control over

USAGE SUMMARY

"control over" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express authority, power, or influence. For example: "The manager maintains strict control over the accounts department."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They want control over that.

Independent

I have control over it.

Independent

"No more control over them.

The New York Times

Officials have tightened control over monasteries.

The Economist

His control over the media helps too.

The Economist

Westwood now had control over his swing.

Independent

I had no control over it".

Independent

You have complete control over that.

The New York Times

"People want control over their own destiny.

The New York Times

Had wonderful control over his body.

The New Yorker

You'll recapture control over your image".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "control over" to clearly indicate the scope and extent of one's authority or influence in specific situations. For example, "The government has control over immigration policy."

Common error

Avoid using "control over" with abstract nouns where "influence on" or "impact on" would be more appropriate. For example, instead of "control over the economy", consider "influence on the economy" if direct management isn't implied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "control over" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase indicating authority, influence, or domination in relation to a specific subject. As supported by Ludwig AI, it is typically used to show who or what has the power to direct or manage something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "control over" is a frequently used prepositional phrase that effectively communicates authority, influence, or the ability to manage a particular subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct, and its applications span a wide array of contexts, from news reports to academic discussions. While versatile, it's important to use "control over" judiciously, especially when alternatives like "influence on" might be more appropriate. Keep in mind that context matters, and selecting the right preposition is important for clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authority over

Emphasizes formal or legal power to direct or command.

influence over

Highlights the capacity to affect someone or something without direct command.

power over

Focuses on the ability to dominate or govern.

jurisdiction over

Specifically refers to the legal right to apply laws and regulations.

management of

Indicates the act of supervising and directing resources or activities.

command of

Suggests a position of leadership and the ability to give orders.

direction of

Highlights the act of guiding or steering something towards a specific goal.

supervision of

Refers to the act of overseeing and monitoring activities or individuals.

dominion over

Implies supreme authority or ownership.

charge of

Indicates responsibility and oversight.

FAQs

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

You can use "control over" to indicate authority or influence. For instance, "The company has "control over" its marketing strategy" or "The government wants "control over" internet content".

What are some alternatives to "control over"?

Alternatives include "authority over", "influence over", or "power over", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "have control on" instead of "control over"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "control" in this context is "over". "Have "control over"" is the standard and grammatically sound construction.

What's the difference between "control over" and "control of"?

"Control over" often implies influence or authority in a broader sense, while "control of" usually refers to direct possession or management. For example, "control over resources" suggests influence, whereas "control of the company" suggests ownership or leadership.