sense of restraint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense of restraint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling or awareness of self-control or moderation in behavior or actions. Example: "In moments of anger, she always maintained a sense of restraint, choosing to respond calmly instead of lashing out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

There was no sense of restraint.

The New York Times - Books

The French pageants do have some sense of restraint.

The New York Times

Because there's no sense of restraint anymore, that's why.

The New York Times

The accident was replayed with "some sense of restraint," Jastrow said.

The New York Times - Sports

The interview did not entirely succeed in conveying a comforting sense of restraint and moderation.

Independent

Jeffrey Goldberg's comment that "The Devil That Never Dies" lacks "a sense of restraint" made my fury unrestrained!

The New York Times - Books

When it comes to spending taxpayers' money, politicians and bureaucrats - of either party - have no sense of restraint.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Yet it's the sense of control and restraint which is perhaps the most striking aspect of Fire!'s methodology.

BBC

At the end of your article, you write about Clinton's marked sense of personal restraint and control, and of her being guided by the principle of having to do the right thing.

The New Yorker

It is not just a difference of scale, but our leaders were defending their country and people — albeit with an insufficient sense of moral restraint — against a terrifying threat by ruthless attackers with no sense of moral restraint at all.

The New York Times

"She introduced a sense of creative restraint," says Ms. Misra.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sense of restraint" in writing, ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being restrained, whether it's emotions, actions, or spending.

Common error

Avoid using "sense of restraint" excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "self-control" or "moderation" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of restraint" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English. The examples illustrate its use in describing a quality or characteristic related to controlled behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Arts

15%

Food

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sense of restraint" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe the quality of moderation and self-control. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media and Arts contexts. When writing, use "sense of restraint" to highlight controlled behavior, but be mindful of overuse. Consider alternatives like "self-control" or "moderation" to enhance variety. The phrase conveys a conscious choice to limit one's actions or emotions. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources underscores its acceptance in formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-control

Focuses on the internal ability to manage one's own impulses and actions.

self-discipline

Emphasizes the practice of training oneself to obey rules or a code of behavior.

moderation

Highlights the avoidance of excess or extremes.

composure

Suggests maintaining a calm and controlled demeanor, especially in stressful situations.

reserve

Implies a more formal and dignified form of self-control, often in social interactions.

constraint

Highlights an external or internal force that limits or restricts action.

self-possession

Indicates the ability to remain calm and in control of oneself.

prudence

Emphasizes careful and cautious behavior.

circumspection

Suggests being wary and unwilling to take risks.

forbearance

Highlights patience and tolerance when dealing with provocations.

FAQs

How can I use "sense of restraint" in a sentence?

You can use "sense of restraint" to describe someone's ability to control their emotions or actions, as in "Despite the provocation, she showed a remarkable "sense of restraint"."

What are some synonyms for "sense of restraint"?

Alternatives to "sense of restraint" include "self-control", "moderation", and "self-discipline", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of controlled behavior.

Is it better to say "sense of restraint" or "lack of restraint"?

Whether to use "sense of restraint" or "lack of restraint" depends on the situation. Use "sense of restraint" when praising controlled behavior and "lack of restraint" when criticizing uncontrolled behavior.

How does "sense of restraint" differ from "self-control"?

"Sense of restraint" implies an awareness and application of control, while "self-control" is the inherent ability to manage one's impulses. "Sense of restraint" is often a conscious choice, while "self-control" can be more innate.