gain some control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gain some control" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of obtaining authority or influence over a situation or aspect of life. Example: "After months of chaos, I finally feel like I can gain some control over my schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

We paddle frantically through the tumbling rapids trying to gain some control.

The Guardian - Travel

Republicans wanted to gain some control over the process in 2016.

The New Yorker

To gain some control, Mrs. Garcia, of Valley Stream on Long Island, went on a diet.

The New York Times - Health

It seems Putin's goal is not only to sideline Khodorkovsky but also to gain some control over Yukos itself.

The New York Times - Magazine

The task is to "make Latin America's past come alive so we can gain some control over our future".

The Guardian - Books

As residents have watched the amount of open space dwindle, some have sought to gain some control over land use.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Getting madrassahs registered with the government — and so gaining some control over curricula — is smarter than stigmatizing them and pushing students over the border into Waziri zealotry.

The New York Times

As Gov. Gray Davis left the first California recall debate here on Wednesday, he had the confident air of a man gaining some control over his political destiny.

The New York Times

By extending an olive branch, the city gained some control over the outcome while also moving toward a more collaborative relationship.

Harvard University

In writing about war, writing teachers explain, veterans must organize and analyze difficult memories, possibly gaining some control over their traumas along the way.

The New York Times

In gaining some control over the family finances, and confidence in herself, Willmont felt able to apply for some casual promotional work, which brought in a bit of extra money.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In discussions about regaining stability after a disruptive event or crisis, framing the response as an effort to "gain some control" can highlight proactive steps toward recovery.

Common error

Avoid using "gain some control" when the situation implies complete or absolute command. The phrase suggests a partial or incremental increase in influence, not total mastery.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gain some control" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of acquiring a degree of influence or command over a situation, person, or object. As Ludwig AI points out, this suggests an increase, rather than absolute, power.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gain some control" is a versatile phrase used to describe the act of acquiring a degree of influence or command. As evidenced by the Ludwig AI analysis, its grammatical correctness and common usage across various fields like news, science, and business, make it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary. Remember to use it to show steps toward recovery rather than stating complete control.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take charge

Emphasizes assuming responsibility and control.

exert authority

Highlights the active application of power or control.

seize control

Implies taking control forcefully or decisively.

get the upper hand

Highlights obtaining an advantage that allows you to control a situation.

secure influence

Focuses on obtaining a position to affect outcomes.

assume command

Highlights taking a leadership position with control.

establish dominance

Implies achieving a superior position to exert influence.

achieve mastery

Suggests gaining a high level of skill or control over something.

gain leverage

Focuses on obtaining a strategic advantage for control.

get a grip

Focuses on managing oneself or a situation, often emotional.

FAQs

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

You can use "gain some control" to describe efforts to manage a situation, like "The firefighters worked to "gain some control" over the blaze" or to manage personal feelings, such as "She went on a diet to "gain some control" over her anxiety."

What are some alternatives to "gain some control"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "take charge", "exert authority", or "secure influence".

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

"Gain control" implies achieving complete authority, while "gain some control" suggests a partial or incremental increase in influence. The better choice depends on the context and the degree of control being achieved.

In what situations is it best to use the phrase "gain some control"?

The phrase "gain some control" is suitable when discussing situations where complete control is not possible or not yet achieved, but steps are being taken to manage or influence the outcome to a limited extent.