exercise greater control over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exercise greater control over" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to have a stronger or more influential hold on something or to have more authority or power to direct or manage it. Example: The new CEO plans to implement stricter policies in order to exercise greater control over the company's finances.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Protesters wanted the trustees instead to exercise greater control over the organization.

Stanford University

Washington wants London to exercise greater control over extremist Islamist influences within Britain, many of whom are of Pakistani descent.

Independent

"It is time to end the nanny state and empower our people to exercise greater control over their money".

The New York Times

Arthur I. Weinstein, vice president of the Council of New York Cooperatives and Condominiums, agreed that some condominiums appeared to be trying to exercise greater control over admissions.

The New York Times

Since then, Mr. Erdogan has moved to exercise greater control over the High Election Board and the electoral law, the parties warned.

The New York Times

The revision to the retail law, approved by parliament in April, allows the government to exercise greater control over private businesses.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

In France, for instance, the state has traditionally exercised greater control over museums.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Whatever the reason for opting out only to opt in, Rodriguez has to blame himself for not exercising greater control over his career and his life.

The New York Times - Sports

The algorithm and other ideas discussed here contribute to an important part of the literature on exercising greater control over the sometimes unpredictable nature of nonlinear systems.

Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications

Might the resulting fuss be something to do with the degree to which this offers greater prospects than other innovations, for exercising greater control over lucrative global commodity markets and supply chains?

The Guardian

On the situation in Colorado, Washington and Uruguay, the Home Office says their experimental policies which legalise production, supply and recreational use of cannabis have the common aim of disrupting organised crime and exercising greater control over the use of cannabis.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to demonstrate the need to take charge, use "exercise greater control over" to showcase having increased power and influence.

Common error

Avoid using "exercise greater control over" when only minor adjustments or influence are intended. This phrase implies a significant increase in authority, so use it when truly demonstrating substantial power or influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercise greater control over" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of increasing authority or influence over something. This is supported by Ludwig examples which show the phrase used in contexts where someone is actively taking charge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exercise greater control over" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that indicates an increase in authority or influence. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and frequent use across diverse contexts, including news, academic, and business domains. While it's suitable for neutral and professional registers, it's important to use it judiciously, ensuring the context genuinely reflects a significant increase in power. Remember to consider alternatives like "exert more influence" or "assume increased authority" to fine-tune your message for clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exert more influence on

Focuses on the application of influence, rather than complete control.

wield greater power over

Focuses on the possession and use of power.

establish stronger command of

Highlights the establishment of command, implying a more direct and forceful approach.

take firmer charge of

Implies a more assertive and decisive assumption of responsibility.

assume increased authority regarding

Emphasizes the assumption of authority, suggesting a shift in power dynamics.

have heightened oversight of

Emphasizes the increased level of scrutiny and supervision.

gain better management of

Focuses on improved management skills, suggesting a more hands-on approach.

tighten the reins on

Uses a metaphorical expression for exerting more strict management.

secure enhanced governance over

Implies securing a more robust system of governance and oversight.

achieve superior regulation of

Highlights the achievement of superior regulatory capabilities.

FAQs

How can I use "exercise greater control over" in a sentence?

You can use "exercise greater control over" to indicate that someone is taking more authority or power in a specific situation. For example, "The manager decided to "exercise greater control over" the project's budget".

What's the difference between "exercise greater control over" and "have more control over"?

"Exercise greater control over" implies taking active steps to increase control, while "have more control over" simply states the existence of increased control. The first suggests an action, while the second is a state.

What can I say instead of "exercise greater control over"?

You can use alternatives like "exert more influence on", "assume increased authority regarding", or "establish stronger command of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "exercising greater control over" instead of "exercise greater control over"?

Yes, "exercising greater control over" is the gerund form and is grammatically correct. It is used when the phrase acts as a noun, such as in the sentence "Exercising greater control over finances led to increased profits."