control

USAGE SUMMARY

"control" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to the power to influence or direct people's behavior or the course of events. For example: "You need to take control of the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Let me assure you the situation is under control.

The Economist

"The situation is out of control.

The New York Times

"Under the previous government immigration was far too high and badly out of control.

The Guardian

The city would control Whitehall's local £500m apprenticeship budget and its £200m housing budget.

The Guardian

But never before in England had Whitehall been asked to surrender so much control over a local public sector, not even in London.

The Guardian

Bernstein's way of keeping the mayor under control might be constitutionally baroque, but as Osborne told Bernstein, "I know your record, so I will live with your model".

The Guardian

Although this guidance is about diagnosis, Nice states that, in many cases, asthma control is already inadequate, which could be life-threatening.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

An eight-month inquiry by the all party group on mindfulness found frontline public servants could be less likely to fall ill with stress, or quit altogether, if they engage in the increasingly popular meditation practice which involves increasing awareness of the present moment to help control anxiety and depression.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Recent revisions to budget forecasts imply that the U.S. government no longer needs additional revenues to control its deficits.

The Guardian

He has maintained tight control over both wings of the republican movement since the early 1980s.

The Guardian

At Tory mission control, the joy would have been unconfined.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing experimental design, clarify what variables are being controlled and how this is achieved for clarity and scientific accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "control" passively when an active voice would be more direct and impactful. For instance, instead of saying "The situation was controlled by the government", say "The government controlled the situation" for clarity and emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The word "control" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it denotes the power or ability to direct or influence something. As a verb, it means to exercise influence over or regulate. Ludwig AI affirms this dual functionality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "control" is a versatile word functioning as both a noun and a verb, denoting power, influence, and management. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically sound and suitable for diverse contexts, from news and business to scientific discourse. Its frequent use across authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times underscores its importance in effective communication. When using "control", consider its precise meaning and avoid passive constructions for greater clarity. Alternatives such as "manage", "direct", and "regulate" may provide nuanced options for expressing similar concepts. Ultimately, understanding the context and purpose will guide the most appropriate use of "control" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise authority

Emphasizes the act of using one's power to direct or manage.

govern effectively

Highlights the ability to lead and manage in a productive and successful manner.

take charge

Suggests assuming responsibility and leadership to guide a situation or group.

keep in check

Implies monitoring and regulating something to prevent it from becoming excessive.

direct affairs

Suggests managing and guiding important matters.

exert influence

Highlights the application of persuasive power to affect outcomes.

regulate strictly

Focuses on imposing rules and guidelines to ensure compliance.

maintain order

Focuses on preserving stability and preventing chaos through regulation.

oversee operations

Indicates supervising and managing activities to ensure they run smoothly.

handle skillfully

Refers to managing something with expertise and efficiency.

FAQs

How can I use "control" in a sentence?

You can use "control" to refer to the power or ability to direct or influence something, as in "The government has complete control over the situation", or to describe the act of managing or restraining something, like "He needs to control his temper".

What are some synonyms for "control"?

Alternatives to "control" include "manage", "direct", "regulate", "govern", and "influence", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "under control" or "in control"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Under control" suggests that a situation is being managed and is not escalating, while "in control" implies that someone has the power and authority to direct a situation.

What's the difference between "control" and "manipulation"?

"Control" generally implies a legitimate or necessary influence, while "manipulation" suggests a more devious or underhanded way of influencing someone or something, often for selfish purposes.