lost his composure

USAGE SUMMARY

"lost his composure" is a grammatically correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation in which someone becomes overwhelmed and unable to remain calm and composed. For example: "When the startling news was announced, Bill completely lost his composure and began to weep."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Alfred Schilf, counsel for defendant Friedrich Janssen, lost his composure.

Harvard University

Peterson lost his composure and fell into hysteria.

The New Yorker

As proceedings continued, Pistorius repeatedly lost his composure.

The Guardian

"Our guy just lost his composure," Gardenhire said.

The New York Times - Sports

But he frequently lost his composure as Mr. Reagan's secretary of state.

The New York Times

But like Cassell, he lost his composure and negated his good work.

The New York Times - Sports

He was intimidated and lost his composure in the catheterization lab.

The New York Times - Health

Another F.P.I. leader, Sahab Anggawi, lost his composure: "For destroying this country, you should be thrown out!

The New York Times

After today's defeat, Smith lost his composure, storming off the mat and running into the dressing room.

The New York Times - Sports

Once the ball bounced off Fryman, Knoblauch lost his composure and argued with the umpire rather than chasing the ball.

The New York Times - Sports

Then in the fourth set, it was Hammond who lost his composure and let the match deteriorate into anarchy.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lost his composure" to depict a character or person in a narrative or descriptive context where their emotional state changes dramatically due to stress, pressure, or unexpected news. This adds depth to the portrayal and can create a more engaging narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "lost his composure" repeatedly within a short span, as it can become repetitive and weaken the impact. Vary your language by using related phrases like "became agitated" or "lost his cool" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost his composure" functions as a predicate in a sentence, describing a state change where an individual's self-control and calmness are diminished. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Sports

12%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lost his composure" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression to describe a person's lapse in self-control due to stress, emotional distress, or external pressures. It is versatile, fitting in various contexts from news reporting to academic analyses. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent appearance in diverse sources. To enhance writing, consider using related terms like "became agitated" or "lost his cool" for variety and precision. Always ensure the phrase aligns with the intended tone and context to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lost his self-control

Directly indicates a failure to regulate one's own behavior and emotions.

lost his cool

An informal expression indicating a loss of temper or patience.

became unglued

An informal term suggesting a breakdown of emotional stability.

became flustered

Highlights the state of being confused and agitated, especially under pressure.

became agitated

Focuses on the increase in physical restlessness and anxiety.

cracked under pressure

Implies a failure to maintain emotional stability due to stress.

lost his nerve

Emphasizes a loss of courage or ability to remain determined in a challenging situation.

became distraught

Highlights extreme emotional distress and agitation.

flew off the handle

Suggests a sudden and uncontrolled outburst of anger.

broke down

Implies a collapse of emotional or mental resistance.

FAQs

How can I use "lost his composure" in a sentence?

You can use "lost his composure" to describe someone who becomes unable to remain calm, often due to stress, surprise, or anger. For instance: "During the heated debate, he lost his composure and raised his voice."

What are some alternatives to "lost his composure"?

Alternatives include "lost his cool", "became agitated", or "lost his self-control depending on the specific nuance you want to convey".

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

Yes, "lost his composure" is a grammatically correct phrase. The verb "lost" is the past tense of "lose", and "composure" is a noun referring to a state of being calm and in control.

What's the difference between "lost his composure" and "lost his temper"?

"Lost his composure" generally implies a broader loss of emotional control, potentially including anxiety or distress, while "lost his temper" specifically refers to becoming angry. Someone who has "lost his temper" is usually expressing anger outwardly.