure" with "cool", suggesting a slightly more informal loss of calmness.

losing his temper

Indicates a loss of control leading to anger; a more intense reaction than simply losing composure.

becoming agitated

Describes a state of increasing anxiety and restlessness, potentially leading to a loss of composure.

getting flustered

Suggests a state of confusion and mild agitation, often leading to mistakes or poor decisions.

becoming unglued

An informal expression indicating a complete breakdown of emotional control.

falling apart

Implies a severe emotional breakdown, often due to overwhelming stress or pressure.

cracking under pressure

Highlights the stressor causing the loss of composure, implying an inability to cope.

getting rattled

Suggests a state of nervousness or unease that disrupts one's ability to think clearly.

panicking

Describes a sudden and overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety, leading to irrational behavior.

freaking out

An informal term for experiencing extreme anxiety or distress, often expressed outwardly.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "losing his composure"?

Saying someone is "losing his composure" means they are becoming emotionally unstable or are unable to maintain their calmness, often in a stressful situation. It implies a decline in self-control and emotional regulation.

What can I say instead of "losing his composure"?

You can use alternatives like "losing his cool", "losing his temper", or "becoming agitated" depending on the specific emotional state you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "losing his composure"?

Yes, "losing his composure" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both written and spoken English. It functions as a gerund phrase.

How does "losing his composure" differ from "keeping his composure"?

"Losing his composure" describes a state where someone is becoming emotionally unstable, whereas "keeping his composure" implies maintaining calmness and self-control, even in difficult circumstances.