restrain ourselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "restrain ourselves" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the need to control one's emotions, actions, or impulses in a given situation. Example: "In moments of anger, it is important to restrain ourselves and think before we react."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Huffington Post

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Older and wiser heads muttered that us young Turks should restrain ourselves.

The Guardian

When we stare at the boy, especially, we cannot restrain ourselves from asking, Where will he be in twenty years?

The New Yorker

"If we restrain ourselves to just once a year, then it won't wear out for a long time," he said.

The New York Times

For the next 40 years, young doctors, myself included, would be trained to restrain ourselves from making anything but emergency or mundane decisions for patients.

The New York Times

She's also the denizen of an administrative zone -- a legal habitat -- that exists solely because of our intermittent human ability to restrain ourselves.

The New York Times

Yes, it's true: as James Katz, director of the Center for Mobile Communication Studies at Rutgers University, says, "If anything characterizes the 21st century, it's our inability to restrain ourselves for the benefit of other people".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

We restrained ourselves.

The New York Times

We grumbled and pouted but restrained ourselves admirably.

The New York Times

In any case, we barely restrained ourselves from licking our plates.

The New York Times - Travel

"We have been restraining ourselves to a large extent," he said, according to Xinhua.

The New York Times

Whales bring with them the message that there are places we have restrained ourselves from encroaching upon.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about group dynamics, use "restrain ourselves" to suggest collective self-regulation for achieving common goals or maintaining harmony.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "restrain ourselves" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "hold back" or "control ourselves" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "restrain ourselves" functions as a reflexive verb phrase, where the action of restraining is directed back to the subject. Ludwig confirms its usability. It commonly appears as a call for self-control or limitation within a group.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Huffington Post

25%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "restrain ourselves" is a grammatically sound and commonly used reflexive verb phrase that emphasizes the act of self-control or limitation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent presence in news media, scientific publications, and platforms like Huffington Post. It suggests a deliberate effort to manage one's actions, emotions or impulses and is generally used in neutral contexts. While it is perfectly valid, in informal contexts consider using simpler alternatives to keep a natural tone. Remember to consider simpler alternatives in common speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

control our impulses

Focuses on managing sudden urges or desires, emphasizing the act of controlling internal drives.

hold back our reactions

Highlights the suppression of outward responses or behaviors, particularly in emotional situations.

curb our enthusiasm

Suggests limiting excitement or eagerness, often to maintain composure or avoid overdoing something.

keep our emotions in check

Emphasizes managing and controlling emotional expressions, maintaining a balanced demeanor.

limit our actions

Indicates setting boundaries on what we do, focusing on the constraint of physical behaviors.

temper our desires

Implies moderating or softening strong wishes or cravings, aiming for a more balanced state.

exercise self-control

Highlights the act of consciously managing one's own behavior, particularly in resisting temptations.

practice moderation

Focuses on avoiding extremes in behavior or consumption, emphasizing a balanced approach to life.

govern our behavior

Suggests directing and managing one's actions according to a set of principles or rules.

inhibit our urges

Implies suppressing or holding back strong impulses or instincts, preventing them from being acted upon.

FAQs

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

"Restrain ourselves" is used to express the act of controlling or limiting our own actions or emotions. For example, "We must "restrain ourselves" from overspending during the holidays".

What are some alternatives to "restrain ourselves"?

Alternatives include "control our impulses", "hold back our reactions", or "curb our enthusiasm", depending on the specific context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "restrain ourselves"?

While grammatically correct, "restrain ourselves" may sound overly formal in casual settings. Consider using more informal alternatives in those situations. Using restrain when it involves others.

What's the difference between "restrain ourselves" and "restrict ourselves"?

"Restrain ourselves" implies a degree of self-control over impulses or emotions, while "restrict ourselves" suggests setting limits or boundaries on actions or behaviors. The former is more about internal control, the latter about external limitations.