in their control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in their control" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used as part of a larger sentence to indicate that something is in the control of a specific group. For example, "The direction of the project was in their control."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's in their control.

The Guardian

"That's always been something that's in their control".

The Guardian - Tech

Events only seemed to be in their control.

The New York Times - Books

I have a lot of confidence that they'll get done what's in their control to do".

The New York Times

More accurately, I've ensnared myself in their control by using mobile devices and web services.

The Guardian - Opinion

A problem on any line sets off visual and audible alarms in their control rooms.

The New York Times

In 1945, a victorious Stalin demanded once more a share in their control.

Independent

"It's in their control," Mr. Cuomo, referring to the legislative leaders, said at a news conference.

The New York Times

By evening, opposition tribesmen said the checkpoint remained in their control.

The New York Times

The rail companies lack the incentive to tackle this issue, because the management of the figures lies in their control.

The Guardian - Money

After getting a solid 1-1 roadrawagainstNew England, Houstonston's destiny truly sits in their control.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in their control", ensure it's clear who 'they' refers to, avoiding ambiguity in your writing. For example, instead of saying 'The decision is in their control', specify 'The decision is in the manager's control'.

Common error

Avoid using "in their control" when referring to a single entity. It's grammatically incorrect to say 'The company's success is in their control'. Instead, use 'its control'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in their control" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb to indicate possession of authority, power or influence. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in their control" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed prepositional phrase used to denote authority, power, or influence over a situation or entity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct. It appears most often in News & Media and Science contexts. When using "in their control", ensure clarity regarding who 'they' refers to and avoid using it with singular nouns. Related phrases include "under their jurisdiction" and "within their power". By understanding its proper usage and potential alternatives, you can effectively communicate the concept of control in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

within their power

Emphasizes the ability or capacity to influence or direct something.

in their hands

Implies direct management and responsibility for a particular outcome.

under their jurisdiction

Focuses on the legal authority or scope of control within a specific area.

under their management

Focuses on the act of directing and organizing resources or people.

subject to their authority

Highlights the hierarchical structure and the obligation to obey.

at their discretion

Indicates the freedom to make decisions based on their judgment.

under their command

Suggests a formal structure of control, often in military or organizational contexts.

within their sphere of influence

Highlights the extent to which they can affect or change something.

governed by them

Emphasizes the role of setting rules and policies.

under their dominion

Implies complete and absolute control over something.

FAQs

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

Use "in their control" to indicate that a group or entity has the power or authority to manage or influence a particular situation. For example, "The team's success is entirely "in their control"".

What's a good alternative to using "in their control"?

Alternatives to "in their control" include phrases like "under their jurisdiction", "within their power", or "subject to their authority", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "in it's control" instead of "in their control"?

No, "in it's control" is incorrect. "It's" is a contraction of 'it is'. The correct possessive form for a singular entity is 'its', while "in their control" is used for plural entities. Make sure to use "its control" instead.

What is the difference between "in their control" and "under their control"?

While both phrases indicate authority, "in their control" suggests a broader sense of management or influence, while "under their control" often implies a more direct and hierarchical relationship.