gain control over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gain control over" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used when discussing the acquisition of power or authority over something. For example, "With the new budget increase, the company was finally able to gain control over their finances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How do I gain control over them?

Harvard Business Review

"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

What happens when more vindictive political forces gain control over these levers?

The New Yorker

They seek to gain control over their lives by controlling their bodies.

The New York Times - Health

Much of the latter half dramatizes Soares's doomed attempt to gain control over her park project.

The New York Times - Books

Children, she believes, can learn to gain control over their symptoms and lead normal lives.

The New York Times - Health

Councils gain control over local transport systems, skills, employment, housing and business support.

The Guardian

My research explores methods to gain control over individual atoms for computing, communications and sensing technology.

Princeton University

The binary solvent blends are modified to gain control over the formation of micellar morphologies.

Polymer

Emotions are contagious so you need to gain control over your anxiety.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gain control over", ensure the subject of the phrase is clearly defined, specifying who or what is gaining the control. For example, "The new management team sought to gain control over the company's finances".

Common error

Avoid using "gain control over" when the context implies only influence or partial management. "Exert influence over" or "contribute to" might be more appropriate if complete control isn't achieved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gain control over" functions as a verb phrase, where "gain" is the main verb indicating the action of acquiring something, "control" is a noun representing the power or authority being acquired, and "over" is a preposition connecting the action to the object of control. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gain control over" is a versatile and frequently used phrase signifying the acquisition of authority, influence, or management capabilities. As validated by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science, make it a valuable tool in expressing shifts in power and authority. While interchangeable with alternatives like "acquire authority over" or "take charge of", it is crucial to use it precisely, aligning with the intended scope of control. By understanding its nuances and context, writers can effectively convey the dynamic of acquiring power and mastery in various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquire authority over

Focuses on obtaining formal power or right to control.

establish dominance over

Emphasizes asserting superiority and control.

seize command of

Implies a forceful or decisive taking of control.

take charge of

Highlights assuming responsibility and control.

exert influence over

Focuses on having an effect or sway, rather than direct control.

secure a grip on

Suggests establishing a firm and stable control.

dominate

A shorter, more direct verb indicating control.

wrest control from

Implies taking control away from someone else, often through struggle.

get a handle on

More informal, suggesting understanding and managing something.

exercise power over

Highlights the active use of control or authority.

FAQs

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

You can use "gain control over" to describe the act of acquiring authority or influence. For example, "The government is trying to "gain control over" the country's borders."

What can I say instead of "gain control over"?

You can use alternatives like "acquire authority over", "establish dominance over", or "take charge of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "gain control over" or "has control over"?

"Gain control over" describes the process of acquiring control, while "has control over" describes the state of already possessing control. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning.

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

"Gain control over" implies acquiring the ability to direct and manage something. "Exert influence over" suggests affecting something without necessarily having direct authority. The former is about direct power, while the latter is about indirect sway.