handing over control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "handing over control" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the transfer of authority or responsibility from one person or entity to another. Example: "After much consideration, the board decided that it was time for the CEO to start handing over control to the new management team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"You're handing over control of your body," he said.

The New York Times

In 2005 Israel completed its withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, handing over control of the region to the Palestinians.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Britain officially ends combat operations in southern Iraq, handing over control of its base in Basra to US forces.

The Guardian

Gordon Brown said Operation Moshtarak would mark an important step in the process of handing over control to local security forces.

The Guardian

But it seems possible that Mr. Putin may be trying to liquidate the war with his political solution, handing over control to Chechens who work with Russia.

The New York Times

With the program up for reauthorization last year, however, the administration sought major changes, like handing over control to the states and bolstering the academic component.

The New York Times

LONDON, Oct. 22 (AP) — Britain has gone "quite far" toward handing over control of southern Iraq to local forces, Defense Secretary Des Browne said Sunday.

The New York Times

Even if troops fulfilled their tactical objectives, such as handing over control to the Iraqi army, there was no agreement on the political outcomes.

The Guardian

The latest ideas include handing over control of some schools to clerics, segregating the sexes in universities and banning make-up for female television presenters.

The Economist

Then, the Americans and their NATO allies began to talk about transition, gradually handing over control of the war to the Afghans until finally pulling out in 2014.

The New York Times

In local government we can restore trust, empower citizens and create more efficient, responsive public services by handing over control in a similar way.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a strategic shift, consider using "handing over control" to clearly indicate the transfer of authority and responsibility. Be precise about who is handing over control and to whom.

Common error

Ensure clarity by explicitly stating who is "handing over control" and to whom. Ambiguity can arise if the subject and object of the action are not clearly defined.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "handing over control" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It describes the action of transferring authority or responsibility from one entity to another. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "handing over control" is a grammatically correct and widely used gerund phrase that describes the transfer of authority or responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, clarity is key – ensure that both the subject and object of the action are clearly defined. Alternatives such as "transferring authority" or "relinquishing command" can be considered depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

transferring authority

Emphasizes the shift of formal power or right.

ceding control

A more formal way of saying giving up control.

giving up authority

Highlights the act of surrendering a position of power.

relinquishing command

Highlights the act of giving up a position of leadership.

assigning control

Focuses on the act of formally allocating control to someone or something.

conveying authority

Emphasizes the act of formally transferring authority.

passing on responsibility

Focuses on the transfer of duties and obligations.

devolving power

Suggests distributing power downwards or outwards from a central authority.

transferring management

Specifically refers to the act of changing who is in charge of managing something.

handing off leadership

Informal way of saying passing leadership to someone else.

FAQs

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

You can use "handing over control" to describe a transfer of authority or responsibility. For example, "The CEO is planning on "transferring authority" after 20 years in the position".

What are some alternatives to "handing over control"?

Some alternatives include "transferring authority", "relinquishing command", or "ceding control".

Is it better to say "handing over control" or "giving control"?

"Handing over control" implies a more formal and deliberate transfer, while "giving control" can be more general. The best choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.

What's the difference between "handing over control" and "delegating authority"?

"Handing over control" usually implies a more permanent shift of authority, while "delegating authority" suggests assigning responsibility for a specific task or period, with the original authority still retained.