social restraint

USAGE SUMMARY

"social restraint" is a grammatically correct term that is often used in written English.
Example: We must practice social restraint when it comes to the use of technology.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Modesty and social restraint swell in proportion to combat experience.

The Guardian - Opinion

Lockwood's Lady Barbara exists beyond all social restraint, exhibiting a talent for coldblooded murder that shocks even Jackson.

The New York Times

I meet a lot of young men and women who are totally inspired by Afrobeat music, but they can't practice because of the economic and social restraint of producing real music in Africa today.

The Economist

What sets the Blisses apart from others is their honesty about who they are; since their lives have been devoted to artistic pursuits, they never bothered to learn social restraint.

The New York Times

"If there were an election tomorrow for European President, Blair would win it easily," one of his intimates says, and this is probably true.... ......[Blair and Thatcher] are both instinctive social radicals," someone said...the [New Labour] ambition to break the hold of a paralyzing system of post-imperial social restraint, to make naive optimism fashionable, may have already been achieved.

The New Yorker

"If there were an election tomorrow for European President, Blair would win it easily," one of his intimates says, and this is probably true.... ..[Blair and Thatcher] are both instinctive social radicals," someone said...the [New Labour] ambition to break the hold of a paralyzing system of post-imperial social restraint, to make naive optimism fashionable, may have already been achieved.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

They erected all sorts of institutional and social restraints to protect Americans from themselves.

The New York Times

"Social restraints" are lifted, and the resulting behavior can easily become "threatening".

The New Yorker

In spite of social restraints, she still manages to be powerful.

The New York Times

Here human values are sacralized by social restraints that prescribe e.g., with whom one can eat or whom one can marry or kill.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Panoramic shots of the pitiless industrial landscape where they work convey a claustrophobic environment of limited opportunity and crushing social restraints.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "social restraint" when discussing the conscious effort to adhere to societal norms or expectations in behavior, particularly in contexts where impulses might otherwise lead to socially unacceptable actions.

Common error

Avoid using "social restraint" when describing someone's discomfort or inability to navigate social situations. "Social awkwardness" is more appropriate for describing discomfort; "social restraint" is about consciously managing one's behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "social restraint" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of controlling one's behavior in accordance with societal norms. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "social restraint" denotes the conscious effort to control one's behavior in accordance with societal norms. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources, it conveys a neutral to formal tone. To articulate comparable ideas, contemplate alternatives like "societal control" or "cultural norms". When employing the phrase, remember that it reflects internal regulation, and excessive adherence can impede self-expression. While "social restraint" is about self-regulation, "social awkwardness" is about discomfort in social situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

societal control

Focuses on the broader mechanisms through which society manages behavior.

cultural norms

Emphasizes the influence of shared values on behavior.

self-discipline in social contexts

Highlights the individual's role in managing their behavior according to social expectations.

conformity to social expectations

Stresses the act of aligning one's actions with societal norms.

inhibition of impulses in public

Emphasizes the suppression of immediate desires to maintain social order.

adherence to social conventions

Focuses on following established rules and customs.

civility in behavior

Highlights politeness and respect in social interactions.

social etiquette

Refers to the formal rules of behavior in social settings.

moderation in social conduct

Emphasizes balance and avoidance of extremes in public behavior.

social propriety

Focuses on behavior that is considered socially acceptable and appropriate.

FAQs

How does "social restraint" differ from "social constraint"?

"Social restraint" implies a self-imposed control over one's actions to adhere to societal norms, while "social constraint" suggests external limitations imposed by society on individual behavior. Restraint is internal; constraint is external.

What are some examples of situations that call for "social restraint"?

Situations requiring "social restraint" include formal gatherings where adherence to etiquette is expected, professional settings where maintaining a professional demeanor is crucial, and public events where managing one's behavior prevents causing disturbance or offense.

What is the role of "social restraint" in maintaining a civil society?

"Social restraint" is essential for promoting respectful interactions, preventing conflict, and upholding shared values, which contributes to a more harmonious and cooperative society.

Is "social restraint" always a positive attribute?

While generally positive, excessive "social restraint" can lead to emotional repression or hinder authentic expression. A healthy balance between conforming to social expectations and expressing individuality is important.