control someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "control someone" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where one person exerts influence or authority over another. Example: "He tried to control her decisions, but she stood her ground." Alternative expressions include "dominate someone," "manipulate someone," and "influence someone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Unfortunately, you can't control someone else's ability to choose how to respond to your art.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If he did not do the job, thus at least keeping some control, someone else would.

The New York Times - Books

It can control someone standing up and blocking the view of others.

The New York Times - Sports

"That's totally what I'm writing about because that's what you're doing whenever you try to control someone.

The Guardian - Music

It was the responsibility of the Jewish community to control someone like me if they wanted respect in this nation.

The Guardian - Film

"Len has this affect — Don't fuck with me, I'm in control," someone who has worked for him said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

There is a little bit of lag time when you're controlling someone else's computer.

The New York Times - Tech

Being constantly monitored through social media and on your phone is another invisible way of controlling someone.

The Guardian

I want men to know that jealousy is not love, and that controlling someone is not romantic.

The Guardian - Opinion

The best games do not give you a sense that you are controlling someone else — they give you a sense that you are someone else.

The New York Times - Magazine

Controlling someone's foot movements with magnetic brain stimulation, so that their hand tickled their foot against their will, seems to do the trick.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the specific nuance you want to convey: "influence someone" suggests a more subtle approach than "dominate someone".

Common error

Avoid using "control someone" when the intended meaning is simply to "guide" or "assist". "Control" implies a degree of power or authority that might not be present or appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "control someone" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of exerting power or influence over another individual. Ludwig AI provides several examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "control someone" is a common verb phrase used to describe exerting influence or power over another person. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. However, it's essential to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, as alternatives like "influence", "dominate", or "manipulate" may be more appropriate depending on the context. Be mindful of the scope of control implied, and avoid using it when the intended meaning is simply to guide or assist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dominate someone

Implies a forceful and often oppressive exercise of control.

manipulate someone

Suggests controlling someone through deceitful or underhanded means.

influence someone

Indicates a more subtle and persuasive form of control.

coerce someone

Emphasizes the use of force or threats to achieve control.

dictate to someone

Implies giving orders and expecting obedience.

govern someone

Suggests a more formal or institutional type of control.

subjugate someone

Highlights the act of bringing someone under complete control, often through conquest.

steer someone

Indicates guiding someone in a particular direction, a gentler form of control.

have authority over someone

Focuses on the legitimate right to exert control.

keep someone in check

Implies limiting someone's actions to maintain control.

FAQs

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

You can use "control someone" to describe the act of exerting power or influence over another person's actions or decisions. For example, "He tried to control her decisions, but she refused to be controlled."

What are some alternatives to "control someone"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "influence someone", "manage someone", or "guide someone".

Is it always negative to "control someone"?

While often negative, the act of "control someone" isn't inherently bad. It depends on the context and the manner in which control is exerted. For instance, parents need to control their children for their safety.

What's the difference between "control someone" and "influence someone"?

"Control someone" implies a direct and often forceful way of directing actions, while "influence someone" suggests a more subtle and persuasive approach.