have control of

USAGE SUMMARY

"have control of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to having control over a situation, person, or environment. Example: "The new manager had control of the office in no time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"You have control of that.

The New York Times

"I wanted to have control of it".

The New York Times

"We have control of our borders.

Independent

"I have control of my life".

The New York Times

I did not have control of things".

The Guardian

You also have control of the distribution.

The Guardian - Film

We didn't have control of the environment.

The New York Times - Arts

The only thing we have control of is our game".

The New York Times - Sports

"We feel like now we have control of the series.

The New York Times - Sports

He had to have control of others -- obeisance, really.

The New York Times - Books

"They don't have control of their supply," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure that the subject having control is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify who or what entity "has control of" the resources, process, or situation you're discussing.

Common error

Avoid implying control where it doesn't exist. Clearly distinguish between influence and actual control by using precise language that reflects the true extent of authority or management.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have control of" functions as a verb phrase indicating the ability or power to manage, direct, or govern something. Examples from Ludwig show its use in contexts ranging from personal autonomy to political power. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have control of" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies the power or ability to manage, direct, or govern something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, from news and media to business and everyday conversations. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating who or what holds the control. For situations where direct control isn't the focus, consider alternatives like "have influence over" or "be responsible for" to accurately convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be in charge of

Suggests a leading position and the responsibility that comes with it.

have charge of

Indicates responsibility and oversight for a specific task or area.

be in command of

Emphasizes the authority and direct management aspect of control.

be responsible for

Highlights accountability and the duty to manage something effectively.

exercise authority over

Highlights the act of using one's power to influence or direct.

have management over

Emphasizes the administrative aspect of control and oversight.

be at the helm of

Suggests leadership and guidance, often in a strategic context.

direct

Focuses on guiding and steering the course of something.

hold sway over

Focuses on the power to influence decisions or actions.

govern

Implies a broad control and regulatory authority.

FAQs

How to use "have control of" in a sentence?

Use "have control of" to indicate that someone or something has the power to direct or manage something. For example, "The manager "has control of" the project's budget".

What can I say instead of "have control of"?

You can use alternatives like "be in charge of", "be responsible for", or "be at the helm of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "has control on" instead of "have control of"?

No, the correct phrasing is "have control of". The preposition "of" is necessary to correctly connect the verb phrase with the object being controlled.

What's the difference between "have control of" and "have influence over"?

"Have control of" implies direct authority and the ability to make decisions. "Have influence over" suggests the ability to affect decisions or actions without direct authority.