Exercise control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Exercise control" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where someone is managing or regulating a situation, behavior, or process. For example, "The manager must exercise control over the team's workflow to ensure deadlines are met." Alternative expressions include "Maintain control" and "Exert control."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Exercise control when loading and unloading your gym bag and locker.

Columbia University

Exercise control "The best racing tactic is to pace yourself and learn the feeling of your threshold," Killeen says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I like to exercise control.

The Guardian - Books

But they do not usually exercise control.

The Economist

All strong lobbies aspire to exercise control.

The New York Times

But we do exercise control over how we live.

The New York Times

The lack of effective rights allowing shareholders to exercise control.

Columbia University

"He was very much trying to exercise control".

The New York Times

It's difficult to exercise control of who gets tickets for which performance in the Free Fringe.

The Guardian

"It was impossible for him to exercise control over subordinates and contractors," Mr. O'Neill said.

The New York Times

"But you need to exercise control in order to get bad assets off the books.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Exercise control", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being controlled and the method of control being applied. For example, specify "exercise control over spending" or "exercise control through policy enforcement".

Common error

Avoid using "Exercise control" when the actual influence is limited or indirect. Instead, opt for phrases like "exert influence" or "attempt to manage" to more accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

Exercise control functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of managing, directing, or regulating something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. The phrase suggests an active and deliberate effort to maintain authority or oversight, as seen in examples like "exercise control over spending".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Exercise control" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys the active management or regulation of something. Ludwig AI validates its appropriate use across various contexts. While suitable for formal, professional, and neutral registers, it is most prevalent in news and media. To use it effectively, ensure the context clearly specifies what is being controlled and avoid overstating the degree of control actually exerted. Alternatives include "maintain control" and "exert influence", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Maintain control

Focuses on sustaining the current level of control rather than initiating it.

Exert influence

Emphasizes the power to affect something without necessarily having direct control.

Regulate effectively

Highlights the act of governing or directing according to a system.

Manage proficiently

Implies skill in handling or directing resources and affairs.

Direct operations

Focuses on guiding and supervising specific activities or processes.

Govern effectively

Refers to the act of ruling or directing with authority.

Administer skillfully

Suggests expertise in managing and organizing tasks or resources.

Supervise closely

Emphasizes the act of overseeing and directing activities with attention to detail.

Handle capably

Implies the ability to deal with situations or responsibilities effectively.

Orchestrate successfully

Highlights the skillful arrangement and coordination of elements to achieve a desired outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "Exercise control" in a sentence?

You can use "Exercise control" to describe the act of managing or regulating something. For example: "The government needs to "exercise control" over the economy".

What are some alternatives to "Exercise control"?

Alternatives include "maintain control", "exert influence", or "regulate effectively", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "exercise control" or "exert control"?

Both "exercise control" and "exert control" are grammatically correct. "Exercise control" is generally preferred when referring to a formal or official capacity, while "exert control" can be used more broadly.

What does it mean to "Exercise control"?

To "Exercise control" means to manage, regulate, or direct something. It implies having the authority or ability to govern the actions or processes related to that thing.