exerting control over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exerting control over" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone or something has power or influence to direct or manage something. For example, "The government is exerting control over its people by implementing harsh laws."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

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

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

The New York Times

The ultra-Orthodox men in Israel who are exerting control over women claim that they are honoring women.

The New York Times

But by leaving his status unresolved, Steinbrenner and his sons, Hank and Hal, could be exerting control over Torre — in effect, showing him who's boss.

The New York Times - Sports

This had been established by Labour on its election in 1974 as a vehicle for investing in and exerting control over industry.

The Guardian

But if the Tour de France is forced to strip the title from its champion, the notion that cycling has failed at exerting control over the doping problem will only gain traction.

The New York Times - Sports

Dominic Lawson has observed the right-to-die lobby comprises "powerful people" who are used to exerting control over their lives, and I ­suppose I thought of myself as one of them.

The Guardian

The resulting project was Fable Legends, designed for five players: four acting co-operatively as heroes raiding a dungeon, one playing as the villain, exerting control over all the enemy forces.

The Guardian - Tech

South Korean officials were surprised to conclude in recent months that despite Mr. Kim's youth and inexperience, his government and party are exerting control over the military, which many regarded as too influential and too corrupt for that to occur.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The government has sought to cultivate that image of the ordinary, mobilizing its newspapers and television to insist that it was re-exerting control over the capital after its police force utterly collapsed on Jan . 28

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exerting control over" when you want to emphasize the active process of applying influence or authority, rather than simply possessing it.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "exerting control over" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "managing" or "handling" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exerting control over" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a gerund phrase acting as a modifier. It describes the action of exercising power or influence, often specifying the means by which something is managed or regulated. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exerting control over" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe the active exercise of power or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatile nature allows it to be applied across varied contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific discourse. While it is grammatically correct, it's crucial to consider the formality of the context, opting for simpler alternatives in casual settings. Synonyms like "exercising authority over" or "wielding influence over" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Remember to use it to emphasize the active application of influence rather than mere possession of power.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercising authority over

Focuses more on formal authority rather than the act of controlling.

wielding influence over

Emphasizes influence as the means of control.

maintaining dominance over

Highlights the aspect of superiority and power.

imposing authority on

Stresses the act of enforcing control.

taking command of

Suggests a more direct and active assumption of control.

dominating

Single-word alternative that's less formal and more direct.

governing

Implies control through established rules and systems.

managing

Focuses on the administrative aspect of control.

shepherding

Suggests a guiding and protective form of control.

administering

Conveys control through structured and methodical processes.

FAQs

What does "exerting control over" mean?

The phrase "exerting control over" means actively exercising power or influence to direct, regulate, or dominate something or someone.

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

You can use it to describe situations where someone is actively managing or influencing something, like: "The government is "exerting control over" the economy."

Are there synonyms for "exerting control over"?

Yes, alternatives include "exercising authority over", "wielding influence over", or "maintaining dominance over".

Is "exerting control over" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally considered formal, best suited for professional, academic, or news contexts. Simpler terms may be more appropriate for casual conversation.