exerting control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exerting control" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of influencing or managing a situation, person, or group. Example: "The manager is exerting control over the project to ensure it stays on track and meets deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It's punishing people and exerting control.

The Guardian

"It's a way of exerting control," she said.

The New York Times

But the organisation admitted that the Syrian government was exerting control over the delivery of aid.

The Guardian

But the founders had more success than recent executives in exerting control over division managers.

The New York Times

Transcription factors (TFs) reprogram cell states by exerting control over gene regulatory networks and the epigenetic landscape of a cell.

Stanford University

This is the client's medium for exerting control; this is how it helps itself to maximum value.

The Guardian - Opinion

A senior Pakistani official sharply disputed that Mr. Musharraf had been more effective at exerting control over the ISI.

The New York Times

Today, the guerrilla movement has consolidated its grip over much of northern Yemen, exerting control over every aspect of society.

The Washington Post

Administrators are even exerting control over traditionally medical domains, such as the credentialing of new physicians with hospital privileges.

The New York Times

In other words, government planners could not accomplish their tasks without exerting control beyond the economic to the political realm.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"David also, as Tony did, believed in constant political campaigning as the daily style of politics and in exerting control-freak discipline over his colleagues".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exerting control" when you want to emphasize the application of power or influence to manage a situation or entity. It implies a deliberate and active effort to maintain command or direction.

Common error

Avoid using "exerting control" when simply describing a state of being in control. Instead, use it when describing the active process of taking or maintaining control.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exerting control" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun within a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing the act of actively managing or influencing a situation. It's about the process of controlling, not just being in control.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

28%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exerting control" is a grammatically correct and frequently used gerund phrase that describes the act of actively managing or influencing a situation. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is common in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, indicating its versatility across different fields. It's best used when emphasizing the dynamic process of taking or maintaining command. Be mindful not to use it passively, and consider alternatives like "exercising authority" or "wielding influence" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercising authority

Focuses more specifically on formal or legal power.

wielding influence

Emphasizes the indirect power to affect something.

taking command

Implies direct leadership and immediate action.

assuming leadership

Highlights the act of taking on a guiding role.

maintaining dominance

Suggests ongoing control and superiority.

imposing authority

Conveys a stronger sense of enforcement and potential resistance.

holding sway

Indicates a persuasive and subtle form of influence.

keeping in check

Implies managing or restraining something to prevent problems.

calling the shots

A more informal expression for making the key decisions.

pulling the strings

Suggests a hidden or manipulative form of control.

FAQs

How can I use "exerting control" in a sentence?

You can use "exerting control" to describe actions like "The government is "exerting control" over the media" or "The manager is "exerting control" over the project timeline".

What are some alternatives to "exerting control"?

Alternatives include "exercising authority", "wielding influence", or "taking command", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "exerting control" or "having control"?

"Exerting control" describes the active process of influencing, while "having control" describes a state of being. Use "exerting control" when focusing on the action taken to maintain or gain control.

What's the difference between "exerting control" and "exerting influence"?

"Exerting control" implies a more direct and forceful management, while "exerting influence" suggests a more subtle or persuasive effect. Control is often more structured and direct, while influence can be indirect.