keep control

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep control" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to advise someone to remain in charge of a situation, to not become overwhelmed or to take the initiative. For example, "It's important to keep control of the situation and make sure that everyone is on the same page."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And keep control.

The Guardian

How did Fischer keep control?

The Guardian - Sport

He must react quickly to keep control.

The Economist

Families understandably want to keep control.

The Economist

We've got to keep control of this.

The Guardian - Sport

Democrats will keep control of the House.

The New Yorker

Of course, they [managers] have to keep control.

The Guardian - Sport

We're always here, so we can keep control".

The New York Times - Food

Though we keep control of the maple syrup".

The Guardian

"But I just don't know how else to keep control".

The New York Times

They are struggling to keep control of the game.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In your writing, clarify what 'control' refers to, such as "keep control of your emotions" or "keep control of the project timeline" to ensure clarity.

Common error

While "keep control" is widely understood, overuse in formal contexts can make your writing sound simplistic. Consider substituting with phrases such as "maintain authority", "exercise command", or "uphold governance" to ensure consistency with the register you want to achieve.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep control" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where 'keep' acts as a linking verb and 'control' is a noun. It expresses the action of maintaining authority, direction, or management over something, as evidenced by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

24%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep control" is a versatile phrase advising the maintenance of authority or management, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Grammatically correct and very common, it finds its primary use in News & Media, Wiki and Science. While generally neutral in register, alternatives like "maintain control" or "exercise command" may suit more formal contexts. Remember to clarify what 'control' pertains to in your writing for clear communication. Ludwig's examples highlight the phrase's adaptability, but be mindful of overuse in formal writing to ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain control

Focuses on actively preserving existing control.

retain control

Emphasizes holding onto control that one already possesses.

preserve control

Highlights the act of protecting control from being lost.

exercise control

Highlights the active implementation of control.

assert control

Suggests a firm and confident declaration of control.

administer control

Focuses on the management and application of control within a system.

keep a handle on

Implies managing a situation, often a difficult one.

stay in charge

Highlights the aspect of being the leader and directing actions.

call the shots

Informal way of indicating the ability to make key decisions.

be at the helm

Suggests leading and guiding a process or organization.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep control" to advise someone to remain in charge of a situation, to not become overwhelmed, or to take the initiative. For example, "It's important to "keep control" of the situation and make sure that everyone is on the same page."

What are some alternatives to "keep control"?

Alternatives include "maintain control", "retain control", or "preserve control", each subtly different in nuance.

Is it grammatically correct to say "keep control"?

Yes, "keep control" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in various contexts.

What does "keep control" mean in a business context?

In business, "keep control" often refers to maintaining authority over decisions, resources, or projects. It emphasizes preventing external factors from disrupting operations or strategic direction.