exercise more control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exercise more control" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the need for increased authority or influence over a situation or process. Example: "In order to improve the project's outcome, we need to exercise more control over the budget and timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We intended to exercise more control over the umpires.

The New York Times - Sports

The umpires, with direction from league officials, have to exercise more control.

The New York Times

Keith and Helen are at odds over whether Clark can exercise more control over his behaviour.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He denied that he wanted to exercise more control over the spinoff companies or improve his financial situation.

The New York Times

Putin and his lieutenants are clearly trying to exercise more control over the digital lives of Russian citizens.

MIT Technology Review

The use of synthetically designed genes provides means for researchers to exercise more control on heterologous protein expression.

Gene Reports

Ms. Josiah said she was pushing the Malaysian government to exercise more control over the Malaysian recruitment agencies that are responsible for importing the Indonesian maids.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Despite occasional hints that he intends to start moving aside, Steinbrenner has exercised more control over the Yankees' operations recently.

The New York Times - Sports

Zuckerberg and his top deputies have long held deep concerns about governments exercising more control of the technology industry.

The Washington Post

At the same time, PRs have increasingly exercised more control over the flow of news and become more adept at pioneering damage limitation exercises.

The Guardian

What tends to happen in domestic violence situations is that the arrival of a baby makes a partner feel threatened and he then exercises more control".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exercise more control", clearly specify what area or aspect requires increased control to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "The project manager needs to exercise more control over the budget."

Common error

Avoid using "exercise more control" in contexts where collaboration or delegation would be more effective. Overemphasizing control can stifle creativity and reduce team morale.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercise more control" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the action of exerting a greater degree of authority or influence. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correctness and usability. Examples show it used in contexts ranging from government oversight to personal behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exercise more control" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express the need for greater authority or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide applicability. It frequently appears in news and media contexts, as well as in scientific and formal business settings. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it's important to use it judiciously, ensuring that the call for increased control aligns with the specific context and does not stifle collaboration or innovation. Alternatives such as "exert greater influence" or "increase one's authority" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exert greater influence

Changes the verb to "exert" and adjective to "greater", focusing on influence rather than direct control.

increase one's authority

Replaces "exercise control" with "increase authority", highlighting formal power.

tighten one's grip

Uses a more figurative expression, implying a firmer hold on a situation.

assume greater command

Emphasizes taking on a leading role to manage or direct.

enhance management

Focuses on improving the overall management process.

strengthen governance

Implies improving the structures and processes for making decisions and ensuring accountability.

gain more leverage

Suggests obtaining a position of advantage to influence outcomes.

assert greater power

Emphasizes a forceful declaration of authority or influence.

dominate further

Conveys a strong sense of superiority and command.

govern more strictly

Indicates a stricter and more rigid approach to governance.

FAQs

How can I use "exercise more control" in a sentence?

You can use "exercise more control" when you want to indicate a need for greater authority or influence over a situation. For example, "The government needs to "exercise more control" over the financial sector to prevent another crisis."

What are some alternatives to "exercise more control"?

Alternatives include "exert greater influence", "increase one's authority", or "tighten one's grip" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "exercise more control" or "exert more control"?

Both "exercise more control" and "exert more control" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or the specific nuance you want to express.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "exercise more control"?

It's appropriate when discussing the need for increased oversight or management in situations where current levels are insufficient, or when someone is seeking to gain authority over a specific area or process.