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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
lack of controlling
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "lack of controlling" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to describe a deficiency in control or management, but it is not a commonly used expression. Example: "The lack of controlling factors in the experiment led to inconclusive results."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
16 human-written examples
This week's reports of MoD fears about unmanned weaponry and the lack of "controlling humanity" are a case in point: a very Dark Star issue.
News & Media
Therefore, a lack of controlling autoimmunity may not always correlate with the number of Treg cells in a target tissue.
Science
A limitation of this study was the risk of bias due to the lack of controlling for other potentially important factors such as maternal IQ [34], maternal fish consumption during lactation and the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids.
Science
6 The lack of controlling for height complicates the interpretation of some results.
Science
There are concerns about the lack of controlling for disease severity or performance of children in school, which were both measured, in the data analysis.
Science
The present retrospective study is weakened by its lack of controlling for clinically important interventions, because investigated parameters were 'only' documented in 4-hour intervals or once daily.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
43 human-written examples
"I have a lack of control.
News & Media
It suggests a lack of control.
News & Media
"There's a terrifying lack of control.
News & Media
The lack of control, and lack of responsibility, is enervating.
News & Media
But the lack of control often drove him crazy.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When discussing a "lack of controlling", clarify what specifically lacks control to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "the lack of controlling", specify "the lack of controlling variables in the experiment".
Common error
Avoid using "controlling" directly after "lack of" as if it were a noun. It's better to use the noun "control" or rephrase using alternatives like "absence of control" or "failure to control". For example, use "lack of control" instead of "lack of controlling".
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "lack of controlling" is typically used to express the absence or deficiency of a controlling action or mechanism. However, Ludwig AI indicates that it's not considered correct in standard written English. Examples show it used to describe a deficiency in managing factors or variables in scientific studies and general situations.
Frequent in
Science
60%
News & Media
30%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "lack of controlling" appears in various contexts, particularly science and news, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI recommends using alternatives like "absence of control" or rephrasing for clarity. High-quality sources like The Guardian and scientific publications demonstrate its use, but it's essential to recognize that standard English prefers the noun form "control" over the gerund "controlling" in this context. When writing, prioritize clarity and grammatical correctness by opting for established alternatives.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
absence of control
Replaces "lack of" with "absence of", focusing on the state of not having control.
deficiency in control
Uses "deficiency" to emphasize the inadequacy of control.
failure to control
Emphasizes the act of failing to exert control.
inadequate management
Shifts the focus to the insufficiency of management practices.
absence of regulation
Mirrors "absence of control" but specifically for regulation.
insufficient regulation
Highlights the lack of proper regulatory measures.
poor management
Similar to "inadequate management", but with a slightly more negative connotation.
without control
Simple prepositional phrase indicating the absence of control.
unregulated environment
Describes a setting where regulation is absent.
uncontrolled state
Focuses on the condition of being uncontrolled.
FAQs
How can I correctly use the phrase "lack of control" in a sentence?
Use "lack of control" followed by a prepositional phrase to specify what is lacking control. For instance, "The project failed due to a lack of control over resources".
What are some alternatives to "lack of controlling"?
Instead of "lack of controlling", you can use phrases like "absence of control", "deficiency in control", or "failure to control", depending on the intended meaning.
Is it grammatically correct to say "lack of controlling"?
According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "lack of controlling" is not standard English. It is preferable to use "lack of control" or rephrase the sentence for better clarity and grammatical correctness.
What's the difference between "lack of control" and "lack of controlling"?
"Lack of control" is grammatically correct and widely accepted, whereas "lack of controlling" is considered non-standard. Use "lack of control" to describe a general absence of control, and rephrase for more specific meanings. For example, use "inadequate management" instead.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested