be in complete charge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be in complete charge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone having full control or authority over a situation or task. Example: "As the project manager, I will be in complete charge of the team's activities and deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its on-board computer was in complete charge.

The New York Times

There is no question that Mr. Gore himself has been in complete charge of his campaign since Election Day.

The New York Times

Baugh started barking his signals in 1941 when the Redskins switched to the T, and he was in complete charge of the game.

The Washington Post

John Mauceri was in complete charge of the musical proceedings, balancing moments of bright diversion against the darker undercurrents of the score with sensitivity and assurance.

The New York Times

In 1951, Col. Amici was appointed by the Ministry of Public Works to supervise the construction of the airport, and for 7 years was in complete charge, accountable to no one, spending money & assigning building contracts as he pleased.

The New Yorker

Bradford's daily newspaper the Telegraph & Argus reported that "apart from a 15-minute spell midway through the second half when Notts came close to equalising, City were in complete charge of the game".

Wikipedia

(Except, of course, in the case of New York City, where Mayor Rudolph Giuliani would be in complete and total charge, even if he had already been incinerated).

The New York Times

If there are churches that have a lot of miracles happening, but they seem chaotic, know that God is not in complete charge there, because Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14 33, "God is not a God of confusion but of peace".

WikiHow

While waiting Las Casas produced a report that he presented to the Bishop of Burgos Juan Rodríguez de Fonseca and secretary Lope Conchillos, who were functionaries in complete charge of the Royal policies regarding the Indies; both were encomenderos.

Wikipedia

We were once again in complete charge of our destiny.

Huffington Post

Even in an age of technical directors, directors of football and megabuck owners who make managerial decisions, clubs are more likely to succeed if there is a powerful football person in complete charge of team matters.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be in complete charge", clearly define the scope of responsibility and the specific areas of control to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "be in complete charge" when collaboration or input from others is essential. Overstating authority can stifle creativity and alienate team members.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be in complete charge" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating the state or role of the subject. It signifies that the subject has full control and responsibility over a specific situation or task. This is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis of various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be in complete charge" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression that signifies having full control and responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts, including news, media, and professional settings. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context to ensure appropriate use, avoiding overstatements of authority in collaborative environments. Alternative phrases like "have full control" or "be fully responsible" offer similar meanings with slight variations. Therefore, understanding these nuances will help ensure that you are accurately describing a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have full control

This alternative focuses on the aspect of control, omitting the notion of responsibility or oversight that "charge" implies.

be fully responsible

This alternative highlights the accountability aspect, shifting the focus from direct control to the consequences of actions.

be in command

This phrase suggests a hierarchical structure and direct authority, often in a military or organizational context.

be at the helm

This metaphorical alternative emphasizes leadership and guidance, implying a sense of direction and navigation.

be the leader

This phrase highlights the leadership role, focusing on guiding and inspiring others rather than direct control.

be the head

This option emphasizes being the top person or authority, often within a formal structure.

oversee everything

This alternative emphasizes the act of supervising and managing all aspects of a situation or project.

take the reins

This idiomatic alternative suggests assuming control and direction, especially in a situation that was previously leaderless or mismanaged.

be the decision-maker

This option emphasizes the power to make critical choices and influence outcomes.

dictate the terms

This alternative focuses on setting the conditions and parameters, highlighting a strong position of power.

FAQs

How can I use "be in complete charge" in a sentence?

You can use "be in complete charge" to describe someone who has full control and responsibility over a situation, such as "As project lead, she will "be in complete charge" of the project's timeline and budget."

What phrases are similar to "be in complete charge"?

Similar phrases include "have full control", "be fully responsible", and "be in command", each with slight nuances in meaning.

Is it better to say "be in complete charge" or "have complete authority"?

While both phrases denote control, "be in complete charge" implies a greater sense of responsibility and active management, whereas "have complete authority" focuses more on the power to make decisions.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "be in complete charge"?

It may be inappropriate to use "be in complete charge" when referring to collaborative efforts or situations where shared decision-making is expected, as it suggests unilateral control.