self-censure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "self-censure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of critically evaluating or limiting one's own thoughts, expressions, or actions, often in a context of moral or ethical considerations. Example: "The author practiced self-censure to ensure that their work aligned with their personal values and societal expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

We self-censure because it would put us all back, it would diminish who we are".

The Guardian

This self-censure recurred during the new series Hannibal, based on the characters from Harris's Red Dragon.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Caught up in Hamlet's quest to kill Claudius — and reassured by his self-censure — we can safely, and perhaps unconsciously, explore those desires.

The New Yorker

By Vinson Cunningham March 4, 2016 Donald Trump often makes his audiences laugh, but without inspiring anything resembling introspection or self-censure.

The New Yorker

In the actual "Man in the Mirror" lyrics, the singer asks his reflection to change his ways, but such self-censure is unexplored.

The New York Times

"Given the current political climate, an up-and-coming author might be inclined to self-censure, and that isn't good for creativity," said Serena Dandini, host of the show "Parla Con Me," which she described as a "cross between 'Saturday Night Live' and a poor man's Oprah".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The Zhuangzi strain, informed by contact with Chinese philosophy of language, recognized that a blanket anti-language position was self-censuring.

SEP

But it won't matter to those injured or murdered journalists and many among the rest will already be self-censuring the way they do in other totalitarian regimes.

Huffington Post

Romanians described this as "auto-censure" – self-censorship – and said that it was far more effective than the Securitate, the secret police.

The Guardian

Offering a chronological overview, Sorry! takes us from the days of medieval chivalry, where honour ruled, to an industrial society which values restraint, self-control and censure as a means of keeping a lid on bad behaviour.

Independent

For beneficiaries of liberation, Fein and Schneider and Doyle's unexemplary wives (many of whom the authors cite, dismayingly, as friends) are unusually unempowered, more the creatures of a culture in which women are encouraged to burble their feelings and fret about themselves than of, say, the workplace, where rampant self-absorption is generally censured.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "self-censure" when you want to emphasize the internal process of suppressing or limiting one's own expression due to moral, ethical, or social considerations.

Common error

Avoid using "self-censure" interchangeably with "self-censorship". "Self-censure" is more about internal moral restraint, while "self-censorship" often implies external pressures or fear of repercussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "self-censure" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of critically evaluating and restraining one's own thoughts, expressions, or actions based on internal moral or ethical considerations, as exemplified by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "self-censure" refers to the act of internally restraining one's own expressions or actions due to ethical, moral, or social considerations. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in news, media, and scientific contexts. It is important to distinguish "self-censure" from "self-censorship", with the former emphasizing internal restraints and the latter often driven by external pressures. Effective writing involves understanding these nuances to convey precise meanings. The phrase enjoys common usage in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-restraint

Focuses on the act of controlling one's own impulses or emotions.

self-regulation

Emphasizes the ability to manage one's own behavior and actions, especially in the context of goals or standards.

self-criticism

Highlights the act of critically evaluating oneself, often leading to self-improvement.

self-discipline

Stresses the importance of training oneself to follow rules or codes of behavior.

internal restraint

Refers to the inner control that prevents someone from acting impulsively or inappropriately.

personal limitation

Highlights setting boundaries on one's own actions or expressions.

voluntary restraint

Stresses the act of consciously choosing to limit one's actions or expressions.

self-imposed restriction

Focuses on limitations that one places upon themselves.

ethical constraint

Highlights the limitation imposed by one's moral principles.

moral compass

Implies guidance from one's internal moral principles, influencing decisions and actions.

FAQs

How is "self-censure" different from "self-censorship"?

"Self-censure" refers to internal moral restraints, while "self-censorship" often results from external pressures or fear of consequences.

What does "self-censure" imply about the person practicing it?

It suggests a strong sense of personal ethics and a willingness to suppress one's own expression to align with moral or social expectations.

Can you use "self-censure" in formal writing?

Yes, "self-censure" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when discussing ethical or moral considerations.

What are some situations where someone might practice "self-censure"?

A writer might practice "self-censure" to avoid offending readers or to align their work with certain ethical standards. A politician might do so to maintain a particular image or to avoid controversy.