does not control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does not control" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something lacks authority or influence over a particular situation or entity. Example: "The committee does not control the budget, as that responsibility lies with the finance department."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He does not control them.

The Guardian

The course staff does not control enrollment!

University of California, Berkeley

(The President does not control Iran's judiciary).

The New Yorker

ISIS does not control oil in Libya.

The Washington Post

But that recognition by itself does not control their behavior.

The New York Times - Science

President Aslan Maskhadov does not control all of Chechnya's factions.

The New York Times

"Turkey does not control its border," Mr. Karlas said.

The New York Times

Syria's response has been that it does not control Hezbollah.

The New York Times

Sanders does not control the main ugliness valve, though.

The New Yorker

Karzai says he does not control any contracts.

The Guardian

But the foreman does not control all his environment.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "does not control", ensure the subject and object are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The department does not control the budget" clarifies who lacks control over what.

Common error

Avoid using "does not control" when the situation actually involves a deliberate choice not to interfere, rather than a genuine lack of power. For example, avoid saying "The editor does not control the writer's style" if the editor intentionally allows creative freedom.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not control" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that the subject lacks the power, authority, or ability to manage, direct, or influence something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically correct expression. The examples from Ludwig highlight its diverse applications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "does not control" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that indicates a lack of power, authority, or ability to manage or influence something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is versatile and appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in defining the subject and object, and avoid misattributing a lack of control when it's actually a deliberate decision not to interfere. Alternatives include "lacks authority over" and "is not in charge of", depending on the desired level of formality or simplicity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacks authority over

Replaces "does not control" with a more formal expression indicating a lack of official power.

is not in charge of

Substitutes "does not control" with a simpler phrase indicating a lack of responsibility or management.

has no power over

Emphasizes the absence of influence or ability to direct something.

cannot dictate

Focuses on the inability to command or prescribe actions.

is unable to manage

Highlights the lack of capacity to oversee or handle something effectively.

is not responsible for

Indicates a lack of accountability or ownership of control.

has no say in

Suggests an absence of input or decision-making power.

is not at the helm of

Presents a more metaphorical expression, indicating a lack of leadership or direction.

is not in the driver's seat

Uses an idiom to convey the idea of not being in a position of control.

exercises no command over

Offers a more emphatic and formal alternative to express a complete absence of control.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "does not control" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "lacks authority over" or "exercises no command over".

What is a simpler way to say "does not control"?

You can simplify the phrase with options like "is not in charge of" or "has no power over" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "does not control"?

Use "does not control" when you want to clearly state that a person, group, or entity lacks the ability or authority to direct, manage, or influence something. It's suitable for situations where a direct assertion of lacking control is necessary.

What's the difference between "does not control" and "is not responsible for"?

"Does not control" indicates a lack of power or authority to direct something, while "is not responsible for" suggests a lack of accountability or obligation, though they can overlap in some contexts.