battling for control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "battling for control" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where there is a struggle or competition for authority, dominance, or influence over something. Example: "The two companies have been battling for control of the market for years, each trying to outmaneuver the other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"They are constantly battling for control of the 15 dimensional portals.

The Guardian - Books

And there is also a substantial record of owners battling for control of teams.

The New York Times

The main Transformers brand contains mature themes, with big robots battling for control of the planet.

The New York Times

Libya is in a state of civil war, with rival militias battling for control of different parts of the country.

The Guardian

Since then, militias have been battling for control of neighboring Libya, causing cross-border arms trafficking to flourish.

The New Yorker

They were among eight stationed there to monitor a cease-fire between groups battling for control of the region.

The New York Times

That's when armed groups began behaving like mafias, battling for control of the minerals in eastern Congo.

The New York Times

The motive for the slaying was not known, but the area has been ravaged by drug cartels battling for control.

The New York Times

In this zone, Los Zetas, the Gulf and New Generation Jalisco cartels are currently battling for control over land and sea territory to transport drugs, arms and people.

The Guardian

The leaders of two Afghan tribal factions battling for control of Gardez, in the east, have gone to Kabul at the request of the government for peace talks.

The New York Times

His cadence is clipped one moment and fluent the next, as if various speeds are battling for control of his mind.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing conflicts or competitions, use "battling for control" to emphasize the active and forceful struggle for dominance. It adds a sense of intensity and ongoing effort to the narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "battling for control" in passive constructions where the actors are unclear. Ensure the sentence clearly identifies who is engaged in the struggle to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "battling for control" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a gerund phrase acting as a noun, often within a prepositional phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it accurately describes situations involving active competition or conflict for dominance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "battling for control" is a versatile and frequently used expression to describe situations of intense competition or conflict for dominance. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Primarily found in news and media contexts, it effectively conveys an active and ongoing struggle. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the specific context to ensure appropriate formality. For more formal academic writing, you might consider alternatives such as "competing for dominance" or "struggling for power". Remember to ensure clarity by actively identifying those involved in this constant, strenuous effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fighting for supremacy

Emphasizes a struggle to be the most powerful or dominant.

competing for dominance

Highlights the competitive aspect of trying to gain control.

struggling for power

Focuses on the exertion of effort to obtain or maintain power.

vying for leadership

Specifically refers to competing for a leadership position.

contending for authority

Emphasizes the competition for legitimate power or control.

locked in a power struggle

Highlights an intense, ongoing conflict for power.

locked in a battle for supremacy

Refers to an all-out fight to be on the top.

seeking to dominate

Describes an active effort to gain control and exert influence.

jockeying for position

Implies maneuvering to gain a better position of influence or control.

challenging for command

Suggests a direct challenge to existing authority.

FAQs

What does "battling for control" mean?

The phrase "battling for control" describes a situation where two or more entities are in intense competition or conflict, each striving to gain or maintain authority, dominance, or influence over a specific area, resource, or situation.

How can I use "battling for control" in a sentence?

You can use "battling for control" to describe various scenarios. For example, "The two companies are "competing for dominance"/battling for control of the market", or "Several factions are battling for control of the government after the coup."

What are some alternatives to "battling for control"?

Alternatives include "fighting for supremacy", "competing for dominance", or "struggling for power", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "battle for control" or "battling for control"?

"Battling for control" implies an ongoing struggle, while "battle for control" suggests a single, decisive event. The better choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the continuous nature of the conflict.