lose control

USAGE SUMMARY

"lose control" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that a person has been overwhelmed by emotions or has been unable to maintain order or direction. Example sentence: After the tragic news, he struggled to keep his composure and eventually lost control.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

"You lose control".

The New York Times - Food

"They lose control, their judgment".

Independent

I started to lose control.

The New Yorker

"So I never lose control.

The New York Times

DUNCAN -- They just lose control.

The New York Times

You need to lose control.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

I was losing control.

Independent

I just lost control".

The New Yorker

Then she lost control.

The New Yorker

He has lost control.

The New York Times - Sports

Then Valencia lost control.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lose control" to describe situations where there's a demonstrable inability to manage emotions, physical actions, or systems. For example, "The car started to skid, and the driver began to "lose control"".

Common error

Avoid using "lose control" when the situation implies a calculated decision to cede power or responsibility. For instance, it's better to say "The CEO decided to delegate authority" rather than "The CEO decided to "lose control" of the department".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lose control" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the act of ceasing to have command or management over something. Ludwig shows examples where it describes emotional states, physical actions, and political power.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lose control" is a common and versatile expression used to describe the cessation of command or management over a situation, emotion, or object. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news articles, general writing, and even scientific contexts. Common errors include misinterpreting the context, such as using it when a decision to cede power was calculated rather than an involuntary loss. To avoid this, always consider whether the loss of control was intentional or unintentional. The related phrases, writing guidance, and FAQs provide additional insights into the nuances of using "lose control" effectively in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relinquish control

Implies a deliberate act of giving up control, rather than an involuntary loss of it.

forfeit control

Suggests losing control as a consequence of one's actions or circumstances.

succumb to temptation

Specifically refers to losing control over one's desires or impulses.

be overwhelmed

Focuses on being overcome by emotions or situations, leading to a loss of control.

break down

Indicates a loss of emotional or mental control, often due to stress or pressure.

go wild

Suggests a state of unrestrained behavior and a lack of self-control.

fly off the handle

Implies a sudden and uncontrolled outburst of anger or emotion.

get carried away

Focuses on losing control in a specific situation, often due to excitement or enthusiasm.

be unable to cope

Highlights the inability to manage a situation, resulting in a loss of control.

spin out of control

Describes a situation or process that becomes unmanageable and chaotic.

FAQs

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

You can use "lose control" to describe a situation where someone or something becomes unmanageable. For example, "He started to "lose control" of his finances after the job loss", or "The crowd began to "lose control" during the concert".

What are some alternatives to saying "lose control"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "relinquish control", "forfeit control", or "succumb to temptation" as alternatives to "lose control".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "lose control"?

It's appropriate to use "lose control" when describing a situation where there is an inability to manage or direct something effectively, whether it be emotions, physical objects, or abstract systems.

Is there a difference between "losing control" and "lose control"?

The difference between "losing control" and "lose control" is grammatical. "Losing control" is the present participle form (e.g., "He is losing control"), while "lose control" is the base form of the verb (e.g., "Don't lose control").