coming under control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "coming under control" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or issue that is being managed or regulated effectively. Example: "After several weeks of effort, the project is finally coming under control, and we can see progress being made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Was the situation coming under control?

The Guardian

As investigators pursued leads, antivirus companies said that the infection was coming under control.

The New York Times

WRI scientists said it was too early to know whether the destruction of the country's rainforest was coming under control.

The Guardian

And although the numbers of cases appear to be coming under control, they could go up again.

The Guardian

Whatever the reasons for the continuing weakness of policy, the situation is manifestly not coming under control.

The New York Times

Morrison's latest court appearance last week revealed more signs that his behaviour might finally be coming under control.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

"That priority is likely to change now that the debt situation has come under control.

The New York Times

"The fire has not come under control yet," Fernando Clavijo, regional president of the Canaries, told reporters.

The Guardian

NTV has since come under control of the state-dominated natural gas monopoly Gazprom.

The New York Times

Her highest notes seemed slightly unsettled at first, but quickly came under control.

The New York Times - Arts

It implies an abundant talent that hasn't yet come under control.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "coming under control", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is gaining control and what it is gaining control over. For instance, "The spread of the virus is finally coming under control thanks to the vaccination efforts."

Common error

Avoid using "coming under control" with abstract nouns that cannot be directly managed or regulated. For example, instead of saying "The happiness is coming under control", consider alternative expressions such as "The situation is becoming more manageable".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "coming under control" functions as a verbal phrase indicating that a situation, process, or entity is transitioning from a state of disarray or instability to one of management and regulation. Ludwig AI highlights its frequent use in various contexts, indicating its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "coming under control" is a versatile and frequently used expression that signifies progress and improved management of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It's best suited for neutral to formal contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific reporting. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about what is gaining control and over what. While it is a common phrase, remember to check more formal synonyms such as "being effectively managed" to prevent issues related to formality in specialized professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being managed effectively

This alternative emphasizes the active management aspect, shifting the focus from a process to the result of management.

becoming manageable

This suggests that the situation is evolving from being out of control towards a state where it can be more easily handled.

being brought under management

This suggests an action performed by someone to actively control the situation.

being regulated

This phrase emphasizes the act of regulating something.

getting a handle on

This phrase is more informal and suggests gaining initial control or understanding of a situation.

getting on top of

This phrase is more informal and implies overcoming a challenge to gain control.

stabilizing

This implies reaching a steady state and preventing further deterioration, focusing on stability rather than complete control.

being mastered

This suggests complete control and understanding, indicating a higher level of proficiency than simply "coming under control".

gaining mastery over

This suggests a high degree of skill and control, implying expertise in handling the situation.

turning the corner

This idiom indicates a shift from a negative trend to a positive one, implying improvement and eventual control.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "coming under control" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "being brought under management", "being effectively regulated", or "stabilizing" instead of "coming under control".

What's the difference between "coming under control" and "getting out of control"?

"Coming under control" describes a situation improving and becoming managed, while "getting out of control" describes a situation worsening and becoming unmanageable. They are opposite in meaning.

Is it always appropriate to use "coming under control" in business writing?

While generally acceptable, assess the specific context. More formal alternatives like "being effectively managed" or "being brought under regulation" might be more suitable depending on the audience and message.

What are some signs that a situation is "coming under control"?

Signs include decreasing negative metrics (e.g., infection rates, budget deficits), improved efficiency, increased stability, and the successful implementation of management strategies.