being in control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being in control" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a state of having power or authority over a situation or oneself. Example: "She felt a sense of confidence, knowing she was being in control of her own decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He liked being in control".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Evidently she likes being in control.

The Guardian - Music

I do quite like being in control.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Not being in control of my life.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The key principle is being in control.

The Guardian

Adults are used to being in control of things.

Princeton University

My background is more about the director being in control.

The Guardian - Film

"I love being in control of every single element".

The New York Times - Books

He was a strong man, used to being in control.

The Guardian - Opinion

He couldn't handle not being in control of everyone.

The New York Times - Magazine

Q. Has being in control lived up to your expectations?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being in control" when you want to emphasize the state or process of exerting influence or authority, rather than a static condition. For example, "Being in control of your finances can reduce stress."

Common error

Avoid using "being in control" when a static condition of control is meant. Instead of "He is being in control", use "He is in control" to describe his general status, not a temporary state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being in control" typically functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as a noun. It describes the state or action of exerting influence, authority, or management. Ludwig provides examples where the phrase acts as the subject of a sentence or part of a prepositional phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "being in control" is a versatile gerund phrase commonly used to describe the state or process of exerting influence, authority, or management. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and demonstrates its frequent usage across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia and Formal & Business. While generally neutral in tone, context dictates the level of formality. It's important to use it to describe the state or action of control and use "in control" for static conditions of control. Whether it’s managing finances or emotions, ""being in control"" suggests agency and responsibility, and understanding its nuances can enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having command

Emphasizes the authority and directness of control.

maintaining authority

Focuses on the act of keeping control that is already established.

exercising power

Highlights the active use of control and influence.

taking charge

Implies initiating control in a situation.

assuming leadership

Focuses on leading and guiding, which necessitates control.

managing effectively

Highlights skillful handling and direction.

calling the shots

Informal way of saying someone is making the decisions.

running the show

Informal way of emphasizing overall control.

dictating terms

Shows a forceful and dominating kind of control.

holding sway

Suggests a more subtle or persuasive control.

FAQs

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

You can use "being in control" to describe the state or action of having power or authority over someone or something. For example, "Being in control of your emotions can help you make better decisions."

What phrases are similar to "being in control"?

Similar phrases include "having command", "exercising power", and "taking charge", all suggesting the ability to direct and manage a situation or oneself.

Is it better to say "being in control" or "in control"?

The choice depends on the context. "Being in control" emphasizes the process or state of exerting influence. "In control" usually describes a static condition, such as "He is in control of the project."

What does it mean to say someone likes "being in control"?

It suggests the person enjoys having the power to influence situations, make decisions, and guide others. This can stem from a desire for order, predictability, or a sense of accomplishment. For instance, "She enjoys "being in control" because it allows her to implement her vision effectively."