practice restraint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "practice restraint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to control their impulses or desires in a particular situation. Example: "During the meeting, it is important to practice restraint and listen to others before sharing your opinions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

So he opted to practice restraint and let the passage of time assuage her anger.

The New Yorker

In the rarest of instances, musicians learn to practice restraint not from a professional counselor but from fellow artists.

The New York Times - Magazine

Washington should be making a greater effort to convince both sides of the need to practice restraint.

The New York Times

I don't happen to use those fabric softener sheets, but if you do, practice restraint, Mr. Manganiello said.

The New York Times

"If you don't know what you're doing, you might end up doing too much, so practice restraint," he said.

The New York Times

With many of the leading actors absent, the United Nations secretary general took the opportunity to assure them and the world of the United Nations' commitment to Congo and to implore the warring parties to practice restraint.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

But the Tibetans practiced restraint.

The New York Times

Under Chris, the Gore forces both preached and practiced restraint.

The New Yorker

Armstrong talks far more openly about, well, everything, but look closely, and even she is practicing restraint.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Connolly also contended that shooting statistics showed that most New York police officers practiced restraint in the use of their firearms, Mr. Louima said.

The New York Times

Was Donald Fehr wisely practicing restraint last week when he said he was making no "suggestions or accusations" on the volatile subjects of collusion and the unsigned and unwilling-to-retire Barry Bonds?

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In negotiations, suggesting that both parties "practice restraint" can foster a more collaborative and productive environment.

Common error

While "practice restraint" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in everyday conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "hold back" or "take it easy" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "practice restraint" functions primarily as an imperative, often used to advise or urge someone to exercise self-control. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable and correct. Examples show its use in political, personal, and even technical contexts, urging measured responses.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

16%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "practice restraint" is a grammatically correct and useful expression for advising moderation and self-control, as Ludwig AI confirms. While not overly common, its impact lies in its applicability across diverse scenarios, from political discourse to personal interactions. Its neutral to formal register lends authority to the advice, making it suitable for professional and news contexts. While alternatives like "exercise self-control" or "show moderation" exist, "practice restraint" offers a specific emphasis on the deliberate act of controlling impulses. Remember to use it judiciously, opting for simpler language in casual settings to avoid sounding overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise self-control

Focuses on the act of controlling oneself, similar to "practice restraint" but emphasizes the internal effort.

show moderation

Highlights the quality of being moderate, implying a balanced approach rather than outright restraint.

demonstrate composure

Emphasizes maintaining a calm and controlled demeanor, especially in challenging situations.

hold back

A more general term for preventing oneself from doing something, which can include physical actions or emotional reactions.

keep a lid on it

An informal expression suggesting to suppress or control emotions or actions.

curb your enthusiasm

Specifically advises to reduce excitement or eagerness, implying a need for more control.

temper your reaction

Suggests softening or moderating one's response to something, particularly emotions.

exhibit forbearance

Highlights the act of patiently enduring something difficult or unpleasant without complaint.

apply the brakes

An idiomatic expression to slow down or stop an action or process.

remain calm

Focuses on staying peaceful and composed, especially in stressful or tense situations.

FAQs

How can I use "practice restraint" in a sentence?

You can use "practice restraint" to advise someone to control their actions or emotions. For example, "In this situation, it's important to "practice restraint" and avoid impulsive decisions."

What does it mean to "practice restraint"?

To "practice restraint" means to exercise self-control and moderation, especially in situations where one might be tempted to act impulsively or excessively.

Which is a more formal way to say "practice restraint"?

A more formal alternative to "practice restraint" is to "exercise self-control", which emphasizes the deliberate effort to manage one's impulses.

What are some situations where it's important to "practice restraint"?

It's important to "practice restraint" in situations involving conflict, negotiation, or any scenario where impulsive reactions could lead to negative consequences. Maintaining composure and self-control is key.