capacity to control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capacity to control" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's ability or power to manage or influence a situation or behavior. Example: "The manager's capacity to control the team's dynamics was crucial for the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But I think there are situations that can occur well beyond their capacity to control it".

The New York Times

"Does he have a capacity to control it?" asked Mr. Santorum, referring to Mr. McCain's detonations.

The New York Times

We have the capacity to control any part of the city we want.

The New Yorker

The capacity to control impulses that arise from these feelings is a function of the prefrontal cortex.

The New York Times

He fears that the speed of technological development may exceed humanity's moral and mental capacity to control it.

The Economist

Thus, biological changes in the brain's capacity to control our drive to eat might serve to perpetuate obesity.

The New York Times

I won't binge.' Parcelled inside it is the same terror around what food can do to us because we've lost our capacity to control our appetites".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But they said that they had been told that in the past Mr. Pinochet "has shown remarkable capacity to control stress.

The New York Times

He said the hindrances could have affected his capacity to control himself, his motivation at school, and his ability to read or comprehend spatial layouts.

The Guardian

Although not obvious, the level at which the problem is caused is not the hand, but the brain: its capacity to control movement is impaired.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The three actors, in concert with an excellent cast, are palpably controlled by a force beyond their capacity to control their emotions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "capacity to control", ensure the context clearly defines what is being controlled and the extent of that control. For example, specify "capacity to control emissions" or "capacity to control impulses".

Common error

Avoid implying absolute or complete control when using "capacity to control". Be realistic about the limitations and potential external factors that can affect the ability to control something. Instead of stating 'they have the capacity to control the market', consider 'they have the capacity to influence the market'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capacity to control" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the extent of one's ability or power to manage, influence, or regulate something. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "capacity to control" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the ability or power to manage or influence something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a correct and versatile phrase found across various domains, including science, news, and business. Its usage spans from discussing emotional regulation to managing complex systems or emissions. While interchangeable with alternatives like "ability to manage" and "power to influence", it's crucial to define the scope and limitations of the control being discussed to avoid overstatements. The phrase carries a neutral to professional register, making it suitable for formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ability to manage

Focuses on the ability aspect of control, emphasizing management skills.

capability to regulate

Emphasizes the power to govern or direct something according to rules.

power to influence

Highlights the effect on something without necessarily having direct control.

potential to direct

Indicates a possible future ability to guide something.

skill to govern

Focuses on expertise in leading or ruling.

means to manipulate

Suggests using tools or methods to handle something, can have negative connotations.

resources to command

Emphasizes having the necessary assets to give orders or have authority.

facility to operate

Focuses on the ease and skill in working something.

scope to administer

Indicates the extent or range of authority to manage something.

authority to oversee

Highlights the right to supervise and direct something.

FAQs

How can I use "capacity to control" in a sentence?

You can use "capacity to control" to describe the ability or power to manage, regulate, or influence something. For example, "The company increased its capacity to control costs" or "The brain's capacity to control impulses is crucial for decision-making".

What are some alternatives to "capacity to control"?

Alternatives include "ability to manage", "capability to regulate", and "power to influence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "ability to control" or "capacity to control"?

"Ability to control" and "capacity to control" are often interchangeable, but "capacity" suggests a potential or inherent ability, while "ability" implies a demonstrated skill. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing potential or proven skill.

What does "capacity to control" mean in the context of emotional regulation?

In emotional regulation, "capacity to control" refers to the ability to manage and modulate one's emotional responses. This involves strategies to influence which emotions one has, when one has them, and how one experiences and expresses these emotions.