control the detail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "control the detail" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the management or oversight of specific aspects or elements of a project or situation. Example: "In order to ensure the project's success, we need to control the detail of each phase closely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

How does she control the detail of what is going on in her face?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Bureaucrats rose to control the details of everyday life.

The New York Times

The rights of Americans to "keep custody of children, and to control the details of raising them, are not accidentally or carelessly selected freedoms," he wrote.

The New Yorker

It will farm out the manufacturing to a company in Taiwan, but it wanted to control the details of the camera itself — much as Apple does.

The New York Times - Tech

From the first, he exploited his boss's penchant for focusing on the big picture in order to control the details.

The Economist

Animal studies had suggested that signals from the brain were not needed to control the details of movement, but just to activate the spinal cord.

The New York Times - Health

Professor Albright himself evidently does not think so, for he elsewhere declares that "the historian cannot control the details of Jesus's birth and resurrection and thus has no right to pass judgment on their historicity.

The New Yorker

This means that the motor cortex does not control the details of limb movement directly but instead controls the abstract parameters of movement, regardless of the connected apparatus that is actually moving.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The key consideration is whether the business has retained the right to control the details of a worker's performance or instead has given up that right".

Forbes

Observe that the only rules that can remain stable are those that deal with abstract and general aspects of local urban reality, and do not claim to control the details.

City, Territory and Architecture

His version of this ghastly acronym would give English MPs control over the detail - and a veto over - English laws.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "control the detail", ensure that the context clearly indicates what aspects are being controlled and why. For instance, specify the phase of a project or area of responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "control the detail" without specifying which details are being controlled. Vague usage can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. Be specific about what aspects are under control to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "control the detail" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the ability to manage or dictate specific elements. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes the active management of particular aspects.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "control the detail" is grammatically correct but rarely used, typically appearing in neutral contexts like news and science. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, emphasizing its role in actively managing specific aspects. For alternative phrasing, consider "manage the specifics" or "oversee the particulars" to convey similar meanings with subtle differences. The key is to clearly specify which details are under control to avoid vagueness. While grammatically sound, this phrase benefits from contextual clarity to maximize its impact and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

manage the specifics

Emphasizes the act of managing specific aspects, shifting from control to a broader management perspective.

oversee the particulars

Highlights the supervisory aspect, focusing on overseeing specific details rather than directly controlling them.

dictate the minutiae

Suggests a more forceful and directive approach to handling very small details.

govern the fine points

Implies a guiding or regulatory influence over the finer aspects.

regulate the specifics

Focuses on establishing and maintaining control over specific details through regulation.

handle the nuances

Highlights the skill of managing subtle differences or distinctions.

administer the particulars

Focuses on the administrative aspect of managing specific details.

master the detail

Shifts the focus to achieving expertise and control over detailed aspects.

check the detail

Emphasizes the act of verifying detailed aspects, differing from the original's focus on control.

monitor the detail

Focuses on the act of monitoring detailed aspects rather than direct control.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "control the detail" in a sentence?

To effectively use "control the detail", specify the context where control is exerted. For example, "In project management, it's essential to "manage the specifics" to ensure success".

What are some alternatives to "control the detail"?

You can use alternatives such as "manage the specifics", "oversee the particulars", or "dictate the minutiae", depending on the level of authority and precision you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "control the detail" and "manage the details"?

"Control the detail" implies a more direct and authoritative approach, whereas "manage the details" suggests a broader oversight and coordination. The choice depends on the desired level of influence and responsibility.

In what situations is it most appropriate to use "control the detail"?

The phrase "control the detail" is best used in situations where precision and oversight are crucial, such as in project management, scientific research, or quality assurance, where close monitoring of specific aspects is essential.