obtain control of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obtain control of" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It implies gaining power or authority over something or someone. Example: The company was able to obtain control of their rival business through a successful acquisition.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

The major motivation of Aztec conquest was to obtain control of these resources.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Warwick's foreign policy included the abandonment of English efforts to obtain control of Scotland.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The buyout firm Leonard Green & Partners has reached a deal in principle to obtain control of Rand McNally & Company, the world's largest commercial map maker, company officials said.

The New York Times

It is time to stop the exploitative leasehold system, and allow existing leaseholders to obtain control of their homes on terms that reflect the investment they have made.

The Guardian - Opinion

Because of the lies, said Terry N. Christensen, lawyer for the shareholder, Kirk Kerkorian, Daimler was able to "obtain control of Chrysler, drive out the senior leaders of Chrysler and replace them with Daimler-Benz executives sent over from Germany".

The New York Times

Netflix said the plan was meant to protect the company and shareholders from "efforts to obtain control of Netflix that the board of directors determines are not in the best interests of Netflix and its stockholders".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The Mohegan obtained control of Pequot lands.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is also about her obtaining control of the company and not paying a premium.

The Guardian

With 6... Nc7!?, Black falls behind in development for the sake of obtaining control of the d4 square.

The New York Times

But neither he nor Green could understand how these distant heirs had legally obtained control of the archive.

The New Yorker

In 1950 O'Malley obtained control of 67 percent of the team's stock and was made president.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about achieving dominance or influence, consider the nuance you want to convey. "Obtain control of" is a neutral option. Use alternatives like "seize control of" to indicate a more forceful action, or "gain mastery over" to highlight skill and authority.

Common error

While "obtain control of" is grammatically sound, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using phrases like "get a grip on" or "take charge of" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtain control of" functions as a verbal phrase, typically serving as the predicate or part of the predicate in a sentence. It signifies the action of acquiring authority or power over something, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obtain control of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that expresses the act of gaining authority or power. According to Ludwig, the phrase functions primarily as a verbal phrase and serves to express the purpose of achieving dominance or influence. While the phrase has a neutral tone, it is more commonly found in news, encyclopedias and science contexts, and is suitable for professional and formal communication. When choosing to use this phrase, it is useful to consider factors such as the level of formality and the nuance you want to convey, as there are many alternative ways to express gaining control.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquire control over

Replaces "obtain" with "acquire", emphasizing the process of gaining control.

gain mastery over

Uses "mastery" instead of "control", suggesting a higher level of skill and authority.

take command of

Replaces "obtain control" with "take command", implying a more direct and assertive action.

secure authority over

Substitutes "control" with "authority", highlighting the legitimacy of the power gained.

establish dominance over

Emphasizes a position of superiority and influence.

assume power over

Focuses on the act of taking power or control.

seize control of

Implies a more forceful or sudden acquisition of control.

win command of

Suggests that control was achieved through effort or competition.

get a grip on

A more informal way of expressing gaining control, particularly over a situation.

bring under one's sway

A more literary way of expressing gaining influence or control.

FAQs

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

You can use "obtain control of" when referring to gaining power or authority over something. For example, "The company sought to obtain control of its rival" or "The government aimed to obtain control of the region's resources".

What's a more formal synonym for "obtain control of"?

A more formal synonym would be "acquire control over", which emphasizes the process of gaining something, or "secure authority over", highlighting the legitimacy of the power gained.

Is it better to say "obtain control of" or "gain control of"?

Both "obtain control of" and "gain control of" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Gain control of" is slightly more common and may sound more natural in some contexts. The choice often depends on personal preference and the overall tone of the writing.

What is the difference between "obtain control of" and "seize control of"?

"Obtain control of" suggests a process of acquiring control, possibly through legal or negotiated means. "Seize control of" implies a more forceful, sudden, or possibly illegitimate acquisition of control.