losing self-control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "losing self-control" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is unable to manage their emotions or actions, often leading to impulsive behavior. Example: "During the heated argument, he found himself losing self-control and said things he later regretted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

In the case of Morgan James Smith in 1999, Lord Hoffman noted that historically one of the legal justifications for killing due to losing self-control had been finding a wife in adultery.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's not like I'm a stranger to losing self-control.

Huffington Post

Hypnosis seemed to be associated with prejudices and may create a fear of losing self-control.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

In a number of studies [ 14- 16] there is evidence to suggest that, especially among poorly educated people, there is an enduring belief system that depression is primarily caused by psychosocial stresses such as occupational and family stressors or by weakness of character or losing self-control.

BMC Psychiatry

Be polite but firm; this isn't the time for acting demure or coy, as you're dealing with someone who is losing self-control.

WikiHow

When it has gotten to that point, you are probably well on the way of losing self-control, or at the very least, you'll have lost control of the subject.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

We have lost self-control.

The Guardian - Books

Willpower is a form of mental energy that, when depleted, causes people to lose self-control.

The Guardian - Books

Like most addicts we have lost self-control without noticing it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Kurzban notes that many animals get more aggressive when they're hungry, but not because they have lost self-control.

The New Yorker

Further and importantly, women and men who kill their violent partners now have an equivalent plea if fear of serious violence made them lose self-control.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone "losing self-control", provide context to illustrate the triggers and consequences of their actions. This adds depth and clarity to your writing.

Common error

While "losing self-control" is widely understood, consider using more nuanced alternatives like "failing to maintain composure" or "succumbing to impulse" in formal writing to achieve a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "losing self-control" functions as a verb phrase, often acting as the predicate of a clause. It describes the action of ceasing to have the ability to regulate one's own emotions, behavior, or desires, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "losing self-control" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of ceasing to regulate one's emotions or behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. While widely understood, the phrase's formality depends on the situation, with more nuanced alternatives preferred in formal writing. The phrase is used to describe situations influenced by anger, stress or external stimulants. When using "losing self-control", providing context will give added depth and clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Forfeiting restraint

Emphasizes the active giving up of control.

Succumbing to impulse

Focuses on yielding to immediate desires rather than a general lack of control.

Releasing inhibitions

Highlights the removal of social or psychological barriers.

Becoming unhinged

Implies a mental or emotional instability leading to a loss of control.

Flying off the handle

Specifically refers to a sudden outburst of anger.

Going berserk

Suggests a violent or frenzied loss of control.

Coming undone

Suggests a gradual disintegration of composure.

Going off the rails

Implies a deviation from normal or acceptable behavior.

Falling apart

Suggests an emotional breakdown and subsequent loss of control.

Breaking down

Similar to "falling apart", but can also refer to a physical or mechanical failure.

FAQs

How can I describe situations related to "losing self-control"?

You can use phrases like "succumbing to impulse", "forfeiting restraint", or "releasing inhibitions" depending on the specific context.

Is "losing self-control" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, it may be more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "failing to maintain composure" or "a lapse in judgment".

What causes someone to "lose self-control"?

Various factors can contribute, including stress, emotional distress, or the influence of substances like alcohol. The specific cause depends on the individual and the situation.

Which is more appropriate: "losing self-control" or "lost self-control"?

"Losing self-control" describes the act of losing control, while "lost self-control" describes the state of having already lost it. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning and sentence structure.