exercised control over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exercised control over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one entity has authority or influence over another entity or situation. Example: "The government exercised control over the distribution of resources during the crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

For the following three years she was at the helm of the only clan that exercised control over the entire city of Naples.

Vice

Throughout the 17th century, the citadel was expanded continuously, reflecting the growing wealth of a centre that exercised control over much of Transylvania and central Romania.

HuffPost

Gerrha - inhabited by Chaldean exiles from Babylon - controlled the Incense trade routes across Arabia to the Mediterranean and exercised control over the trading of aromatics to Babylon in the 1st century BCE.

Wikipedia

He had not exercised control over where his money went.

The Washington Post

During the Weimar era, individual German states exercised control over the police forces within their borders.

Britannica

The Koreans have yet to demonstrate that they exercised control over the islands before the Japanese occupation.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Which individuals within those "aggressor" states exercised control or direction over the military actions in question?

The New York Times

Mr. Hu's two predecessors both exercised control of the military after they gave up their other civilian titles.

The New York Times

He later emerged as Indonesia's new Pres & for more than 20 years exercised dictatorial control over the country & enjoyed unwavering American support.

The New Yorker

For the next century, the British exercised political control over the area, then known as the Garrows and Cossiya (Khasi) States, but the tribes, left to themselves, were able to preserve their traditional way of life in seclusion.

Britannica

Bemba, the court determined, issued operational orders and exercised primary control over the militia.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exercised control over", ensure that the subject clearly had the means and authority to exert influence. Provide context that demonstrates the nature and extent of this control.

Common error

Avoid using "exercised control over" when the subject only had limited or indirect influence. Ensure there's a demonstrable link between their actions and the outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercised control over" functions as a verb phrase, where "exercised" is the main verb showing action, and "control over" functions as the direct object. It indicates the subject's active role in managing or directing something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exercised control over" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe the act of exerting authority or influence. Ludwig AI confirms it to be perfectly usable. It's often found in news, encyclopedias and academic contexts, reflecting its professional and neutral tone. While alternatives like "held power over" or "maintained authority over" exist, choosing "exercised control over" specifically emphasizes the active exertion of control, as opposed to simply possessing it. Therefore, be sure to provide context that demonstrates the nature and extent of the authority being exercised.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

held power over

Highlights the possession of power.

maintained authority over

Focuses on sustained authority rather than the act of exerting control.

had command of

Emphasizes direct authority and the ability to issue orders.

held sway over

Emphasizes influence and persuasive power.

was in charge of

Suggests responsibility and management.

presided over

Suggests a formal or official position of control.

directed

Implies guidance and instruction.

held dominion over

Indicates ownership and supreme authority.

dominated

Implies a position of power and superiority.

governed

Implies a system of rules and regulations.

FAQs

What does "exercised control over" mean?

The phrase "exercised control over" means to have exerted authority, direction, or influence over someone or something. It indicates that the subject actively managed or governed the object.

What can I say instead of "exercised control over"?

You can use alternatives like "held power over", "had command of", or "maintained authority over" depending on the specific context.

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

For example, "The government exercised control over the distribution of resources", or "The CEO exercised control over all major decisions within the company".

Is it better to say "exercised control over" or "exerted control over"?

Both "exercised control over" and "exerted control over" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often depends on stylistic preference, though "exercised control over" might be perceived as slightly more formal.