get out of control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get out of control" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a situation that has become chaotic, unpredictable, or overwhelming. For example: "The party quickly got out of control when the police showed up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He didn't let the game get out of control.

The New York Times - Sports

Do I get out of control?

The Guardian

It didn't get out of control".

The Guardian - Books

"Of course masses will get out of control.

The New Yorker

And another balloon will get out of control.

The New Yorker

Word diktats threaten to get out of control.

The Guardian

It's funny how things get out of control.

The New York Times

"The question is, will it get out of control?

The New York Times - Science

The danger comes if things get out of control.

The Guardian - Business

"Otherwise, I'm afraid the situation could get out of control".

The New York Times

We cannot let this get out of control here.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or event, use "get out of control" to emphasize the point at which regulation or predictability was lost.

Common error

While widely understood, "get out of control" can sound informal in highly professional documents. Opt for more precise language such as "become unmanageable" or "exceed acceptable limits" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get out of control" functions as a phrasal verb, acting as a predicate adjective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a state of affairs where something is no longer being managed effectively or has become chaotic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

20%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "get out of control" is a very common phrasal verb used to describe situations that have become unmanageable or chaotic. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely understood. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the context and choose more formal alternatives like "become unmanageable" in professional settings. Analysis of example usages show its prevalence in "News & Media", followed by "Science" and "Academia". Related phrases include "become unmanageable" and "spiral out of control", offering nuanced ways to express a similar loss of control. When using "get out of control", ensure it aligns with the tone of your writing and conveys the intended meaning of a situation exceeding its boundaries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get out of hand

Focuses on a situation exceeding acceptable limits.

become unmanageable

Focuses on the difficulty in handling or directing a situation.

spiral out of control

Emphasizes the rapid and often damaging nature of the loss of control.

become chaotic

Highlights the disorganization and confusion resulting from the loss of control.

go haywire

Suggests a sudden and unexpected malfunction or loss of control.

run amok

Implies uncontrolled and often destructive behavior.

descend into anarchy

Indicates a complete breakdown of order and authority.

break loose

Suggests escaping restraints or boundaries and becoming uncontrollable.

exceed boundaries

Emphasizes the transgression of established limits or regulations.

become unregulated

Highlights a lack of oversight or control mechanisms.

FAQs

How can I use "get out of control" in a sentence?

You can use "get out of control" to describe situations that are no longer manageable or have become chaotic. For instance, "The protest began peacefully, but it quickly "got out of control" when some participants started throwing objects."

What is a more formal alternative to "get out of control"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "become unmanageable", "escalate beyond control", or "exceed acceptable limits" as alternatives to "get out of control".

What does it mean when something "gets out of control"?

When something "gets out of control", it means that it has become impossible to manage or regulate. It implies a loss of order and predictability.

Is it grammatically correct to say "things get out of control"?

Yes, "things get out of control" is grammatically correct. The verb "get" functions as a linking verb in this context, and "out of control" acts as a predicate adjective describing the state of "things".