exercises total control over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exercises total control over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something has complete authority or influence over another entity or situation. Example: "The CEO exercises total control over the company's strategic decisions, leaving little room for input from other executives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Employing a commanding logic that exercises total control over the data of history, Thucydides uses rigorous principles of selection, suggestive juxtapositions, and artfully opposed speeches to reveal systematic relationships between plans and outcomes, impose meaning on the smallest events, and insist on the constant battle between intellect and chance.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"In general, he exercised total control over himself".

The New York Times

Until then, Lance Hart had exercised total control over his family.

The Guardian

He exercised total control over his first big-screen movie, Thief (initially released in Britain as Violent Streets).

The Guardian - Film

After Mr. Ecevit was allowed to return to political life in 1987, he and his wife exercised total control over the party.

The New York Times

In an attempt to exercise total control over the message, the campaign lost all control in bits and pieces, so when things went wrong, as they did during Mr. Romney's European visit, they went very, very wrong.

The New York Times

Mr Wolfram, a British-born prodigy who published his first scientific paper at 15, won a MacArthur genius grant at 21 and then made a fortune in the software business, exercised total control over the project.

The Economist

The government is one of the most brutal in the world, exercising total control over people's lives.

BBC

The article states, "...Fred Trump had exercised total control over his empire for more than seven decades.

Forbes

Accustomed to exercising total control over what goes on within the courtroom, they start to think their control extends to what goes on outside.

Forbes

He exercised total control over every aspect of Jones' life.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exercises total control over", ensure the context clearly defines the scope and limitations of the control being exerted. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "exercises total control over" when the control is not absolute or is subject to external factors. Using more nuanced language can prevent misrepresentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercises total control over" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of exerting complete authority or influence. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

24%

Science

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exercises total control over" is a versatile expression used to describe complete authority or influence. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. While appropriate in many contexts, writers should be mindful of overstating the extent of control and ethical considerations related to absolute power. Alternatives like "maintains complete command over" or "exerts absolute authority over" may offer nuanced options depending on the specific meaning. Found primarily in News & Media, Academia and Science, the phrase maintains a fairly neutral tone, fitting both formal and informal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintains complete command over

Focuses on the idea of maintaining existing control rather than initiating it.

exerts absolute authority over

Emphasizes the power and legitimacy of the control being exercised.

wields complete power over

Highlights the ability to use power to control something.

has absolute dominion over

Implies a supreme level of control and ownership.

dictates every aspect of

Suggests a detailed and comprehensive level of control.

governs with an iron fist

Conveys a harsh and unyielding form of control.

is in complete charge of

A more straightforward way of expressing complete control or responsibility.

holds absolute sway over

Suggests a persuasive and influential type of control.

has ultimate say over

Focuses on the decision-making aspect of control.

manages with total authority

Highlights the managerial aspect of having complete control.

FAQs

How can I use "exercises total control over" in a sentence?

This phrase describes someone or something that has complete authority or influence. For example, "The CEO "exercises total control over" the company's strategic decisions."

What are some alternatives to "exercises total control over"?

You can use alternatives like "maintains complete command over", "exerts absolute authority over", or "wields complete power over" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "exercises total control over" and "exercises considerable control over"?

"Exercises total control over" implies complete and absolute authority, while "exercises considerable control over" suggests significant but not necessarily absolute influence. The former is stronger and indicates a lack of external constraints, while the latter acknowledges potential limitations.

Can "exercises total control over" have negative connotations?

Yes, depending on the context. While it can describe effective leadership, it can also suggest authoritarianism or oppression, especially if the control is perceived as unjust or harmful. Consider the ethical implications of such dominance when using this phrase.