Gain control of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Gain control of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of obtaining authority or influence over something or someone. Example: "The manager's goal was to gain control of the project to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Gain control of your seat.

Huffington Post

Gain control of your emotions.

WikiHow

Gain control of your voice.

WikiHow

Gain control of the ball.

WikiHow

Gain control of your study space.

WikiHow

They are lobbying to gain control of the banks.

The New York Times

Britain and France did not gain control of the canal.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Meanwhile, other conspirators tried to gain control of the government.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Inside Room 252, meanwhile, Miles saw a chance to gain control of the situation.

The New York Times - Sports

They hoped to use Joseph's momentary fright to gain control of the entire mansion.

The Guardian - Books

The deal is a departure for TPG, which typically seeks to gain control of companies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for concise and impactful writing, use "Gain control of" followed by a specific noun to clearly convey the subject of influence. For example, "Gain control of the narrative" is more effective than a vague statement about influence.

Common error

Avoid using "Gain control of" in passive constructions, as it can weaken your writing. Instead of "Control was gained of the situation", opt for the active voice: "The team gained control of the situation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Gain control of" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "gain" acts as the main verb and "control" is the object, frequently found in declarative sentences. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show its use in contexts ranging from emotional states to market dominance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

11%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Gain control of" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of acquiring power or influence, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's commonly found in news, encyclopedias and wiki contexts. While alternatives like "take command of" exist, the specific choice depends on the nuance you want to convey. When using this phrase, ensure an active voice and consider the potential for passive constructions. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "Gain control of" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Take command of

Focuses more on the act of assuming authority or leadership.

Seize control of

Implies a more forceful or sudden acquisition of control.

Assume authority over

Highlights the formal aspect of gaining power or jurisdiction.

Dominate

Suggests a more complete and overwhelming control.

Get a grip on

More informal, implying understanding and management of a situation.

Master

Implies skill and expertise in controlling something.

Subjugate

Implies forceful and oppressive control.

Get the upper hand

Focuses on gaining an advantage and thus control.

Establish dominance over

More formal and emphasizes establishing a position of power.

Secure leadership of

Focuses on obtaining a leadership position to exert control.

FAQs

How can I use "Gain control of" in a sentence?

Use "Gain control of" to describe the act of obtaining power, influence, or mastery over something. For example, "The company aims to "gain control of the market"".

What are some alternatives to "Gain control of"?

You can use alternatives like "take command of", "seize control of", or "assume authority over" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "gain control over" or "gain control of"?

"Gain control of" is the more common and generally preferred phrasing. While "gain control over" isn't incorrect, it's less frequently used and can sometimes sound awkward.

What's the difference between "gain control of" and "lose control of"?

"Gain control of" means to acquire power or influence, while "lose control of" means to relinquish or be deprived of power or influence. They are antonyms representing opposite outcomes.