loss of self-control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "loss of self-control" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing emotional or behavioral regulation, often in psychological or philosophical discussions. Example: "The sudden loss of self-control led him to make decisions he would later regret."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"But you don't see a mass loss of self-control".

The New Yorker

In self-defence there need be no loss of self-control.

The Guardian - Opinion

Just as in situations of real romance, some book lovers confide that they occasionally sense a loss of self-control.

The New York Times

She has never dabbled in drugs and rarely drinks because she hates any loss of self-control.

The Guardian

Yet they are not easily seen as acting because they have been provoked to a loss of self-control.

The Guardian - Opinion

But this incident was not the loss of self-control by Clemens that the news media have been hoping for.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

A disciplinary panel issued a general warning to senior police officers that they should behave as if everyone was watching and take "steps to guard against loss of self control".

The Times

Use this sparingly, and don't do it from an emotional place or due to a loss of self control.

Forbes

Now scientists say they have captured glossolalia on brain scans, which link decreased frontal lobe activity to a loss of self control.

Science Magazine

In a culture so utterly obsessed with dieting and the mind-controlling falsehood that quick-and-easy weight-loss is a matter of self-control and will power, restrictive eating disorders are revered as miracles, their partakers lifted to the status of sainthood.

Huffington Post

Darren Fletcher's sweet finish 10 minutes from the end prompted the loss of defensive self-control that opened the gates to three more City goals and a statistical calamity.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal contexts, use "loss of self-control" precisely, as it has specific legal implications, particularly in discussions of manslaughter and defenses against murder charges.

Common error

Avoid using "loss of self-control" loosely in contexts where simple impulsivity or lack of discipline is more accurate. Reserve it for situations involving significant emotional or psychological distress leading to a marked inability to regulate behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loss of self-control" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state or condition where an individual is unable to regulate their emotions, thoughts, or actions effectively. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and well-supported across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "loss of self-control" is a widely used phrase, deemed grammatically correct by Ludwig AI, that describes a state where an individual's capacity to regulate their emotions and behaviors is significantly impaired. As indicated by Ludwig's examples, this phrase appears frequently in legal, academic, and news contexts, particularly when explaining or contextualizing extreme behaviors. It's important to use the term precisely, reserving it for situations involving significant emotional or psychological distress, rather than simple impulsivity. Alternative phrases include "lapse in self-discipline" or ""failure of impulse control"", but the best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failure of impulse control

Specifically addresses the lack of control over impulses.

lapse in self-discipline

Focuses on the failure to maintain disciplined behavior.

diminished self-regulation

Indicates a reduction in one's ability to manage their own behavior.

breakdown of composure

Highlights the loss of calmness and collectedness.

emotional dysregulation

Highlights the impaired modulation of emotional responses.

inability to restrain oneself

Emphasizes the lack of capacity to control one's actions.

behaving impulsively

Describes actions taken without forethought or planning, driven by immediate urges.

acting out of character

Refers to behavior that deviates significantly from a person's typical conduct.

giving way to one's urges

Indicates succumbing to strong desires or impulses.

surrendering to temptation

Focuses on yielding to the allure of something forbidden or undesirable.

FAQs

How is "loss of self-control" used in legal contexts?

In law, "loss of self-control" is often invoked as a defense in cases of homicide, potentially reducing a charge of murder to manslaughter. This defense typically requires demonstrating that the defendant's actions were triggered by a qualifying event, leading to a temporary inability to control their behavior.

What are some common causes of "loss of self-control"?

Causes can vary widely, including extreme stress, provocation, mental health conditions, and substance abuse. Each of these factors can impair an individual's ability to regulate their emotions and actions, leading to a temporary "failure of impulse control".

What's the difference between "loss of self-control" and impulsivity?

"Loss of self-control" generally implies a more profound and temporary inability to regulate one's behavior due to significant emotional or psychological distress. Impulsivity, while also involving a lack of forethought, doesn't necessarily involve the same degree of distress or temporary incapacitation. Impulsivity is more related to "behaving impulsively".

What can I say instead of "loss of self-control" in less formal contexts?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "lapse in self-discipline", "breakdown of composure", or simply say someone "acted impulsively". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.