hold control over

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold control over" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe someone or something having power and influence over a particular situation. For example: "The principal held control over the student body at the school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The Moldovan authorities have expressed their disapproval of the move, but they do not hold control over the territory.

The Guardian

The willingness of government to hold control over forest resources while transferring only part of property rights to local communities is one of the major constraints.

Forest Policy and Economics

It is a simple but effective terror technique which allows them to hold control over population areas through fear and intimidation.

Huffington Post

It gave the Crusaders control over an unfortified Jerusalem for over ten years, although the Muslims would hold control over Islamic holy places in the city.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Residing at the heart of this city-sized cosmogram, the emperor was the very middle of the Middle Kingdom itself: he who held power over the city and state, by extension, held control over all creation.

The Guardian

He held control over Egypt until he was completely routed by Esarhaddon's son Ashurbanipal, after which he fled south to Nubia, where he died and was buried in a large pyramid at Nuri.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By the 2000s, six companies that focused on agricultural, pharmaceutical, and chemical products held control over a majority of the global proprietary (i.e. brand-name) seed and agrochemical market: BASF (the German chemical company and the largest producer in the world with subsidiaries and joint ventures in more than 80 countries), Bayer, Dow Agrosciences, DuPont, Monsanto, and Syngenta.

University of California, Berkeley

In June 1941, Axis forces held control over most of continental Europe.

Huffington Post

Morris, who skipped against Brewster, held control over the game and limited Brewster in scoring.

Wikipedia

The Dutertes have in fact held control over a portion of the country's politics for decades.

Huffington Post

When Putin chose to use this specific term to describe Ukraine's east on Thursday, many worried he was openly embracing the notion of an old imperial Russia, one which held control over what is now a sovereign country.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hold control over", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being controlled and the scope of that control. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "hold control over" in very informal settings. Simpler alternatives like "manage" or "handle" may be more appropriate for casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold control over" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of possessing authority or influence. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is indeed valid and usable in written English. Examples show it describing power dynamics.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hold control over" signifies having authority or influence. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in news and media, scientific, and wiki contexts. While not overly common, it is a valid and useful phrase for expressing dominance or responsibility. It's important to choose simpler alternatives in informal conversations to better suit the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain authority over

Focuses on the sustained power and legitimacy of control.

wield power over

Suggests a skillful and strategic application of control.

exercise command over

Emphasizes the active use of authority.

have dominion over

Implies a supreme or sovereign control.

exert influence on

Highlights the power to affect something without necessarily direct control.

have jurisdiction over

Refers to legal or official authority.

be in charge of

Indicates responsibility and oversight.

govern

Implies the act of ruling or managing.

dominate

Signifies overwhelming control or superiority.

call the shots

An idiomatic expression meaning to make the important decisions.

FAQs

What does "hold control over" mean?

The phrase "hold control over" signifies having the power, authority, or ability to manage, direct, or influence something or someone. It implies a position of dominance or responsibility.

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

You can use "hold control over" to describe someone's influence or management. For example: "The CEO "maintains authority over" all company operations."

Are there formal alternatives to "hold control over"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "exercise command over", "exert influence on", or "wield power over" in formal contexts.

Is "hold control over" the same as "have influence on"?

While similar, "hold control over" suggests a more direct and authoritative form of power than "have influence on", which implies a more subtle or indirect effect.