outside our control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outside our control" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe situations or factors that cannot be influenced or managed by the speaker or the group they represent. Example: "The delays in the project were due to circumstances that were outside our control."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Weather is outside our control.

The Guardian

The timing has been outside our control".

The Guardian

With things outside our control, it hasn't".

The Guardian - Sport

A lot of medicine is outside our control.

The New York Times

Our livelihood depended on forces outside our control.

The New Yorker

As it turned out, our fate was determined by things outside our control.

The Guardian - Sport

Our livelihood — even our lives — depended on forces outside our control.

The New Yorker

They are partly losing out for reasons outside our control, such as the rise of China.

The Guardian

Now that things are outside our control, they tell us to take control.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, the delays are being caused by matters entirely outside our control".

The New York Times

We live in a disorganized and chaotic world, much of it outside our control.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "outside our control", ensure that the context clearly indicates what 'our' refers to. This clarifies whose control is being discussed and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "outside our control" as a blanket excuse for failures without acknowledging any internal factors. Acknowledge what could have been done differently even if external forces played a significant role.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outside our control" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjectival modifier. It describes the state of certain factors or events being unmanageable or uninfluenceable by a specific entity. As shown in Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "outside our control" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to denote a lack of influence or authority over a situation. As per Ludwig AI, it is acceptable for use across different registers, with a slight preference for professional and neutral contexts such as news reporting and business communication. The phrase appears most frequently in "News & Media", followed by "Science", and "Formal & Business". Remember to clearly define whose control you are referring to, and avoid using it as a mere excuse without acknowledging internal responsibilities. Consider "beyond our control" and "out of our hands" as effective alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beyond our control

This alternative emphasizes the limit of influence, suggesting that the situation is simply not manageable.

out of our hands

Suggests a relinquishing of control, often implying that someone else or some other force is now in charge.

beyond our reach

Conveys a sense of unattainability or the inability to access or change something.

circumstances beyond our control

Emphasizes the role of external factors in determining the situation, distancing personal agency.

not up to us

Implies that the decision or outcome rests with someone else.

outside our sphere of influence

Focuses on the limited reach of one's ability to affect events or decisions.

beyond our capacity

Highlights the lack of resources or ability to handle the situation effectively.

not within our jurisdiction

Highlights the lack of legal or official power to intervene or make decisions.

not subject to our direction

Focuses on the absence of authority to guide or steer the course of events.

not our responsibility

Shifts the focus to a lack of obligation or duty to manage or influence the situation.

FAQs

What does "outside our control" mean?

The phrase "outside our control" refers to situations, factors, or events that cannot be influenced or managed by a specific entity or individual.

How can I rephrase "outside our control"?

Alternatives to "outside our control" include "beyond our control", "out of our hands", or not within our jurisdiction.

Is it appropriate to use "outside our control" in formal writing?

Yes, "outside our control" is appropriate for formal writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

What is the difference between "outside our control" and "our responsibility"?

"Outside our control" indicates a lack of influence, while "our responsibility" implies a duty or obligation. Something can be "outside our control" but still be "our responsibility" to manage its consequences.