obtain control over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obtain control over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is seeking to gain authority or influence over a situation, organization, or individual. Example: "The company aims to obtain control over the market by acquiring its competitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Some designs obtain control over the system by placing a pump dedicated to each zone or even each loop!

Cornell University

"No doubt that Al Shabab wants to obtain control over Somalia and use it as a base to influence and infiltrate surrounding countries," she said.

The New York Times

It remained only for Suppiluliumas to obtain control over the old Mitannian capital at Wassukkani, which he did, installing a son of the murdered Tushratta as vassal ruler of a buffer state between himself and the Assyrians.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the first, more serious attack, an unknown hacker used an automated software program to guess at Twitter's administrative password — a weak, lowercase, common dictionary word, the F.T.C. said — and obtain control over the service.

The New York Times - Tech

Prosecutors said Butina emailed the first American associate in March 2015, suggesting a specific political party "would likely obtain control over the US government after the 2016 elections" and noting the powerful role in this party played by a certain gun rights organisation.

The Guardian

Starting from basic one-input responsive transcriptional or post-transcriptional gene control systems, the field has reached a level on which cells can be engineered to detect cancer cells, to obtain control over T-cell proliferation, and to restore blood glucose homeostasis upon blue light illumination.

Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Brookfield disagreed, saying it obtained control over commercial development at Battery Park City in the 1980's with the development of the World Financial Center, a complex of four large office towers that are home to American Express, Merrill Lynch and other companies.

The New York Times

The acquirer thus obtains control over the target's assets directly (if the target merges with the acquirer) or indirectly (if the target merges into the acquirer's subsidiary).

Harvard University

For example, the extent to which the personality expresses power, responsibility, compliance, and defiance seems to coincide with anal expressions of the sexual drive and is related to the process of obtaining control over anal functions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Threats i10, i12 and i14 all relate to the possibility of obtaining control over the RPD and its content and using it for illegitimate purposes, either by stealing it (i10) or by exploiting SW weaknesses to attack the system over the Internet (i12).

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

But several investors who have stepped forward publicly and others who have formed groups privately have said they want either a majority share of the team or an option to obtain control of the club over time.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the specific nuance you want to convey: "obtain control over" implies a process of gaining control, not necessarily having it already. Alternatives like "exert influence over" or "wield authority over" might be more appropriate if the subject already possesses some level of control.

Common error

While "obtain control over" is grammatically sound, it can sometimes sound stilted in formal writing. Opt for stronger verbs like "secure" or "establish" followed by "control" for a more impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtain control over" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of gaining authority or influence. It's used to describe the process of achieving a position of power or dominance. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

28%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obtain control over" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the process of gaining authority or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English. While versatile, it's most frequently found in news, science, and academic contexts. Consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and avoid overuse in overly formal settings. Alternatives like "gain control over" or "secure command over" may be more appropriate depending on the situation. Remember that it describes the act of gaining control, not necessarily possessing it already.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquire dominion over

This alternative emphasizes gaining ultimate authority or sovereignty, implying a more complete and lasting control.

secure command over

Focuses on gaining a position of leadership and the ability to direct or influence others.

establish authority over

Highlights the act of creating a recognized and legitimate power or influence.

wrest power over

Suggests a forceful or contested seizure of control from another party.

exert influence over

Implies a more subtle and indirect way of directing or affecting something.

seize mastery over

Emphasizes gaining expertise and dominance in a particular area or skill.

assume leadership over

Highlights the act of taking on a leadership role, with the associated responsibilities and authority.

dominate

A single-word alternative implying complete control and superiority.

subjugate

This alternative suggests bringing someone or something under control by force or coercion.

govern

Focuses on the act of ruling or managing a system, organization, or territory.

FAQs

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

You can use "obtain control over" to indicate gaining authority or influence. For example: "The company aims to obtain control over the market", or "The hacker tried to obtain control over the system".

What are some alternatives to "obtain control over"?

Alternatives include "gain control over", "acquire dominion over", or "secure command over". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "obtain control of" or "obtain control over"?

Both "obtain control of" and "obtain control over" are grammatically correct, but "obtain control over" is generally preferred when referring to a process of gaining influence or authority in a complex situation. "Obtain control of" might be more suitable for tangible items.

What's the difference between "obtain control over" and "maintain control over"?

"Obtain control over" refers to the act of gaining control, while "maintain control over" implies already having control and working to keep it.