completely in control

USAGE SUMMARY

"completely in control" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation where someone has total authority or mastery over something. Example: "During the presentation, she was completely in control of the audience's attention." Alternative expressions include "fully in charge," "totally in command," and "entirely in control."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Completely in control.

The Guardian

Holland look completely in control.

The Guardian - Sport

"We need to be completely in control, not just sharecropping".

The New York Times

She's someone who is completely in control of her destiny.

The New York Times

She seemed imperious and absurd, completely in control.

The New York Times - Arts

"I never felt like I was completely in control.

The New York Times - Sports

Shane Spencer grounded out to lead off the eighth and Mulder seemed completely in control.

The New York Times - Sports

We were not completely in control like we could have been".

The Guardian - Sport

He was clearly having so much fun, while at the same time being completely in control.

The Guardian - Music

Mailer thought that God exists but is not completely in control of his creation.

The New Yorker

She can interact with readers while remaining completely in control of the exchange.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, ensure "completely in control" fits the tone. In more relaxed contexts, consider shorter, more impactful substitutes like "in charge" or "on top of things".

Common error

While "completely in control" is appropriate in many situations, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives often sound more natural and less stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely in control" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of total command, mastery, or authority. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to describe individuals, teams, or systems that exhibit full command of a particular situation or domain.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "completely in control" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that conveys a strong sense of mastery and authority. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news, business, and academic writing. While highly versatile, avoid overuse in very informal situations where simpler language may be preferable. Remember to consider context when choosing between "completely in control" and similar phrases to accurately convey the intended meaning. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate the phrase's broad applicability and nuanced usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entirely in command

Emphasizes the authority and leadership aspect more strongly than "completely in control".

fully in charge

Highlights responsibility and decision-making power, unlike "completely in control".

totally dominant

Focuses on overwhelming power and influence, suggesting a more forceful presence than "completely in control".

master of the situation

Implies skill and expertise in handling a specific circumstance, unlike "completely in control".

having full authority

Underscores the legal or official right to control, unlike the more general "completely in control".

exercising complete command

Highlights the active use of control and authority, differing from the state of being "completely in control".

possessing total mastery

Focuses on skill and expertise to get to "completely in control".

at the helm

Suggests a leadership position with responsibility for direction and control, unlike "completely in control".

calling the shots

Implies making all the decisions and dictating the course of action, unlike "completely in control".

running the show

Suggests overall management and direction, emphasizing operational control more than "completely in control".

FAQs

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

You can use "completely in control" to describe someone's level of authority or skill in a specific situation. For example, "She was "completely in control" during the negotiation, securing the best possible deal."

What are some alternatives to "completely in control"?

Alternatives include "fully in charge", "entirely in command", and "master of the situation". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "completely in control"?

While "in control" alone can be sufficient, "completely in control" emphasizes a higher degree of authority or mastery, suggesting no aspect is outside of one's influence. This added emphasis can be useful in certain contexts.

How does "completely in control" differ from "having influence"?

"Completely in control" implies direct authority and the ability to dictate outcomes, while "having influence" suggests a more subtle and indirect effect. One can have influence without being "completely in control".