a feeling of control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a feeling of control" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing emotions or psychological states related to one's ability to influence or manage situations. Example: "After implementing the new strategies, I experienced a feeling of control over my workload that I hadn't felt in months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sure, the divisions were fake, but they gave us a feeling of control.

The New York Times - Arts

Children fill out "feelings" charts, draw pictures, and act out plays and scenarios that allow them a feeling of control.

The New York Times

Knowing that zombies can never really rise allows for a feeling of control, a rare and valuable thing these days.

The Guardian - Film

The lines move fastest on his watch, the place is at it's cleanest and there is a feeling of control.

The New York Times

It gives scientists a comfort, a sense of power, a feeling of control to be able to name things in this way.

The New York Times - Arts

I started cooking to occupy myself, and I realised that if you made something that was OK and handed it round, you got a feeling of control.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This has – in some way – added to a feeling of control and a sense of connection with the state among the people".

The Guardian - Tech

And fantasies about things we fear in real life can be a powerful way to grapple with and gain a feeling of control over that fear.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Any of the activities we've been talking about give us a feeling of control and mastery, which is critical to reducing stress".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There is something about their physical and unrestrained side she obviously needs, perhaps because it is uncomplicated and easily gives her a feeling of control.

The New Yorker

Fairfax later updated the story to include comment from Cancer Australia, which states on its website that some patients used complementary and alternative therapies to "gain a feeling of control over the treatment of their disease".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a feeling of control" to describe a psychological state where someone believes they can influence or manage a situation. For example, "Maintaining a routine provides a feeling of control during uncertain times".

Common error

Avoid implying that "a feeling of control" equates to genuine control over events. The phrase describes a subjective experience, not necessarily an objective reality. Clearly distinguish between perceived influence and actual power.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a feeling of control" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a psychological state or emotional condition related to one's perceived ability to influence events or manage situations. Ludwig AI identifies its correct usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a feeling of control" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes the subjective experience of being able to influence or manage a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across a wide range of contexts, primarily in News & Media and Scientific domains. The phrase is considered grammatically correct and serves to communicate an individual's perception of their agency. While conveying this feeling is important, it's also crucial to differentiate it from actual control, as it represents a psychological state rather than an objective reality. Alternatives like "a sense of agency" or "a sense of empowerment" can be used to convey similar meanings, with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sense of agency

This alternative focuses on the ability to take action and make choices independently.

a sense of empowerment

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of being enabled and capable to influence one's circumstances.

a sense of command

This alternative highlights the feeling of authority and the ability to direct situations.

a feeling of mastery

This alternative focuses on the sense of competence and skill in handling a situation.

a sense of influence

This alternative emphasizes the ability to affect outcomes and decisions.

a feeling of self-determination

This alternative underscores the sense of being in charge of one's own destiny and choices.

a feeling of effectiveness

This alternative stresses the sense of producing desired results.

a feeling of direction

This alternative emphasizes the sense of having a clear path and purpose.

a sense of orchestration

This alternative highlights the ability to arrange and coordinate elements to achieve a desired outcome.

a sense of regulation

This alternative focuses on the ability to govern and maintain order within a system.

FAQs

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

You can use "a feeling of control" to describe a psychological state. For example: "Taking small steps towards recovery gave her "a feeling of control" over her anxiety."

What's a good alternative to "a feeling of control"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a sense of agency", "a sense of empowerment", or "a sense of mastery".

Is it better to say "a feeling of control" or "a sense of control"?

Both "a feeling of control" and "a sense of control" are grammatically correct and widely used. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you want to convey. "Feeling" emphasizes the emotional aspect, while "sense" emphasizes perception or awareness.

In what situations is it important to have "a feeling of control"?

Having "a feeling of control" is particularly important during times of stress, uncertainty, or major life changes. It can help individuals manage anxiety, cope with challenges, and maintain their well-being.