controls

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "controls" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as discussing mechanisms, systems, or regulations that manage or direct something. Example: "The software includes several controls that allow users to customize their experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Economically, tight state controls have fostered stagnation and popular resentment while hindering foreign investment.

The Guardian

Subsequently, Karimov tightened controls over political and economic life.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, Ofgem said there should be further opportunities by the big six suppliers and others to reduce their costs from 2015 due to new price controls covering network charges.

The Guardian - Business

The final power networks are run as monopolies by individual companies such as SSE and Western Power Distribution under price controls implemented by Ofgem.

The Guardian - Business

About Bear Stearns, for which JP Morgan predicted $33bn of potential exposure, a former JP Morgan executive was similarly proud in 2008: "we were very pleasantly surprised to see that it was a very well run, tight operation with good risk controls and a risk discipline that was very similar to our own," he said.

The Guardian - Opinion

Renewable technology pays no dividends, has no obvious path to long-term profitability, can easily get disrupted and controls no resources.

The Guardian

The RSPH also wants tight controls on the promotion of e-cigarettes, such as the endorsement of particular brands by celebrities such as Mischa Barton, Bruno Mars and Rick Rock, and their positioning in shops, which can often be close to confectionery.

The Guardian

A law that comes into effect in Russia on Friday will place tighter controls on the blogosphere, one of the few remaining places where people can freely criticise the government.

The Guardian

Republicans were in the grip of an intense power battle on Wednesday as rival factions in in the House of Representatives, which the party controls, jockeyed to replace the outgoing majority leader Eric Cantor.

The Guardian

Using Siri, drivers will also be able to access messages and have them read aloud, reply via voice, access their contacts on the iPhone and make calls, as well as a variety of other voice commands including music controls.

The Guardian - Tech

He described harsh government controls in restive Xinjiang and Tibet as "ridiculous national policy", and also attacked a now-disgraced security tsar for abuse of power, before his downfall.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing technical systems, use "controls" to refer to the specific mechanisms or interfaces used to operate them. For example, "the software provides intuitive controls for adjusting the image settings."

Common error

Ensure you're using the plural form "controls" when referring to multiple mechanisms or elements, and the singular "control" when referring to a single instance or the act of controlling something. For example, "the system has many safety controls" versus "the engineer has control over the system".

Linguistic Context

The term "controls" primarily functions as a plural noun. Ludwig examples demonstrate it referring to mechanisms, systems, or regulations used for managing or directing various processes. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Tech

10%

Less common in

Opinion

2%

Lifestyle

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "controls" is a grammatically sound and commonly used plural noun, referring to mechanisms, systems, or regulations used for managing or directing various processes. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's versatile and applicable across diverse contexts, particularly in news, business, and technology. Usage ranges from governmental regulations to technological interfaces. While synonyms such as "regulations" and "restrictions" exist, "controls" maintains a neutral register suitable for professional communication. Remember to use the plural form when referring to multiple elements and avoid confusion with the singular "control".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regulations

This term emphasizes the established rules and guidelines that govern a particular activity or system.

restrictions

This highlights the limitations or constraints placed on something.

constraints

Similar to restrictions, but often referring to inherent limitations rather than imposed ones.

management

Focuses on the act of handling or directing resources or activities.

command

Implies authority and the ability to direct actions.

dominion

Suggests supreme authority or ownership and control.

governance

Emphasizes the system of rules and processes by which something is directed and controlled.

oversight

Focuses on the supervision and monitoring of activities.

supervision

Similar to oversight, but often implying a more direct and hands-on approach.

direction

This indicates guidance and leadership over a specific activity or process.

FAQs

How is "controls" used in a sentence?

The word "controls" is used as a noun to refer to the mechanisms or systems that regulate or direct something. For example: "The machine has advanced "user controls"."

What are some synonyms for "controls"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms such as "regulations", "restrictions", "management", or "command" instead of "controls".

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

"Control" is a singular noun or verb referring to the act or power to direct or influence, while "controls" is a plural noun referring to specific mechanisms or systems used for regulation. For example, "He has control of the situation" versus "The device features intuitive controls".

In what contexts is "controls" typically used?

"Controls" is commonly used in contexts relating to technology, government, and business, referring to systems, mechanisms, or regulations that govern or manage processes. Examples include "border controls", "price controls", and ""user controls"".