show self-control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "show self-control" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the ability to manage one's emotions, impulses, or behaviors in various situations. Example: "In stressful situations, it is important to show self-control to make rational decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"But if he doesn't show self-control, things could go very badly at the convention".

The New York Times

It's our emotions — specifically, gratitude, compassion and an authentic sense of pride (not hubris) — that push us to behave in ways that show self-control.

The New York Times

The response of the bonus group indicates that if possible discounting of the value of a delayed reward is taken into account, domestic fowl can show self-control for food.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

They are able to delay gratification, which shows self-control – a characteristic thought to be only human.

The Guardian

The fact that you don't shows self-control and will win our admiration.

Forbes

Traditionally, Asian students succeed in part because they show good self-control from an early age.

The New York Times

For instance, expecting our daughters to show more self-control and politeness than our sons (after all, "boys will be boys").

The Guardian

Specifically, we show that self-control capacity can be used to estimate whether a person immediately responds to a smartphone signal she receives.

Computers in Human Behavior

In a newly published study called "Restraint That Blinds," Wilcox and coauthor Sonja Prokopec of ESSEC Business School establish across eight experiments that consumers show less restraint when cost information is presented on a scale with small numbers — the effect is strongest for people who otherwise show high self-control.

Columbia University

A new study suggests that people who show less self-control as young children are more likely to have failing health, greater debt, and run-ins with the law later in life.

Science Magazine

"We are able to help people make more foresighted choices, to show more self-control without expending more willpower, just by presenting choices in a different way," Magen told Live Science.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the development of character in children or adults, use "show self-control" to highlight the act of demonstrating restraint and discipline.

Common error

While "show self-control" is widely applicable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Opt for more informal alternatives like "keep your cool" or "hold back" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show self-control" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "show" acts as a verb indicating the act of demonstrating or exhibiting, and "self-control" functions as the direct object, representing the quality or ability being displayed. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "show self-control" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the act of demonstrating restraint and discipline. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and readily usable in written English. It appears across diverse sources, including news media, scientific publications, and academic texts. While it maintains a neutral tone, consider more informal alternatives like "keep one's cool" in casual settings. Remember to highlight the positive aspects of self-management when using this phrase, and be mindful of overusing it in very casual contexts. Alternative phrases, such as "exercise restraint" or "exhibit self-mastery", can offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrate self-discipline

Replaces "show" with "demonstrate", emphasizing the act of displaying self-discipline.

exercise restraint

Focuses on the act of holding back impulses, using "exercise" to suggest active control.

exhibit self-mastery

Highlights a high degree of control, suggesting complete command over oneself.

display composure

Emphasizes maintaining a calm and controlled demeanor, particularly in stressful situations.

practice self-regulation

Focuses on the ongoing process of managing one's behavior and emotions.

maintain self-command

Suggests a firm grip on one's actions and reactions, emphasizing authority over oneself.

conduct oneself with decorum

Highlights proper and polite behavior, emphasizing social appropriateness.

manage one's impulses

Directly addresses the act of controlling urges and desires.

keep one's cool

An informal way to express staying calm and avoiding emotional outbursts.

bite your tongue

An idiom for refraining from speaking, particularly when tempted to say something inappropriate.

FAQs

How can I use "show self-control" in a sentence?

You can use "show self-control" to describe someone's ability to manage their emotions or impulses. For example, "It's important to "demonstrate self-discipline" in stressful situations."

What can I say instead of "show self-control"?

You can use alternatives like "exercise restraint", "exhibit self-mastery", or "display composure" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "show self-control" or "demonstrate self-control"?

Both "show self-control" and "demonstrate self-control" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. The choice depends on the desired emphasis, with "demonstrate" perhaps implying a more active display.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "show self-control"?

The phrase "show self-control" is suitable in various contexts, including discussions about personal development, leadership, and social behavior. It is appropriate in both formal and informal settings but be cautious in conversational tone. You can evaluate it against alternatives like "keep one's cool".