out of control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "out of control" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that is unpredictable, chaotic, or has become unmanageable. For example: The angry mob soon became out of control, and police had to be called in.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Out of control.

The Economist

"It's out of control".

The New York Times - Arts

You're out of control.

The New York Times - Sports

"She's out of control!

The New Yorker

He was out of control.

The New York Times - Sports

"It got out of control".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Out-of-control federal spending!

The New York Times

Out-of-control costs.

Harvard University

So is out-of-control school bureaucracy.

The New York Times

Out-of-control federal government.

The New York Times

Three out-of-control cheeseburgers.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "out of control" to vividly depict situations that have spiraled beyond the capacity of management or regulation, adding a layer of urgency and potential danger to your narrative.

Common error

While "out of control" is widely understood, reserve it for scenarios where a sense of urgency or alarm is warranted. In formal or business writing, consider alternatives like "unmanaged" or "unregulated" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "out of control" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe a state of being unmanaged, unrestrained, or chaotic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used. It is primarily used to describe situations, systems, or even people that are not being properly managed or regulated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "out of control" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe scenarios that have exceeded manageable limits. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct and enjoys widespread use, especially within news and media contexts. While its versatility allows for application across different registers, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives like "unmanaged" or "unregulated" in professional environments. Understanding its function and purpose, along with awareness of common errors, will ensure its effective integration into various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncontrolled

Direct synonym, emphasizing the absence of control.

unmanageable

Implies a difficulty in controlling or handling something, often due to its size or complexity.

unrestrained

Suggests a lack of limits or boundaries, resulting in excessive or wild behavior.

unchecked

Indicates that something is not being monitored or regulated, allowing it to escalate or worsen.

rampant

Describes something that is spreading or occurring rapidly and uncontrollably.

chaotic

Highlights the disorder and lack of structure in a situation.

amok

Suggests wild and uncontrolled behavior, often with destructive consequences.

haywire

Implies that a system or mechanism has malfunctioned and is behaving erratically.

gone wild

Suggests something has become excessively enthusiastic or disorderly.

in disarray

Describes a state of confusion and lack of organization.

FAQs

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

The phrase "out of control" is used to describe a situation or person that is not being managed or regulated effectively. For example: "The fire quickly became "out of control" due to strong winds."

What are some synonyms for "out of control"?

You can use alternatives like "unmanageable", "unrestrained", or "unchecked" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "out of control"?

Yes, "out of control" is a grammatically correct phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage in written English.

What's the difference between "out of control" and "under control"?

"Out of control" describes a situation where there is a lack of management, while "under control" means the situation is being effectively managed or regulated.