keep control over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep control over" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to maintain or retain authority or power over something or someone. Example: "As a manager, it is important to keep control over your team to ensure productivity and efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Stephen Lowe at annuity provider Just Retirement also believes in keeping options open: "Test-drive your retirement to keep control over your pension fund and maintain flexibility.

The Guardian - Money

R.H.J International would allow G.M. to keep control over Opel's technology.

The New York Times

Church authorities have struggled at times to keep control over this phenomenon.

The Economist

However we failed first and foremost to keep control over our corrupt political leaders from selling out Democracy and Civilization.

University of California, Berkeley

During the measurement phase, a state machine is employed to keep control over the different stages of the measurement.

Cornell University

This gradual shift enabled the IRA to keep control over the hardliners and thus maintain its authority at the table.

The Guardian - Opinion

Analysts believe this divide-and-rule strategy helps Jordanian authorities' keep control over the Salafist movement in the country.

The Guardian

Some reports say that Mr. Mugabe will keep control over the army, while Mr. Tsvangirai will control the police.

The New York Times

Naturally, he wished to keep control over the image of his life that was released to the outside world.

The Economist

The political question now is whether Mr. Netanyahu can keep control over the factions in the remaining 66-member coalition.

The New York Times

"The Russians see the cancellation of their contract in Iraq as part of the U.S. drive to keep control over the major oil fields there," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure that the subject of your sentence actively "keep[s] control over" something tangible or intangible to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "keep control over" when the subject only has influence or input, but not direct authority. "Provide guidance on" or "offer input into" are more appropriate in such scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep control over" functions as a verb phrase expressing the act of maintaining authority, management, or influence over something. Ludwig shows it's frequently used when discussing power dynamics, responsibilities, and systems of governance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

23%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep control over" is grammatically correct and frequently used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It signifies maintaining authority or influence. Examples show its prevalence in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While versatile, writers should ensure that the subject has actual authority rather than mere influence. Alternatives like ""maintain control over"" or "retain control over" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. Ludwig provides ample evidence of its usage across various domains, solidifying its place as a standard expression in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain control over

Emphasizes the act of sustaining existing control.

retain control over

Highlights preserving control that one already possesses.

preserve control over

Implies protecting control from potential loss or interference.

exercise authority over

Focuses on the active use of power or command.

exert influence on

Stresses the application of indirect power.

dominate

Signifies a more absolute form of control.

govern

Suggests control through established rules and systems.

rule over

Implies sovereign control or governance.

have dominion over

Indicates supreme authority or ownership.

oversee

Focuses on the supervisory aspect of control.

FAQs

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

Use "keep control over" to indicate maintaining authority, influence, or management of something. For example, "The company needs to "maintain control over" its finances."

What are some alternatives to "keep control over"?

Depending on the context, consider alternatives like "retain control over", "maintain authority over", or simply "manage".

Is it better to say "keep control of" or "keep control over"?

Both "keep control of" and "keep control over" are grammatically correct, but "keep control over" often implies a more sustained or broad influence, whereas "keep control of" can refer to a specific instance or object.

How does "keep control over" differ from "lose control of"?

"Keep control over" means to maintain authority or influence, while "lose control of" signifies a loss of that power or influence. They are antonyms representing opposite states of managing something.