to regain composure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to regain composure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of calming oneself after a period of emotional distress or agitation. Example: "After the unexpected news, she took a moment to step outside and regain composure before continuing the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Holmes, as usual, was the first one to regain composure.

Stanford University

After a missed opportunity, one needs to regain composure and pivot then make a new moment.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

To regain composure let me suggest a weaker, but still smart way forward.

University of California, Berkeley

But then came an effort to regain composure: breathe slowly, take a sedative, consult a mental health professional.

The New York Times

I tried to regain composure by silently reviewing my figure skating due diligence, but the facts just stoked my anxiety with unsettling images.

The New York Times

To my alarm, I found myself weeping uncontrollably and I still can't play Teenage Kicks without segueing another track in afterwards to give myself time to regain composure.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

The goal of turning inward is to increase your awareness of your bodily sensations and your thoughts, to relax and regain composure, and to become more receptive to communicating with your partner.

WikiHow

He was able to regain his composure.

The Washington Post

I had to work very hard to regain some composure.

The Guardian

He owes it to them to regain his composure.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It took me awhile to regain my composure," Roddick said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to regain composure" when you want to emphasize a deliberate return to a state of calmness and self-control after a period of emotional disturbance. It's particularly effective in formal writing or when describing a conscious effort to manage one's emotions.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "to regain composure" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "calm down" or "get a grip" when speaking with friends or family.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to regain composure" functions as an infinitive phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to describe the purpose of an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound. Examples show it describing efforts to control emotions in various situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

32%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to regain composure" is a grammatically correct and commonly used infinitive phrase that describes the act of restoring one's emotional balance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While versatile, it leans towards a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for professional and academic contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in "News & Media" and "Academia", according to Ludwig's analysis of numerous sources. While synonyms like "to collect oneself" exist, "to regain composure" specifically highlights the effort to control outward emotions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to collect oneself

Focuses on gathering one's thoughts and feelings, implying a more internal process than simply regaining composure.

to pull oneself together

Emphasizes effort and determination in overcoming emotional distress.

to compose oneself

Similar in meaning, but slightly more formal and emphasizes a deliberate act of self-control.

to calm down

A more general term for reducing agitation or excitement.

to steady oneself

Implies a return to stability, both emotionally and potentially physically.

to get a grip

An informal expression for regaining control over one's emotions.

to regain self-control

Highlights the aspect of controlling one's actions and reactions.

to recover equilibrium

Suggests a return to a balanced state, often after a shock or disturbance.

to find one's calm

Emphasizes the internal state of peace that is being recovered.

to gather one's wits

Focuses on mental clarity and sharpness being restored.

FAQs

How can I use "to regain composure" in a sentence?

You can use "to regain composure" to describe someone calming down after being upset or surprised. For example, "After the unexpected news, she needed a moment "to regain composure" before speaking."

What's a more casual way to say "to regain composure"?

In informal settings, consider using phrases like "calm down" or "pull yourself together" instead of "to regain composure".

Is "to regain composure" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "to regain composure" is suitable for formal writing. It conveys a sense of deliberate self-control and is appropriate for professional or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "to regain composure" and "to collect oneself"?

While both phrases imply calming down, "to collect oneself" focuses more on gathering one's thoughts and mental state, while "to regain composure" emphasizes controlling one's outward emotions and behavior.