lose control of

USAGE SUMMARY

"lose control of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation in which someone no longer has authority over or possession of something. For example, "Faced with the need to make drastic budget cuts, the company was forced to lose control of several departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Peronists could lose control of Congress.

The Economist

He could lose control of the show.

The New Yorker

"Candidates lose control of their message.

The New York Times

We lose control of a public service.

The Guardian - Opinion

I never lose control of where my head is.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I didn't lose control of what we were doing.

The Guardian

Those who create it can lose control of its meaning.

The Washington Post

Okay, Beal does lose control of the ball.

The Washington Post

Why did Britain lose control of its own EEZ?

The Guardian - Business

It makes sensible party members lose control of their organs".

Independent

When attention is absent, we lose control of our thoughts.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lose control of" when indicating a loss of authority, management, or influence over something, whether tangible or intangible. For example, "The company risked losing control of its market share."

Common error

Be mindful not to interchange "lose control of" with phrases like "lack control over" or "struggle to control". "Lose control of" indicates a previous state of control that has now been relinquished, while the other phrases suggest a continuous absence or difficulty in maintaining control.

Linguistic Context

"Lose control of" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It indicates the cessation of one's ability to manage, direct, or influence something. As Ludwig shows, this can range from physical objects (like a car) to abstract concepts (like a political narrative).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lose control of" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the cessation of one's ability to manage or direct something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, primarily in news and media. To ensure clarity, avoid confusing it with similar phrases that suggest a continuous absence of control rather than a relinquished state. Remember to use "lose", not "loose". The phrase is versatile, applicable from physical objects to abstract concepts, and useful for expressing concern, consequences, or failures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become unable to manage

Highlights the inability to effectively handle or direct something.

relinquish authority over

Focuses on the formal act of giving up power or authority.

surrender command of

Emphasizes the loss of control in a hierarchical or leadership context.

forfeit power over

Suggests a loss of control as a consequence of an action or event.

cede management of

Highlights the transfer of managerial responsibilities.

give up jurisdiction over

Indicates the loss of legal or territorial control.

abdicate responsibility for

Focuses on neglecting or abandoning one's duties.

find oneself dominated by

Highlights a shift where someone or something else gains control.

be overpowered by

Focuses on being overcome by a force that results in lack of control.

be at the mercy of

Suggests vulnerability and lack of influence over a situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "lose control of" to describe a situation where someone or something no longer has the ability to manage or direct a situation, such as: "The driver started to "lose control of" the vehicle on the icy road".

What are some alternatives to "lose control of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "relinquish authority over", "surrender command of", or "cede management of".

Is it correct to say "loose control of" instead of "lose control of"?

No, "loose control of" is incorrect. The correct phrase is ""lose control of"", where "lose" is a verb meaning to be deprived of or cease to have something.

What does it mean to "lose control of" your emotions?

To ""lose control of"" your emotions means to become unable to manage or regulate your feelings, often resulting in an outburst or display of strong emotion.