modicum of control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modicum of control" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or limited amount of control over a situation or process. Example: "Despite the chaos, she managed to maintain a modicum of control over the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

There is a modicum of control.

The New York Times - Arts

The washing gives Judge Hardcastle a modicum of control.

The New York Times

10.54pm GMT 67 mins RSL finally get the ball back and a modicum of control.

The Guardian - Sport

But that would have meant Ankiel had even a modicum of control and he had none.

The New York Times - Sports

Only the City Watch, based in Pseudopolis Yard, keeps Ankh-Morpork under a modicum of control.

The New York Times - Books

It gives the audience a modicum of control over if and how they engage.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

The best one can do is support some modicum of controls.' The tide turned late last year, he hopes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It was incredibly hard to find apartments that had all of the elements we were looking for and where we thought we would have a modicum of noise control," Ms. Panzer said.

The New York Times

As for the allies, they seem prepared to go along grudgingly with a missile defense, but only if a way can be found to maintain a working relationship with Russia and preserve a modicum of arms control.

The New York Times

But his potential presence in office does not ameliorate the concerns of gun owners, who are disturbed by his previous tendencies towards a modicum of gun control (i.e. he has voted for requiring background checks on individuals purchasing guns at a gun show).

The Guardian - Opinion

-- In his essay, "Understanding Trump," Lakoff describes mechanisms that give The Donald a modicum of mind control.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "modicum of control" when you want to emphasize that the level of control is small or limited, often in situations where complete control is not possible or expected.

Common error

Avoid using "modicum of control" when a situation involves substantial or complete authority. It's best suited for describing marginal influence, not complete domination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modicum of control" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as the object of a verb or preposition to denote a limited degree of influence or authority. As Ludwig AI highlights, it suggests a small amount of control rather than absolute power.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

91%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modicum of control" is a phrase used to describe a small or limited degree of influence or power. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, primarily in news and media contexts. It’s best employed when emphasizing that control is not absolute. Alternatives include "slight degree of control" or "limited amount of control". When writing, be mindful not to use it when a situation actually involves significant authority. Based on the examples provided by Ludwig, the phrase serves to temper expectations and offer a nuanced perspective on situations where control is restricted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight degree of control

Emphasizes the limited extent of the control.

limited amount of control

Highlights the restricted quantity of control.

small measure of control

Focuses on the minimal quantity of control exerted.

some level of influence

Shifts the focus from direct control to indirect influence.

partial authority

Implies incomplete or shared power.

restricted command

Highlights limitations on the scope of command.

moderate power

Emphasizes a middle-ground level of power.

a little bit of say

Uses informal language to describe limited input.

some regulatory oversight

Specifically refers to limited regulatory power.

tenuous grip

Indicates a weak or unstable hold on power.

FAQs

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

You can use "modicum of control" to describe situations where someone has a small or limited amount of influence or power. For example, "The new regulations gave the citizens a "modicum of control" over local planning decisions".

What can I say instead of "modicum of control"?

You can use alternatives like "slight degree of control", "limited amount of control", or "small measure of control" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "modicum of control" in formal writing?

Yes, "modicum of control" is suitable for formal writing, especially in news reports, academic papers, and business documents. It conveys a precise meaning without being overly informal.

What is the difference between "modicum of control" and "full control"?

"Modicum of control" implies a small or limited amount of influence, whereas "full control" indicates complete and unrestricted power. The former suggests partial influence, while the latter indicates total authority.