little to control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little to control" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a situation where there is minimal ability or power to influence or manage something. Example: "In the chaotic environment of the city, I felt I had little to control over my surroundings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

It does little to control spending.

The New York Times

That administration did little to control the epidemic.

The New York Times

For almost half the patients, that would be too little to control seizures, the researchers said.

The New York Times - Health

But perhaps women exercise control in wedding planning, because they have little to control elsewhere.

The Guardian - Opinion

At home, Henderson could do little to control Chucky's drug use.

The Guardian

Recreational hunting, which prefers the killing of bucks, does little to control overall deer population.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

As one person commenting on The New York Times's online article about it put it, parents "want an 'out' for why little Johnny is a little hard to control".

The New York Times

To smoke a little pot, it might be a little easier to control.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the short run, however, the province may have little power to control its economic fortunes.

The Economist

And sometimes it's a little easier to control a fade, so there might be some value in that and why we've done a little better".

The New York Times - Sports

It might also be a little harder to control the ball.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "little to control", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is lacking control. Be specific to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "They had little to control", specify "They had little to control over the budget."

Common error

Avoid overstating the lack of control. Using phrases like "absolutely no control" when there's some, however minimal, is an exaggeration. "Little to control" suggests limited influence, not complete absence of it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little to control" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun by expressing a lack of ability or power to influence or manage something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "little to control" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a situation where there is limited influence or power over something. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's particularly prevalent in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key—ensure the subject lacking control is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Remember, "little to control" indicates limited influence, not a complete absence of it. Alternative phrases like "minimal influence over" or "limited power to manage" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimal influence over

Focuses on the limited power to affect or change something.

limited power to manage

Highlights the restricted ability to handle or direct something.

slight ability to affect

Emphasizes a weak or small capacity to cause a change.

restricted capacity to govern

Points to a limited scope in terms of ruling or directing something.

cannot effectively regulate

Implies an inability to maintain order or control through rules.

hardly able to steer

Suggests difficulty in guiding or directing a course of action.

cannot adequately oversee

Indicates insufficient capability to supervise or manage something properly.

insufficient authority to direct

Highlights the lack of necessary power to give instructions or commands.

limited leverage over

Emphasizes a restricted influence or advantage over something.

practically powerless to command

Highlights an almost complete lack of ability to issue directives effectively.

FAQs

How can I use "little to control" in a sentence?

You can use "little to control" to describe a situation where there is limited influence or power over something. For example: "The government had "little to control" the rising inflation."

What phrases are similar to "little to control"?

Similar phrases include "minimal influence over", "limited power to manage", or "slight ability to affect" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "few to control" instead of "little to control"?

While "few" and "little" can sometimes be interchangeable, "little to control" is more appropriate when referring to an abstract concept like influence or power. "Few" is typically used for countable items.

How does "little to control" differ from "out of control"?

"Little to control" implies a limited ability to manage or influence something, while "out of control" suggests that something is completely unmanageable and chaotic. The former indicates a lack of power, whereas the latter indicates a situation beyond any control.