What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
restraint
Example
He showed great restraint in not reacting to the insult. [restraint: noun]
Example
She restrained herself from eating the cake until after dinner. [restrained: verb]
control
Example
The manager has control over the company's finances. [control: noun]
Example
She tried to control her anger by taking deep breaths. [control: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Control is more commonly used than restraint in everyday language. Control is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while restraint is less common and typically used in personal or emotional contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between restraint and control?
Both restraint and control can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, control may be more commonly used in formal settings, such as business or academic writing, while restraint may be more commonly used in personal or emotional contexts.
