establish control over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "establish control over" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in contexts where someone is asserting authority or dominance over a situation, group, or territory. Example: "The new manager aims to establish control over the team's workflow to improve efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

The state is commandeering every resource to establish control over the country.

The Guardian - Opinion

In Libya, Isis managed to establish control over significant coastal towns in early 2015.

The Guardian

It is necessary to establish control over the work of every official.

The New York Times

Finally, it would be wrong to use the battle against terrorism to establish control over countries or regions.

The New York Times

He also reformed the laws regulating communications and content in order to establish control over the media.

The New Yorker

The first Punic war was fought to establish control over the strategic islands of Corsica and Sicily.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

By planting the Russian flag in Grozny, the Russian military will re-establish control over the scene of some of its greatest humiliations during the 1994-1996 war.

The New York Times

A14 British troops moved in with tanks and helicopters and apparently questioned witnesses in a effort to re-establish control over a village where six soldiers were killed a week ago.

The New York Times

"They want to set prices, regulate incomes, impose rent controls, wage war on big business, demonise wealth creation, renationalise industries – and pretend that they can re-establish control over all aspects of the economy.

The Guardian

A western official in Kabul said a spate of arrests by Pakistani security forces of senior Taliban officials suggests Pakistan's intelligence agencies are trying to "re-establish control over the process".

The Guardian

As NATO bombs fall on Tripoli, however, Colonel Qaddafi is discovering that he needs to convince remaining loyalists that he can re-establish control over Libya's oil riches or they, too, will turn on him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about geopolitical events or power dynamics, use "establish control over" to clearly convey the act of gaining authority or dominance in a specific region or domain.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences using "establish control over" in a passive way. Instead of saying "Control was established over the region", use the active voice: "The army established control over the region."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "establish control over" functions as a verb phrase expressing the action of gaining or asserting authority or dominance. It is frequently used to describe actions taken by governments, organizations, or individuals to gain power or influence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "establish control over" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to describe the act of gaining or asserting authority, dominance, or influence. Commonly found in News & Media, Encyclopedia entries, and scientific publications, the phrase conveys a sense of deliberate action aimed at achieving power. While synonyms like "assert authority over" or "gain dominance over" exist, "establish control over" maintains a neutral yet professional tone suitable for formal discourse. Its consistent usage across authoritative sources underscores its reliability and precision in conveying power dynamics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assert authority over

Focuses on the act of declaring and enforcing authority, rather than just gaining control.

gain dominance over

Emphasizes achieving a superior position or influence.

seize power over

Implies a more forceful or abrupt acquisition of control.

secure a grip on

Highlights the act of obtaining a firm hold or influence.

take command of

Suggests assuming a leadership role and directing operations.

exert influence over

Focuses on the application of persuasive power rather than direct control.

wield power over

Emphasizes the active exercise of existing power.

bring under one's sway

Suggests influencing someone or something through charm or persuasion.

subjugate

Implies conquering and bringing someone or something under complete control, often by force.

dominate

Highlights the act of exerting supreme influence or control.

FAQs

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

Use "establish control over" to indicate the act of gaining authority or dominance. For example: "The government is trying to "establish control over" the region."

What are some alternatives to "establish control over"?

Alternatives include "assert authority over", "gain dominance over", or "seize power over", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "establish control over" or "gain control over"?

"Establish control over" emphasizes the initiation or formalization of control, while "gain control over" focuses on the process of acquiring it. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "establish control over" and "maintain control over"?

"Establish control over" describes the initial act of gaining control, whereas "maintain control over" refers to the ongoing effort to retain that control. They describe different stages of authority.