exert control over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'exert control over' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use this phrase in many different contexts, such as when discussing a person's ability to influence a situation or process. For example, "The new manager is exerting control over the company's operational procedures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Buckingham Palace does not exert control over Jamaica's political affairs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Why does China want to exert control over Hong Kong?

The Guardian

The presidents would exert control over semi-independent campuses in Newark, New Brunswick and Camden.

The New York Times

There are different ways a negotiator can exert control over the negotiation process.

Harvard University

Parents attempt to exert control over almost every other aspect of their kids' lives as well.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This is changing rapidly, of course, as corporations and governments seek to exert control over it.

The Guardian - Tech

In 2015, the housing market will finally begin to exert control over the government.

The Guardian

Mr. Tatary said he did not think the government's proposal was a veiled effort to exert control over the mosques.

The New York Times

How did Ariel Castro exert control over his captives so that they hadn't thought to escape before?

The New Yorker

To exert control over this rate-limiting step, we designed sequence-specific synthetic transcription elongation factors (Syn-TEFs).

Stanford University

National boundaries have survived in the virtual world--and allowed national laws to exert control over the internet.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exert control over", ensure the subject has a legitimate or recognized basis for that control, whether it's authority, expertise, or responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "exert control over" when the influence is minimal or indirect. This phrase implies a significant and direct level of influence, so ensure the context supports this.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exert control over" functions as a verb phrase, where 'exert' is the main verb indicating the application of effort and 'control' is the noun representing the power or influence being applied. Ludwig's examples show it's often used to describe attempts to manage or direct something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

20%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exert control over" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It denotes the active application of influence or authority, appearing most commonly in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, writers should ensure its usage aligns with contexts where a significant level of influence is indeed present. Alternatives like "exercise authority over" or "wield power over" can offer nuanced variations depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise authority over

Focuses more on the formal right to control.

wield power over

Emphasizes the use of power to maintain control.

maintain command over

Stresses the aspect of giving and enforcing orders.

establish dominance over

Highlights the process of gaining a controlling position.

impose authority on

Implies a forceful application of control.

administer governance of

Refers to the management and control within a governmental or organizational context.

have influence over

Suggests a more subtle form of control through persuasion or impact.

dominate command of

Highlights total and overwhelming control.

regulate management of

Focuses on control through rules and procedures.

mastery over

Implies complete competence and therefore control.

FAQs

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

You can use "exert control over" to describe actions where someone or something attempts to influence or manage a situation, like "The government tries to exert control over the economy".

What are some alternatives to "exert control over"?

Some alternatives include "exercise authority over", "wield power over", or "have influence over", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "exert control on" or "exert control over"?

"Exert control over" is the correct and more commonly used form. "Exert control on" is less idiomatic.

What's the difference between "exert control over" and "influence"?

"Exert control over" implies a more direct and forceful action to manage or direct something, while "influence" suggests a more subtle and indirect effect. You can exert "control over" resources but you can have "influence over" people's opinions.