a sense of control

USAGE SUMMARY

"a sense of control" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in any context where the idea of being in control of a situation is relevant. For example, "Having a sense of control over my own decisions was liberating."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That gave us a sense of control.

The New York Times - Sports

Choices that allow a sense of control.

The Washington Post

A sense of control leads to engagement.

Harvard Business Review

It allows a sense of control.

The Washington Post

Information gives some people a sense of control.

The New York Times - Health

But experts say patients can regain a sense of control.

The New York Times

For other women, midwives offer a sense of control.

The New York Times

That gave me comfort and a sense of control.

The New York Times - Sports

In stories, we often imagine nightmares and this gives us a sense of control over them.

University of California, Berkeley

"There's a sense of control, and it helps people feel more positive in general," Malloy says.

Harvard University

Its predictability also provides people with a sense of control in otherwise chaotic markets.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the psychological impact, use "a sense of control" to highlight feelings of stability and predictability in stressful situations.

Common error

Avoid using "a sense of control" in contexts where genuine control is impossible. Overstating the level of influence can lead to unrealistic expectations or misinterpretations of complex systems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sense of control" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes a subjective feeling or perception of being able to influence or manage a situation, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sense of control" is a widely used and grammatically sound noun phrase that describes the feeling of being in charge of a situation. According to Ludwig, it's prevalent in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business contexts, and serves to communicate empowerment and capability. While generally positive, it's important to avoid overstating control in complex situations. Related phrases include "a feeling of control" and "a perception of control", each offering subtle differences in emphasis. Based on Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in any context where the idea of being in control of a situation is relevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a feeling of control

Replaces "sense" with "feeling", emphasizing the subjective experience of control.

a perception of control

Focuses on the belief or understanding that control exists, whether or not it's objectively true.

a sensation of control

Highlights the physical or emotional feeling associated with being in control.

a sense of command

Suggests a more authoritative and directive type of control.

a sense of authority

Emphasizes the power and right to exert control.

feeling of empowerment

Highlights the feeling of being enabled and capable, often linked to control.

being in charge

A more direct and active way to express having control.

having influence over

Shifts the focus to the ability to affect outcomes, rather than direct control.

mastery over

Implies a high level of skill and control in a specific area.

self-determination

Focuses on the control over one's own life and choices.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sense of control" to describe the feeling of being in charge of a situation, for example: "Gaining knowledge about the disease gave him "a sense of control" over his treatment plan."

What's the difference between "a sense of control" and "a feeling of control"?

While both phrases are similar, "a feeling of control" emphasizes the emotional aspect, while "a sense of control" can also refer to a more rational or cognitive understanding of being in control.

What can I say instead of "a sense of control"?

Alternatives include "a feeling of control", "a perception of control", or "a sensation of control" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a sense of control" always positive?

Generally, yes. However, the desire for "a sense of control" can sometimes lead to negative behaviors if it becomes excessive or is pursued through unhealthy means.