possess control over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "possess control over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing authority, influence, or ownership regarding a particular subject or entity. Example: "The manager must possess control over the project's budget to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

aThe use of 'Taiwan' in this paper should not be taken as recognition by the authors of a separate Taiwanese state, nor a rejection of the 'One-China' principle, but rather a simple appellation to describe the people and government who currently reside and possess control over the island of Taiwan and other outlying islands.

Globalization and Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Why did you squander your precious life force trying to possess, control, interfere?

The New Yorker

One family – the Wallenbergs – possesses controlling stakes (usually defined as over 20% of voting shares) in most of the key companies in the Swedish economy, including ABB, Ericsson, Electrolux, Saab, SEB and SKF.

The Guardian - Opinion

For years, anti-drug-war advocates have been saying, over and over again, that arresting people for possessing controlled substances overcrowds prisons, wastes resources, and destroys communities.

Vice

I have control over it.

Independent

We don't have control over it.

The New York Times

have control over Air Passenger Duty.

BBC

You, we, all have control over them.

Forbes

Part of life is learning that you do not have control over tragedy such as the death and other kinds of losses, and that in relinquishing control and acknowledging our frailties, we are paradoxically made more aware of the power we do possess.

Huffington Post

You have control over all your feelings!

WikiHow

You now have control over the knife.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "possess control over", ensure that the subject truly has the capacity and right to direct or manage the object of their control. Avoid using it loosely when influence or indirect management is more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "possess control over" when the subject only has influence or indirect oversight. This phrase suggests a direct and complete authority that may not accurately reflect the actual relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possess control over" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the capacity or right to direct or manage something. Ludwig indicates the acceptability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "possess control over" is grammatically correct and functions as a verb phrase denoting the capacity or right to manage or direct something. Ludwig confirms its acceptability and provides examples from diverse sources such as news, science, and wiki. The phrase is most commonly used to indicate authority, influence, or ownership. While "possess control over" is relatively rare, several alternatives like "exert control over" and "exercise control over" can be used depending on the specific context and desired nuance. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject legitimately has the power and right to wield such control.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exert control over

Focuses on the active application of control, rather than simply having it.

exercise control over

Similar to 'exert', this emphasizes the active use of control.

wield control over

Suggests a powerful and often visible display of control.

have authority over

Highlights the legitimate right to control, often through a formal position.

maintain control over

Focuses on the effort to keep control in an ongoing situation.

retain control over

Emphasizes keeping control that was previously held.

dominate

Implies a stronger, more absolute form of control.

govern

Suggests control through established rules and systems.

manage

Focuses on the practical aspects of directing and controlling something.

supervise

Implies overseeing and directing activities, often in a work context.

FAQs

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

Use "possess control over" to indicate that someone or something has the authority and capability to direct or manage something else. For example: "The manager must "have authority over" the project's budget to ensure its success."

What are some alternatives to "possess control over"?

Alternatives include "exert control over", "exercise control over", or ""have authority over"", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "possess control over" rather than just "control"?

"Possess control over" is suitable when you want to emphasize the inherent ability or right to control, rather than just the act of controlling. It highlights the ownership or entitlement to that control.

Is "possess control over" interchangeable with "hold control over"?

While similar, "possess control over" emphasizes the inherent right or capability, whereas "hold control over" suggests a more active and potentially temporary state of maintaining control.