Exercising control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Exercising control" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is actively managing or directing a situation or group. Example: "The manager is exercising control over the project to ensure it stays on track and meets deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Exercising control over the passions means that we are simultaneously exercising control over the internal motions of the body – the beatings of the heart, circulation of the blood and heat, the disposition of the animal spirits, and so forth.

SEP

Exercising control in service of a desire to decide to do what is best provides no guidance regarding what is best.

Australasian Journal of Philosophy

Exercising control to ensure protection, the third theme, supports what some authors have written about the reasons for not disclosing [ 3, 7, 29, 30, 47, 50- 53].

BMC Women's Health

Republican-controlled legislatures across the US are hell-bent on stopping women from exercising control over their own bodies.

The Guardian - Opinion

Kids are exercising control over media".

The New York Times - Tech

Not that he wants to be seen as exercising control.

The New York Times

Seeking to control others is one way of exercising control.

University of California, Berkeley

First, an author "superintend[s]" the work by exercising control.

Harvard University

Otherwise, all you are doing is monitoring, not exercising control.

Harvard Business Review

I'll give you an example of how exercising control does not always lead to success.

The Guardian

The Iraqi government still appears to be exercising control within the capital.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exercising control" to clearly indicate the active application of authority or influence in a specific context.

Common error

Be aware that "exercising control" does not inherently imply negative actions. Ensure context clarifies whether the control being exerted is justified and ethical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercising control" typically functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of actively applying authority, influence, or management over something. It suggests a deliberate action, as Ludwig AI confirms it's correct usage, such as in examples where someone is managing a project or a government is regulating its citizens.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exercising control" is a versatile phrase used to describe the active exertion of influence or authority. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. It appears most frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts, reflecting its utility in describing management, governance, and influence across various domains. While generally neutral in tone, context is crucial to ensure the phrase does not imply undue or unethical dominance. Alternatives like "exerting influence" or "maintaining command" can be considered for subtle shifts in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Exerting influence

Focuses on the act of affecting outcomes or decisions.

Maintaining command

Uses different vocabulary to express the act of keeping control.

Being in charge

A simpler and more direct way of saying having control.

Wielding authority

Implies the active use of power or influence.

Keeping in check

Suggests preventing something from escalating or getting out of hand.

Asserting dominance

Emphasizes the act of establishing a superior position.

Administering governance

More formal, referring to the act of governing.

Orchestrating affairs

Implies skillful management of complex activities.

Steering the ship

A metaphorical expression for guiding or leading.

Calling the shots

An informal expression indicating the power to make decisions.

FAQs

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

You can use "exercising control" to describe someone or something that is actively managing or directing a situation, such as "The manager is exercising control over the project to ensure it stays on track".

What are some alternatives to "exercising control"?

Alternatives include "exerting influence", "maintaining command", or "wielding authority", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "exercising control"?

While generally acceptable, the phrase can sometimes carry negative connotations if the context implies an overbearing or unjust use of authority. Consider the implications and choose alternative phrasing if necessary.

What's the difference between "exercising control" and "having control"?

"Exercising control" implies an active process of managing or directing something, while "having control" suggests a state of possessing authority or influence, but not necessarily actively using it.