Ambition for control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Ambition for control" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong desire or drive to have power or authority over something or someone. Example: "His ambition for control often led to conflicts with his colleagues, as he struggled to share responsibilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This is based on the observation that, with regards to human history at least, greater intelligence has bred greater ambition, in particular, ambition for control and power (despite the fact that psychology research suggests that IQ is negatively correlated with crime among humans).

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

That is why planning the measures against the Jews was comprehensive, far-reaching, and guided by principle". I take this passage to mean that, in Ms. Yahil's opinion, from the standpoint of Nazi ambitions for control of Eastern Europe, the destruction of its Jews was seen as equal in importance to the conquest, say, of Poland and Russia.

The New York Times - Books

And while, this month, they take no issue with corporations being subject to the existing contribution limits, anyone paying attention knows that eliminating such caps will be corporate America's next prize in its brazen ambition for absolute control over our elections.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He had a powerful artistic human side that was in unresolved conflict with a tremendous ambition and desire for control.

The New Yorker

Relentless perfectionism, ambition and passion for control that drove her to the top, combined with a legendary temper, have alienated her family and friends, he tells us, and reduced her, in many eyes, to a hypocritical self-parody.Studying the two faces of Martha makes for a good, if opinionated, read.

The Economist

Professor Snow said: "Poor countries with inadequate donor assistance and large sectors of their population at risk of malaria must remain the focus of attention if global ambitions for malaria control are to be realised.

BBC

Crosby's ambitions for artistic control within the band were expanding along with his compositional skill, and the resulting turmoil would ultimately lead to his dismissal from the group during recording sessions for The Byrds' next album, The Notorious Byrd Brothers.

Wikipedia

Merteuil has - as in the book and against the convention of the time - the ambition, independence and the desire for control of a ruthless man.

The Guardian

Khodorkovsky was convicted in May 2005 after a trial widely seen as Kremlin-engineered punishment for his political ambitions and a state quest for control of the oil industry.

Forbes

A quick heads-up: Khodorkovsky was convicted in May 2005 after a trial widely seen as Kremlin-engineered punishment for his political ambitions and a state quest for control of the oil industry.

Forbes

An ambition for more meaningful choice and control for patients over services offered in maternity, end-of-life care and long-term conditions.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ambition for control", consider the context carefully to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning. It often implies a strong, sometimes negative, desire for authority or dominance.

Common error

Avoid using "ambition for control" in contexts where a simple desire for influence or improvement is meant. Opt for more neutral phrases like "desire for influence" or "aspiration for improvement" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ambition for control" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the state of having a strong desire to exert power or authority. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ambition for control" is a noun phrase describing a strong desire for power or authority. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in varied contexts, from news media to academic discourse, though it appears more frequently in news and media. While relatively rare, its meaning is clear, conveying a drive to exert influence or dominance. When using this phrase, consider its implications, as it can carry both positive and negative connotations. Related phrases include "drive for dominance" and "thirst for power", each with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Drive for dominance

Focuses on the forceful pursuit of being dominant.

Ambition to dominate

Directly states the ambition to exert dominance.

Thirst for power

Emphasizes a strong, almost insatiable, desire for power.

Desire for authority

Highlights the yearning for recognized authority and influence.

Lust for control

Implies an intense and potentially unhealthy craving for control.

Aspiration for mastery

Suggests a desire to achieve complete mastery over a particular domain.

Yearning for supremacy

Emphasizes a deep longing to be supreme or superior.

Longing for influence

Focuses on the desire to have a significant impact or sway.

Quest for power

Highlights the active pursuit of gaining power.

Desire to govern

Indicates a wish to be in a position of governance and command.

FAQs

How can I use "ambition for control" in a sentence?

You can use "ambition for control" to describe a strong desire to have authority or dominance over something. For example: "His ambition for control led him to make many unpopular decisions."

What are some alternatives to "ambition for control"?

Some alternatives include "drive for dominance", "thirst for power", or "desire for authority", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "ambition for control" positive or negative?

The connotation of "ambition for control" can be either positive or negative depending on the context. It can be seen as a positive trait in leaders striving for efficiency, but it can also be viewed negatively when it leads to micromanagement or authoritarian behavior.

What's the difference between "ambition for control" and "desire for influence"?

"Ambition for control" implies a wish to have direct command and authority, whereas "desire for influence" suggests a wish to sway decisions or actions without necessarily holding direct power.