keep control of

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep control of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to advise someone to maintain their current level of authority over something. For example: "It's important to keep control of the situation if you want to avoid making a mistake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We've got to keep control of this.

The Guardian - Sport

Democrats will keep control of the House.

The New Yorker

Though we keep control of the maple syrup".

The Guardian

They are struggling to keep control of the game.

The Guardian

You have to keep control of your own information".

The Guardian

They have also used intimidation to keep control of people.

The Guardian

Still, we will keep control of the reservoirs.

The New Yorker

You know, you've got to keep control of your emotions.

The New York Times

They want to keep control of I.T. assets".

The New York Times

A crucial ploy was to keep control of voter rolls.

The Economist

"If one is incorporated as a company, one can keep control of events.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep control of" in writing, clearly define what exactly needs to be controlled. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "We need to keep control", specify "We need to keep control of the budget".

Common error

Avoid using "keep control of" without specifying what is being controlled. This can lead to confusion and weaken your message. Instead of a vague statement, provide specific details for better comprehension. Do not say "They need to keep control", but rather "They need to keep control of the project's timeline".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep control of" functions primarily as a verb phrase. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is used to indicate the act of maintaining authority, management, or influence over something, ensuring it remains within desired parameters. Many examples in Ludwig showcases how it is used in multiple scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

17%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep control of" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase indicating the act of maintaining authority or management over something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and finds frequent application across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. To ensure clarity in writing, it's best practice to clearly specify what is being controlled, while avoiding vague or overgeneralized statements. Alternatives like "maintain control over" and "retain authority over" can be used for a more formal tone. With its widespread usage and clear meaning, "keep control of" remains a valuable phrase in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain control over

Focuses on sustaining the current level of control.

be in charge of

Indicates responsibility and overall control.

retain authority over

Emphasizes the preservation of formal power or jurisdiction.

exercise command over

Highlights the active use of authority.

manage effectively

Focuses on skillful handling and direction to achieve desired outcomes.

preserve one's grip on

Suggests a firm hold and resistance to losing control.

stay on top of

Implies vigilance and proactive management.

handle effectively

Focuses on the manner in which something is managed, with the implication of doing so successfully

oversee operations

Highlights the supervisory aspect of control.

guide the direction of

Emphasizes influence and steering towards a specific goal.

FAQs

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

Use "keep control of" to express maintaining authority or management over something, such as "It is important to "keep control of" your emotions during a crisis".

What's a more formal alternative to "keep control of"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "maintain authority over" or "retain control of" for a more professional tone.

Is it correct to say "keep control on" instead of "keep control of"?

The correct preposition to use with "keep control" is "of". "Keep control on" is grammatically incorrect. Always use ""keep control of"".

What does it mean to "keep control of" something?

To ""keep control of"" something means to maintain the ability to direct, manage, or influence it, ensuring it doesn't get out of hand or go in an undesirable direction.