lose control over

USAGE SUMMARY

'lose control over' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to convey the idea of being unable to maintain mastery or authority across a certain area or situation. For example, "After the scandal broke, the company quickly began to lose control over their public image."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Sooner or later you lose control over the standards".

The New York Times

At the very least, directors lose control over their time.

Harvard Business Review

One is that you'll lose control over the care you receive.

Harvard University

"I got into fights at school and university, and would lose control over little things".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Her illness makes her lose control over her muscles temporarily during the day.

The Guardian

And quite a few politicians would lose control over quite a few patronage jobs.

The New York Times

When capital is mobile, countries that fix their currencies lose control over their domestic monetary conditions.

The Economist

"By putting our inventory into ad networks, we lose control over that," Mr. Kelly said.

The New York Times

Managers fear they might lose control over boards and find their authority checked.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Joey Pigza does lose control -- over his pitching and his body -- and Gantos expertly conveys Joey's increasing frenzy and worry.

The New York Times - Books

I lose control over my contact with the patient.

BMC Medical Ethics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts like power or influence, consider using "lose control over" to illustrate a decline or absence of authority. For example, "The government began to "lose control over" the economy after the financial crisis."

Common error

Avoid using "lose control over" interchangeably with phrases that imply a temporary lapse in self-control (e.g., "lose it"). "Lose control over" typically refers to a more systemic loss of influence or authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lose control over" functions as a verb phrase, typically indicating a loss of authority, influence, or management over a person, object, or situation. Ludwig AI validates this usage with numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lose control over" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a decline or absence of authority, influence, or management. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, particularly news, academic, and business sources. When employing this phrase, consider the subtle differences between it and related expressions like "give up control of" or "relinquish authority over", and avoid confusing it with terms indicating temporary lapses in self-control. Its frequent usage and clear meaning make it a valuable addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give up control of

A more informal way to express ceasing to have control.

lose grip on

Implies a gradual loss of control or influence, similar to losing a physical grip.

relinquish authority over

Implies a formal act of giving up power or control.

surrender command of

Focuses on giving up a leadership position or directive influence.

abdicate power over

Implies to renounce or relinquish a high office, dignity, power, or authority in a formal manner.

forfeit jurisdiction over

Suggests a legal or official loss of power to administer justice or enforce laws.

be deprived of control over

Highlights the state of having control taken away.

abdicate responsibility for

Emphasizes the act of stepping down from a duty, often with negative connotations.

be bereft of control over

Describes the status of lacking control over something.

mismanage

Suggests poor or ineffective handling, leading to a loss of control.

FAQs

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

You can use "lose control over" to describe a situation where someone or something is no longer able to manage or direct a situation or entity. For example, "The company began to "lose control over" its supply chain due to unforeseen disruptions."

What are some alternatives to "lose control over"?

Alternatives include "give up control of", "relinquish authority over", or "abdicate power over", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "lost control of" or "lose control over"?

The choice depends on the tense of your sentence. "Lost control of" is the past tense, while "lose control over" is the present or future tense. For example, "He lost control of the car" (past) versus "They fear they will "lose control over" the project" (future).

What's the difference between "lose control of" and "lose control over"?

While both phrases are very similar, "lose control of" is generally used in situations where you can also "have control of", like a physical object, whereas, "lose control over" is typically reserved for situations or abstract things. However, you can consider "lose control of" semantically interchangeable.