in control of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in control of" is correct and perfectly usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation in which someone or something is directing or managing something. For example, "The CEO is in control of the company's marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She was absolutely in control of it.

The New York Times

"We're in control of that.

The New York Times - Sports

We weren't in control of our destinies.

The Guardian

"I was in control of my situation.

The Guardian

I was in control of 50 people.

The Guardian

We were in control of the football".

The Guardian - Sport

He's still in control of his sport.

The Guardian - Sport

He's in control of what he does".

The New York Times

"Now, I'm in control of my time.

The New York Times

I'm in control of nothing," she says.

The Guardian

"We're in control of our history now".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in control of" to clearly indicate who or what is managing or directing a situation, process, or entity. For example: "The project manager is in control of the budget."

Common error

Avoid using "in control of" when you mean influence or impact. "In control of" suggests direct management, not just affecting an outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in control of" functions as a predicate adjective describing the subject's state of authority or management. It indicates that the subject has the power and ability to direct or regulate something. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in control of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote authority, management, or responsibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts. Its versatility is evident through its widespread use in news media and general informational content. While simple, being mindful of its specific application helps avoid common misinterpretations, such as confusing influence with direct management. Alternative expressions like "managing", "directing", or "responsible for" offer subtle variations in meaning, enriching the expressive capabilities within the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in charge

A more general term for having responsibility and authority.

managing

Focuses on the act of directing or handling something, shifting from a state of control to an active process.

responsible for

Highlights accountability for outcomes, not necessarily direct control.

directing

Emphasizes guidance and leadership, rather than overall control.

commanding

Implies authority and the ability to give orders.

overseeing

Similar to supervising, but may imply a broader scope of responsibility.

supervising

Highlights oversight and ensuring proper execution, differing from complete command.

dominating

Suggests a stronger, perhaps more forceful, level of control.

at the helm

Suggests being in charge or leading, often in a metaphorical sense.

calling the shots

Indicates decision-making power, rather than overall control.

FAQs

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

Use "in control of" to show that someone or something has the power to direct or manage something, as in, "The pilot was "in control of" the aircraft during the landing."

What are some alternatives to "in control of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "managing", "directing", or "responsible for" to express similar ideas.

Is it better to say "in control of" or "in charge of"?

Both "in control of" and "in charge of" are correct, but "in control of" often implies a more direct and active management role, while "in charge of" indicates overall responsibility.

What does it mean to feel "in control of" your life?

Feeling "in control of" your life means that you believe you have the power to make choices and decisions that shape your future, rather than feeling like you are at the mercy of external forces.