in control of the situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'in control of the situation' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to indicate that someone has authority over a particular event or situation. For example: "The commander of the mission was in control of the situation, ensuring the safety of all personnel involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I am in control of the situation.

The Guardian - Books

You have to be in control of the situation".

The Guardian

"The Fed is not really in control of the situation".

The New York Times - Magazine

It's helped me feel more in control of the situation.

The Guardian

Or is she actually in control of the situation?

The Guardian - Arts

This also helps you stay in control of the situation.

The Guardian

Or is she actually in control of the situation?

The Guardian - Arts

He was clearly in control of the situation.

The Guardian

The Republican Party was not in control of the situation.

The New York Times

Not that Ottway is in control of the situation.

The New York Times

"Government remains in control of the situation and law and order continues to prevail".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in control of the situation" to convey confidence and capability, especially when describing leadership or crisis management. For example, "The project manager was clearly in control of the situation, guiding the team through each challenge".

Common error

Avoid using "in control of the situation" when describing passive roles or scenarios where control is not actively exerted. Instead, opt for phrases like "aware of the situation" or "informed about the situation" to more accurately reflect the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in control of the situation" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It describes the state of being in command and managing events effectively. Ludwig examples confirm this usage in diverse contexts, emphasizing its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sport

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in control of the situation" is a widely used and understood expression that conveys competence and authority. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, sports, and business. While alternatives like "having the upper hand" or "on top of things" can be used, "in control of the situation" succinctly communicates effective management and leadership. It's important to use the phrase accurately, avoiding passive scenarios where control is not actively exerted. By following best practices and being aware of potential misuses, you can confidently and effectively use "in control of the situation" in your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in command

Stresses authority and the ability to give orders effectively.

master of the situation

Highlights expertise and superior handling of circumstances.

having the upper hand

Emphasizes advantage and dominance in managing a situation.

on top of things

Indicates being well-informed and capable of managing current tasks.

calling the shots

Highlights the decision-making power and direction-setting aspect.

keeping a tight rein

Implies strict control and close management of events.

at the helm

Focuses on leadership and guidance in navigating a challenging situation.

dictating the terms

Emphasizes the power to set conditions and control the outcome.

managing the crisis

Specifically addresses the active handling of a problematic situation.

handling things

A more general phrase for dealing with circumstances effectively.

FAQs

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

You can use "in control of the situation" to describe someone who is managing a situation effectively, for example: "Despite the chaos, the team leader remained calm and "in command", ensuring we were in control of the situation".

What are some alternatives to saying "in control of the situation"?

Alternatives include "having the upper hand", "calling the shots", or "on top of things", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "in control of the situation" or "in command of the situation"?

Both "in control of the situation" and "in command of the situation" are correct, but "in command" often implies a more hierarchical or authoritative role, whereas "in control" suggests effective management and oversight. They are often used interchangeably, but the former puts more emphasis on authority, while the latter on governance.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "in control of the situation"?

It's inappropriate if the subject is actually not managing or influencing the situation. If someone is simply observing or is powerless to affect an outcome, other phrases like "aware of the situation" or "informed about the situation" are more fitting.