feeling of control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feeling of control" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing emotions or psychological states related to having power or influence over a situation. Example: "In stressful situations, having a feeling of control can significantly reduce anxiety and improve decision-making."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This has to do with that good feeling of control which I feel that children need to know is there.

Huffington Post

"This general feeling of control, we can think of as a sort of anti-stress".

The New York Times - Health

One of them was the feeling of control that the environment telegraphed.

The New Yorker

Sure, the divisions were fake, but they gave us a feeling of control.

The New York Times - Arts

The ads present Lincoln Financial as "the springboard to a refreshing feeling of control," he added.

The New York Times

"I think it was this feeling of control and returning something back to normalcy," Ms. Williamson said.

The New York Times

"But it gives you a bigger feeling of control when you can decide what to do with those attempts.

The Guardian - Sport

Children fill out "feelings" charts, draw pictures, and act out plays and scenarios that allow them a feeling of control.

The New York Times

Knowing that zombies can never really rise allows for a feeling of control, a rare and valuable thing these days.

The Guardian - Film

The lines move fastest on his watch, the place is at it's cleanest and there is a feeling of control.

The New York Times

It gives scientists a comfort, a sense of power, a feeling of control to be able to name things in this way.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feeling of control" when you want to emphasize the emotional or psychological experience of being in charge or having influence over a situation. This is especially useful when discussing personal well-being or reactions to stressful events.

Common error

Avoid using "feeling of control" when the situation clearly indicates a complete lack of actual control. Overstating one's influence can sound naive or misleading. Consider using "desire for control" or "hope for control" instead.

Linguistic Context

Feeling of control functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feeling of control" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes the subjective experience of having influence or agency. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears most commonly in news and media and science contexts. The term is generally neutral in register, suitable for both formal and informal communication. Alternatives such as "sense of control" or "perception of control" offer subtle variations in meaning. When writing, be mindful not to overstate the degree of control in situations where actual control is limited.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sense of control

Refers to a conscious awareness of being in charge, similar to but subtly emphasizing perception.

perception of control

Focuses on the subjective understanding of having influence, emphasizing the individual's viewpoint.

experience of control

Highlights the direct, personal involvement in exercising control.

mastery

Implies a comprehensive skill or command over a situation or subject.

sense of agency

Emphasizes the feeling of being the initiator of actions and their consequences.

feeling of empowerment

Conveys a stronger sense of authority and capability.

illusion of control

Contrasts by suggesting that the feeling of control may not be real.

sphere of influence

Indicates the range or scope over which control is exerted.

reign

Signifies a dominant period or exercise of authority.

dominion

Suggests complete rule or supremacy over something.

FAQs

What does "feeling of control" mean?

The "feeling of control" refers to the subjective emotional experience of having influence or agency over a situation, one's environment, or one's own actions. It's often associated with reduced stress and improved well-being.

How can I cultivate a "feeling of control" in stressful situations?

Strategies include breaking down overwhelming tasks into smaller, manageable steps, focusing on what you can influence, and practicing mindfulness to manage anxiety. Seeking support from others can also help you regain a "feeling of control".

What is the difference between "sense of control" and "feeling of control"?

While similar, "sense of control" often refers to a more cognitive or intellectual awareness of being in charge, while "feeling of control" emphasizes the emotional experience of having influence. They are often used interchangeably.

Are there negative aspects to seeking a "feeling of control"?

Yes, an excessive need for control can lead to anxiety, micromanagement, and difficulty delegating tasks. Striving for a healthy balance between control and acceptance is important.