regain my composure

USAGE SUMMARY

"regain my composure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you need or are attempting to become more composed, calm, or collected after feeling anxious or uneasy. For example, "After being embarrassed by my mistake, I needed to take a moment to regain my composure before speaking again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

I regain my composure.

Independent

"It took me awhile to regain my composure," Roddick said.

The New York Times - Sports

My eyes became blurry, and I had to turn away to regain my composure.

The New York Times

I sat open-mouthed, scarcely able to breathe, trying to regain my composure.

The Guardian - Opinion

Beneath me, this muscular winter vehicle whines in frustration, and, distracted, I slow down to regain my composure.

Independent

"Once I got over the initial shock, I told myself, 'Relax, relax, relax.' I tried to regain my composure and save energy for the finish.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

When I regained my composure, I returned to the table.

The New York Times - Magazine

At first I was a bit shocked and nervous, but I quickly regained my composure".

The New York Times

"After I regained my composure, I told my 8-year-old son that he could indeed expect a raise".

The New York Times

By the time I regained my composure in the parking lot 15 minutes later, my face had been replaced by the clerk's idea of "a sheer look for everyday," and I was clutching a shopping bag full of makeup.

The New York Times - Tech

The idea of killing those two poor men froze me, but I regained my composure when Gragnola growled, "It's no good, God damn it, even if we leave them here dead, the dogs will find them, and the others will know which way we've gone.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "regain my composure" when you want to emphasize a deliberate effort to become calmer and more collected after experiencing a shock, surprise, or emotional upset.

Common error

Avoid using "regain my composure" if the situation simply involves a natural calming down over time. This phrase implies active effort and intent, not just the passage of time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "regain my composure" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, where the subject ('I', implied) performs the action of restoring a state of calmness. This phrase aligns with Ludwig's suggestion of expressing an attempt to become more calm or collected after feeling anxious.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "regain my composure" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for describing the act of restoring one's calmness after a moment of emotional disturbance. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is suitable for use in written English, and it often appears in news and media contexts. While it is not overly formal, it conveys a sense of deliberate effort to return to a stable emotional state. Consider using alternative phrases like "compose myself" or "pull myself together" depending on the specific context and desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compose myself

A more formal synonym emphasizing a return to a state of calmness.

regain my self-control

Highlights the aspect of controlling one's actions and reactions.

collect myself

Focuses on internal gathering of thoughts and feelings.

pull myself together

Implies a more forceful effort to overcome emotional distress.

recover my equilibrium

A formal way of expressing the restoration of mental or emotional balance.

get a grip

An informal expression suggesting a need to control emotions.

steady myself

Emphasizes regaining physical and emotional balance.

find my center

Implies an inward search for balance and peace.

calm down

A straightforward instruction or self-reminder to reduce agitation.

get back on an even keel

Suggests restoring stability after a period of upset.

FAQs

How can I use "regain my composure" in a sentence?

You can use "regain my composure" to describe an action taken to become calm after a disturbance, for example: "After the unexpected announcement, I needed a moment to "regain my composure" before speaking."

What's a more formal way to say "regain my composure"?

A more formal way to express "regain my composure" is to use phrases like "compose myself" or "recover my equilibrium".

Which is correct: "regain my composure" or "compose myself"?

Both "regain my composure" and "compose myself" are correct. The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality. "Compose myself" may sound slightly more formal.

What can I say instead of "regain my composure" in an informal setting?

In an informal context, you can use phrases like "pull myself together" or "get a grip" instead of "regain my composure".