it controls

USAGE SUMMARY

"it controls" is a correct and commonly used part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used when referring to something that is controlling or influencing a situation or outcome. Example: "The remote control is used to turn on the TV and it controls the volume and channel selection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It controls one council, its first in the UK.

BBC

What assets it controls and what is its legal form.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

It controls the sturgeon catch in its waters.

The New York Times

It controls many mosques in the UK and is spreading its influence in North America.

Huffington Post

It controls Gaza.

The New York Times

It controls the media.

The New Yorker

"It controls behaviors".

The New York Times - Science

It controls "respectable opinion".

The New Yorker

If it controls your screen, it controls CarPlay.

The Guardian - Tech

"He feels it, controls it.

The New York Times - Sports

And it controls NBC Universal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it controls", ensure the pronoun "it" clearly refers to a specific subject already mentioned in the context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it controls" without a clear antecedent for "it". For example, instead of "The system is complex, and it controls everything", specify: "The operating system controls all functions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it controls" functions as a verb phrase, where "it" is the subject pronoun and "controls" is the transitive verb. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that the subject has the power or authority to direct, regulate, or dominate something. Examples from Ludwig illustrate this in contexts ranging from technology to politics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it controls" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote power, authority, or management. As Ludwig AI verifies, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse fields. Its frequency is high, particularly in news and media, reflecting its utility in conveying factual information about influence and control. When writing, ensure clarity by providing a specific referent for "it" and be mindful of subtle differences between "it controls" and semantically similar phrases like ""it governs"" or "it influences". The usage of this construction is very frequent according to the numerous examples provided by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it governs

Replaces "controls" with "governs", suggesting a more formal or systematic rule.

it manages

Substitutes "controls" with "manages", implying a more hands-on or administrative approach.

it dictates

Replaces "controls" with "dictates", suggesting an imposition of power or authority.

it dominates

Substitutes "controls" with "dominates", emphasizing the aspect of superiority and power.

it regulates

Replaces "controls" with "regulates", highlighting a process of overseeing or adjusting.

it commands

Substitutes "controls" with "commands", suggesting a position of authority and direction.

it is in charge of

Rephrases the sentence to use "is in charge of", which is a more descriptive and less direct way of expressing control.

it has authority over

Replaces "controls" with "has authority over", indicating a legitimate power or right to control.

it is responsible for

Changes the focus to responsibility rather than direct control, implying a duty to manage.

it holds sway over

Uses the idiom "holds sway over", suggesting a persuasive or influential type of control.

FAQs

How can I use "it controls" in a sentence?

Use "it controls" to indicate that something has the power to direct or regulate something else. For example, "The thermostat controls the temperature in the room".

What are some alternatives to "it controls"?

You can use alternatives like "it governs", "it manages", or "it regulates" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "it controls" or "it has control over"?

"It controls" is more direct and concise. "It has control over" is grammatically correct but can sometimes sound less assertive. The choice depends on the desired tone and context.

What's the difference between "it controls" and "it influences"?

"It controls" suggests direct command or regulation, while "it influences" implies a more subtle or indirect effect. For example, "The government controls the currency" versus "Advertising influences consumer behavior".