illusion of control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "illusion of control" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone believes they have control over an outcome, but in reality, they do not. Example: "Many investors fall into the illusion of control, thinking they can predict market trends with certainty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They give the illusion of control".

The New York Times

It restores the illusion of control.

Independent

It gives me the illusion of control.

Harvard Business Review

We can also be manipulated by the illusion of control.

University of California, Berkeley

Could anything else so beautifully create the illusion of control?

The New Yorker

K. Vaccaro et al. (2017) The Illusion of Control: Placebo Effects of Control Settings, CHI.

Stanford University

"I just need a few minutes with the auto-sensor to regain my illusion of control".

The New Yorker

"It's just an illusion of control, really, but that illusion is everything.

The New Yorker

The optimists fared better psychologically even when they became more ill -- shattering the illusion of control.

The New York Times

Humans like seeing patterns in randomness since it gives the illusion of control.

The Guardian

This is where the illusion of control breaks down, of course.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing cognitive biases or psychological phenomena, use "illusion of control" to accurately describe the belief that one can influence events when they cannot. For example, "The lottery creates an "illusion of control", making people believe they have a real chance of winning."

Common error

Don't use "illusion of control" when you actually mean influence. Control implies direct causation, whereas influence suggests a less direct effect. "Illusion of control" specifically refers to situations where there is no actual control, only a mistaken belief in it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "illusion of control" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig's examples show it describing a cognitive bias where individuals overestimate their ability to influence uncontrollable events. It is used to label a specific psychological phenomenon.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "illusion of control" is a well-established term used to describe the cognitive bias where people overestimate their ability to influence events. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, primarily in news, academic, and scientific contexts. Related phrases include "perceived control" and "false sense of control". When using this phrase, remember it refers to a situation where there is no actual control, only a mistaken belief in it. Understanding this concept helps in analyzing decision-making processes and recognizing irrational behaviors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Perceived control

Focuses on the subjective feeling of control, rather than the objective reality.

False sense of control

Emphasizes the inaccuracy of the feeling of control.

Belief in control

Highlights the conviction that one has control, whether justified or not.

Sense of agency

Refers to the feeling of being able to influence one's environment and actions.

Feeling of mastery

Implies a sense of competence and control over a specific domain.

Appearance of control

Suggests that control is merely superficial or presented in a misleading way.

Pretense of control

Highlights that the control is acted and not real.

Overestimation of influence

Focuses on the cognitive bias of believing one has more influence than they actually do.

Misconception of power

Indicates a flawed understanding of one's ability to affect outcomes.

Delusion of command

Implies a more extreme and unfounded belief in one's control.

FAQs

How can I use "illusion of control" in a sentence?

You can use "illusion of control" to describe situations where someone believes they have influence over events, even when their actions have no real effect. For example: "Gamblers often fall prey to the "illusion of control", believing their lucky charms increase their odds of winning."

What's the difference between "illusion of control" and "feeling of control"?

"Illusion of control" refers to a false belief that one can influence events, while "feeling of control" simply describes the subjective sensation of being in charge, which may or may not be accurate.

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

You can use alternatives like "false sense of control", "perceived control", or "belief in control" depending on the context.

Is the "illusion of control" always negative?

While the "illusion of control" often leads to irrational decisions, it can also have positive effects. For instance, it can boost confidence and motivation, even if the perceived control is not real.