restrain oneself

USAGE SUMMARY

"restrain oneself" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to controlling one's impulses or emotions. Example: "She had to restrain herself from reacting angrily." Alternative expressions include "hold back" and "control oneself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But if evil is not always the product of an intention to destroy, it is always the product of a failure of intent: it's the lack of an attempt to restrain oneself from inflicting what one knows will be great harm.

The New Yorker

But to restrain oneself from this effort is to feel bereft of justice, order, and unity.

SEP

Namely, he suggested this was, almost certainly, not an "emotional outburst" or failure to restrain oneself from spontaneity, but a planned, attention-grabbing gimmick that Rep. Wilson had strategically calculated.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

What moral reasons can there be for restraining oneself from offering what one takes to be the best justified proposals for the terms of the society one lives in?

SEP

Of course I am the FIRST person to tell you that marriage is just about the hardest job you will take on in your life; living day in and day out with someone else is a series of compromises, and restraining oneself from breaking a series of vases over the other's head.

Huffington Post

I restrain myself.

The New Yorker

But Grimaud strove to restrain the aggressive inclinations of many individual policemen and their senior officers, and in a letter sent to all Parisian police on 29 May he wrote: "Beating a demonstrator on the ground is like beating oneself, and brings the entire police force into disrepute.

The Guardian

They restrain brutality.

The New York Times

Don't restrain yourself".

The Guardian

Until then, restrain.

Huffington Post

Restrain the child.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "restrain oneself", consider the intensity of the emotion or action you are controlling. This phrase often implies a strong urge or temptation that needs to be overcome.

Common error

Avoid using "restrain oneself" in everyday situations where simpler alternatives like "hold back" or "stop" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your language sound overly formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "restrain oneself" functions as a reflexive verb phrase, indicating an action that the subject performs on themselves. Ludwig shows it's primarily used to describe the act of controlling one's emotions, impulses, or behaviors. Ludwig AI confirms it is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "restrain oneself" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of controlling one's emotions or actions. Ludwig AI highlights its usability in written English. While generally neutral in tone, it can sometimes sound slightly formal. It appears mostly in news and media contexts. If you're aiming for a less formal tone, consider alternatives like "hold back" or "control oneself". When using this phrase, it’s important to remember that it implies a deliberate effort to manage a strong impulse or feeling.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

control oneself

This alternative focuses on the act of managing or directing one's own behavior or emotions.

exercise self-control

Highlights the conscious effort to manage one's behavior.

hold back

This phrase emphasizes preventing oneself from doing or saying something.

keep oneself in check

Similar to "check oneself", but emphasizes continuous monitoring.

curb one's impulses

This option specifically refers to managing sudden urges or desires.

temper one's behavior

Suggests adjusting or moderating one's behavior to avoid extremes.

check oneself

Focuses on monitoring and correcting one's own behavior.

inhibit oneself

Refers to consciously or unconsciously suppressing one's actions or expressions.

keep a lid on

Implies suppressing or concealing emotions or actions.

master oneself

Emphasizes achieving complete control over one's emotions and actions.

FAQs

What does "restrain oneself" mean?

The phrase "restrain oneself" means to control or hold back one's own impulses, emotions, or actions. It implies a conscious effort to prevent oneself from doing something.

How can I use "restrain oneself" in a sentence?

You can use "restrain oneself" in sentences like: "She had to "restrain oneself" from reacting angrily" or "He struggled to "restrain oneself" from interrupting the speaker".

What are some alternatives to "restrain oneself"?

Some alternatives to "restrain oneself" include "control oneself", "hold back", or "curb one's impulses". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "restrain oneself" formal or informal?

"Restrain oneself" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase. In many casual situations, alternatives like "hold back" or "stop" might be more appropriate.