establishing control over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "establishing control over" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in contexts where someone is gaining authority or influence over a situation, organization, or group. Example: "The new manager is focused on establishing control over the team's workflow to improve efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

More important, they've been extraordinarily effective in establishing control over working conditions.

The New Yorker

One is taxidermy, understandably popular in an era preoccupied with collecting and with establishing control over nature.

The New York Times

Also powerful were the village rulers, who became "castle lords" by establishing control over military, administrative, and economic affairs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It also appears to be a symbolic effort to demonstrate that Russia is establishing control over Chechnya despite recent rebel attacks.

The New York Times

In both situations, establishing control over the other person is achieved through the "systematic, repetitive infliction of psychological trauma" designed to instill fear and helplessness.

The Guardian - Opinion

Maps were a way of locating resources, so that the map-holding few could get their hands on them, and of establishing control over land.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

The Spanish, meanwhile, established control over the Philippines.

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

The Guardian

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

The Guardian - Opinion

In the vacuum, the Mercers soon established control over the Trump campaign.

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about strategies or policies, use "establishing control over" to clearly convey the idea of gaining command or influence in a particular situation.

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions when "establishing control over" can be expressed more directly and actively. Instead of "Control was established over the situation", write "They established control over the situation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "establishing control over" functions as a verbal phrase, often acting as part of a predicate within a sentence. As Ludwig shows, it indicates the action of gaining authority or command over something. It describes a process rather than a state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Wiki

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "establishing control over" is a versatile expression used across diverse fields to describe the act of gaining authority or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted. With 25 examples provided, the phrase is classified as "Very common". It is primarily used in news, encyclopedias, and science. When writing, ensure active voice to convey a direct and clear intention. Related phrases include "gaining authority over" and "asserting dominance over". Steer clear of overuse to prevent monotony and choose synonyms when possible to add variety. The most common authoritative sources include The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assuming control of

Similar but places emphasis on the act of taking on control.

gaining authority over

Focuses on acquiring authority rather than just control.

asserting dominance over

Emphasizes the act of asserting power and superiority.

bringing under control

Emphasizes the act of making something controllable.

taking command of

Highlights the act of assuming a leadership position.

seizing power over

Suggests a more forceful or abrupt acquisition of power.

imposing authority over

Highlights the forceful imposition of authority.

exerting influence on

Focuses on influence rather than direct control.

gaining mastery of

Implies a high level of skill and control.

acquiring jurisdiction over

Focuses specifically on acquiring legal control or authority.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "establishing control over" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "acquiring jurisdiction over", "assuming command of", or "imposing authority over" depending on the specific context.

What verbs collocate well with "establishing control over"?

Common verbs used with "establishing control over" include "aid", "assist", "facilitate", and "hinder". For example, "New policies aid in "establishing control over" the region".

Is there a difference between "establishing control over" and "maintaining control over"?

"Establishing control over" refers to the initial act of gaining control, while "maintaining control over" implies sustaining that control over time. They describe different stages of a process.

When is it appropriate to use "establishing control over" in writing?

Use "establishing control over" when describing the process of gaining authority, influence, or command in a specific situation or area. It is suitable when discussing political, social, or operational contexts.