losing control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "losing control" is grammatically correct in written English.
It can be used as a noun phrase or a verb phrase, depending on the context. As a noun phrase, "losing control" can refer to the act of losing power or authority over a situation or oneself. For example, "His temper tantrum was a clear sign of him losing control." As a verb phrase, "losing control" can indicate the action of losing grasp or mastery over something. For example, "She tried to stay composed, but couldn't help losing control of her emotions when she saw the heartbreaking news." In both cases, "losing control" conveys the idea of not being able to maintain a desired level of control.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I was losing control.

Independent

But Saleh was losing control.

The New Yorker

Not like Ireland Losing control?

The Economist

Losing control or are you winning?

The New York Times - Arts

"I'm not prone to losing control".

The New York Times

Neither seems interested in losing control.

The New York Times

Prison officials were literally losing control".

The New York Times

Change too rapidly and risk losing control.

The New York Times - Books

He has to stop losing control".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Fear of lost revenue and fear of losing control.

Huffington Post

3. Losing Control.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about emotional states, use "losing control" to vividly convey a character's internal turmoil or struggle for composure.

Common error

Avoid using "losing control" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "losing control" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It signifies the act of losing command or self-regulation, whether in a physical, emotional, or organizational context. Ludwig examples show it describing both personal experiences and broader systemic issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

10%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "losing control" is a common and grammatically correct gerund phrase, used to describe the state of diminishing or absent command over oneself, a situation, or others. As Ludwig's examples show, it appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, suggesting a neutral register. The phrase conveys a sense of helplessness or escalating disorder. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of this phrase, highlighting its utility in both personal and organizational contexts. To avoid overuse in formal contexts, synonyms like "relinquishing control" or "ceding authority" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spiraling out of control

Emphasizes a progressive and accelerating loss of control.

relinquishing control

Emphasizes a deliberate act of giving up control.

ceding authority

Focuses on giving up official power or command.

forfeiting command

Suggests losing control as a consequence of an action or failure.

surrendering authority

Highlights a complete and often unwilling loss of control.

descending into chaos

Shifts focus to the result of losing control, emphasizing disorder.

unleashing disorder

Focuses on the active creation of a lack of control.

becoming ungovernable

Describes a state where control is no longer possible to implement.

allowing anarchy

Focuses on the permission of a situation where control is not possible.

impairing governance

Refers to diminishing ability to lead or conduct the policy of an organization, institution, etc.

FAQs

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

You can use "losing control" to describe a situation where someone is no longer able to manage or direct something effectively. For example: "The company was "losing control of its market share"."

What does it mean to say someone is "losing control"?

Saying someone is "losing control" implies they are failing to maintain command or regulation over themselves, a situation, or others. It suggests a decline in their ability to manage effectively.

What are some synonyms for "losing control"?

Synonyms for "losing control" include phrases like "spiraling out of control", "relinquishing control", or "ceding authority", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "losing control" as a noun?

Yes, "losing control" can function as a gerund, which is a verb form acting as a noun. For example: "Losing control was his biggest fear."