gaining control over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gaining control over" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of obtaining authority or influence over something or someone. Example: "The organization is focused on gaining control over its resources to improve efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Arung Palakka, meanwhile, became the ruler of Bone, gaining control over most of southern Celebes.

Britannica

The Islamist militias had been slowly gaining control over the capital for weeks.

The New York Times

It was a short step from there to gaining control over a vast industrial empire.

The New York Times - Books

Armenia won, gaining control over seven Azerbaijani regions next to Karabakh.

The Economist

One method of gaining control over cell adhesion, proliferation, guidance and differentiation is use of topography.

Cell Biology International

He was gaining control over the peasants by herding them into "strategic hamlets" — fortified places, surrounded by barbed-wire fences.

The New Yorker

While Coke faces many challenges, its success in gaining control over distribution remains a bright spot for the company.

Harvard Business Review

Once again, the specter of foreigners gaining control over strategic American assets is sparking an uproar in Congress.

The Washington Post

Once a company starts building such a network or gaining control over one, it begins slouching toward monopoly.

The New York Times - Books

Acutely conscious of their commercial dependence on China, Mongolians are sensitive to any hint of its gaining control over them.

The Economist

Raymond Jean has written that Gabrielle "knew what she wanted" and had a great appetite for gaining control over other people.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about complex situations, using "gaining control over" can clearly indicate the process of acquiring authority or influence, especially when contrasting it with a previous state of lacking control. For example, 'The company is focused on "gaining control over" its supply chain to improve efficiency and reduce costs.'

Common error

Avoid using "gaining control over" when the actual influence is minimal or partial. Overstating the degree of control can mislead readers. Instead, consider phrases like 'influencing' or 'affecting' if the level of control is not absolute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gaining control over" functions as a verbal phrase, specifically a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the process of obtaining authority, influence, or mastery. Ludwig AI shows it's grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gaining control over" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for describing the process of acquiring authority, influence, or mastery. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While it enjoys broad applicability, writers should be mindful of overstating the degree of control actually achieved. Alternatives such as "obtaining control over" or "increasing control over" may offer more nuanced descriptions in certain situations. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase the phrase's versatility and common usage in authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obtaining control over

Stresses the act of acquiring control.

achieving control over

Highlights the successful accomplishment of gaining control.

increasing control over

Focuses on a gradual process of enhancing control.

asserting control over

Highlights a firm and decisive act of taking control.

winning control over

Highlights the competitive aspect of obtaining control.

gaining authority over

Specifically indicates acquiring power and legitimacy.

gaining command over

Emphasizes authority and leadership.

establishing dominance over

Suggests a more assertive and forceful acquisition of control.

securing influence over

Focuses on gaining persuasive power.

acquiring mastery over

Emphasizes expertise and skill in controlling something.

FAQs

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

You can use "gaining control over" to describe the process of acquiring authority, influence, or mastery. For example, "The company is gaining control over its market share" or "The government is gaining control over the spread of the virus."

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

You can use alternatives like "obtaining control over", "increasing control over", or "achieving control over" depending on the specific context.

Is "gaining control over" grammatically correct?

Yes, "gaining control over" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English. It accurately describes the process of acquiring authority or influence.

What's the difference between "gaining control over" and "exercising control over"?

"Gaining control over" refers to the process of acquiring control, while "exercising control over" refers to the act of using the control that has already been acquired. One describes acquisition, the other describes application.