be in control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be in control" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to have power or authority over a situation or to be responsible for making decisions. Example: "The CEO made it clear that he wanted to be in control of all major decisions for the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You should be in control.

The New York Times

She knows how to be in control".

Independent

It looked to be in control.

The New Yorker

I wanted to be in control".

The New York Times

Do they need to be in control?

The New York Times

Anarchists like to be in control.

The Guardian - Opinion

I like to be in control.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"They still seem to be in control.

The New Yorker

"We ought to be in control".

The New York Times

And you can be in control".

The Guardian

So you must be in control.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be in control" to emphasize the importance of having authority or influence in a specific situation. It's useful when you want to highlight responsibility and decision-making power.

Common error

Avoid using "be in control" when simply having influence is enough. Sometimes, guiding or influencing a situation is more appropriate than rigidly controlling it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be in control" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used in the infinitive form. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies having power or authority over a situation. Examples from Ludwig show it used to express the need for authority.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be in control" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that emphasizes the importance of authority and management. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and signifies having power or authority over a situation. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, from formal business settings to news reports. While alternatives like "exercise authority" or "take the reins" exist, "be in control" remains a direct and widely understood way to express the need for effective leadership and decision-making. It is important to make sure not to overuse it in situations where having influence is sufficient.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise authority

Implies the active use of power or control.

maintain command

Focuses on keeping a firm grip on a situation or group.

take the reins

Suggests assuming leadership or control, often in a guiding role.

have the upper hand

Emphasizes having an advantage or dominance in a situation.

dictate terms

Implies setting the conditions and rules of engagement.

call the shots

Indicates being the person who makes the important decisions.

be at the helm

Suggests being in charge and guiding a project or organization.

wield power

Highlights the ability to influence and direct.

exert influence

Focuses on having a significant impact on outcomes.

dominate the situation

Implies a commanding presence and control over events.

FAQs

How can I use "be in control" in a sentence?

You can use "be in control" to describe someone who has authority or is managing a situation, such as "The project manager needs to "be in control" to ensure the project stays on track".

What are some alternatives to "be in control"?

Alternatives include "exercise authority", "maintain command", or "take the reins", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "be in control" or "being in control"?

"Be in control" is often used as an infinitive or imperative, while "being in control" can function as a gerund or part of a continuous tense. The correct choice depends on the sentence structure and intended meaning.

What's the difference between "be in control" and "have control"?

"Be in control" suggests a state of actively managing and directing, while "have control" indicates possession of the power or authority to do so. The former emphasizes action, the latter emphasizes ownership.