gain control

USAGE SUMMARY

'gain control' can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to someone taking control or authority of a situation. For example, "The rebel group was successful in gaining control of the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They need +6 to gain control.

The New York Times

But you're not there to gain control.

The New York Times

They are lobbying to gain control of the banks.

The New York Times

Unable to gain control, Barcelona turned more direct.

The Guardian - Sport

Britain and France did not gain control of the canal.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Meanwhile, other conspirators tried to gain control of the government.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"By drawing it they attempt to gain control over it".

Independent

Instead, a divorce often enables them to gain control over the children.

The New York Times

Inside Room 252, meanwhile, Miles saw a chance to gain control of the situation.

The New York Times - Sports

They hoped to use Joseph's momentary fright to gain control of the entire mansion.

The Guardian - Books

The deal is a departure for TPG, which typically seeks to gain control of companies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gain control" when you want to emphasize the process of acquiring power, influence, or mastery in a situation. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "gain control" in situations where a simpler verb like "take", "get" or "have" would suffice. "Gain control" is more appropriate when there's an implication of effort or a process involved in acquiring control.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gain control" functions as a verb phrase where "gain" is the verb, and "control" is the noun serving as the direct object. It indicates the act of acquiring or achieving control over something, whether it is a situation, an object, or one's emotions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gain control" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies the act of acquiring authority, influence, or mastery. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it sees frequent usage across various domains, including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While interchangeable with alternatives like "assume control" or "take charge", it's essential to consider the context to ensure the most appropriate choice. Ludwig AI confirms its common use, making it a reliable phrase in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assume control

Formal way of saying to take responsibility and control.

secure control

Implies making control safe or stable.

take charge

Suggests stepping up to lead and manage a situation.

acquire authority

Focuses on gaining legitimate power or right.

seize command

Implies a sudden or forceful taking of control.

get the upper hand

An informal way to indicate gaining an advantage or control in a situation.

establish dominance

Emphasizes the act of becoming the most powerful or influential.

dominate the situation

Suggests a very strong and decisive level of control.

wrest control

Conveys a struggle or effort to obtain control.

achieve mastery

Focuses on attaining a high level of skill or expertise.

FAQs

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

You can use "gain control" when referring to acquiring authority, influence, or mastery. For instance, "The company sought to "acquire control" of its competitor" or "He tried to "get the upper hand" during the negotiation".

What are some alternatives to "gain control"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "assume control", "take charge", or "establish dominance".

Is it more appropriate to say "gain control" or "acquire control"?

Both "gain control" and "acquire control" are appropriate, but "acquire control" may be slightly more formal. "Gain control" often implies a process or struggle, while "acquire control" can refer to a more direct transfer of power. For instance, consider "secure control" as an alternative.

In what situations is "gain control" most suitable?

"Gain control" is particularly suitable when describing scenarios involving effort, strategy, or competition to obtain power, influence, or mastery. It's commonly used in political, business, and personal development contexts. Consider phrases like "dominate the situation" to express the same