being in control of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being in control of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea of having power or authority over something or someone. Example: "She enjoys being in control of her own schedule and making decisions that affect her life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I find it depressing that being "in control" of immigration is seen as synonymous with "ending" immigration.

Independent

Not being in control of my life.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Adults are used to being in control of things.

Princeton University

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

The New York Times - Books

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

The New York Times - Magazine

Not being in control of it really bothers him".

The New York Times - Sports

Now we're close to being in control of everything except earthquakes and the weather.

The Guardian - Film

The ultimate answer rests with Iraqis being in control of their country".

The New York Times

I like being in control of it, and I want to continue to do that".

The New York Times - Arts

Any notion of Wales being in control of this last session had vanished.

The Guardian - Sport

That sense of not being in control of her destiny terrified her.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being in control of" when you want to emphasize the aspect of managing, directing, or having authority over a situation, person, or thing. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "being in control of" is versatile, it might sound less formal in highly professional settings. Consider using synonyms like "exercising authority over" or "maintaining command over" for a more refined tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being in control of" functions as a participial phrase typically acting as an adjective complementing a noun or pronoun. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing a state of authority or management. It is often part of a larger verb phrase expressing a desire, fear, or capability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being in control of" is a versatile phrase used to convey the idea of having authority, management, or influence over something. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically sound and widely applicable, as demonstrated by its prevalence across diverse contexts like news, academia, and general media. While generally neutral, more formal alternatives may be preferable in professional settings. Remember to use this phrase when you wish to emphasize the aspect of managing and directing, while keeping in mind the potential need for synonyms in more formal scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having command over

This alternative suggests a strong and direct form of authority.

exercising authority over

This highlights the active use of one's power or control.

maintaining authority over

This emphasizes the aspect of keeping control that is already established.

having power over

Focuses on the possession of power, implying control.

managing

A general term for handling or directing something effectively.

directing

Suggests guidance and leadership.

supervising

Implies oversight and regulation.

governing

Suggests control in an administrative or political context.

overseeing

Emphasizes a broad view and overall management.

dictating

Implies absolute control and instruction.

FAQs

What does "being in control of" mean?

The phrase "being in control of" signifies having the power, authority, or ability to manage, direct, or influence a particular situation, person, or thing.

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

You can use "being in control of" to indicate someone's ability to manage or govern something. For example, "She enjoys "having command over" her schedule" or "The government aims at "maintaining authority over" its borders".

What are some alternatives to "being in control of"?

Alternatives include "having authority over", "exercising control over", "managing", or "directing", depending on the specific context.

Is "being in control of" formal or informal?

"Being in control of" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives like "exercising authority over" might be preferred in professional or academic settings.