power to control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "power to control" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing authority, influence, or the ability to manage or direct something or someone. Example: "The government has the power to control the distribution of resources during a crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He lacks the power to control his Wild Things.

The New York Times

Teachers should have the power to control when class ends.

The New York Times

They lack the power to control their own government.

The New York Times

Its unprecedented power to control and shape the news threatens how the public receives its news.

The Guardian - Opinion

IMPERIO spell Gave somebody the power to control the actions of another.

The Guardian - Film

Moreover, it has to be a spy with the power to control the imprints.

The Guardian

Ant-Man tells the story of a scientist who develops a power to control insects.

The Guardian

Soon, he had accumulated enough power to control the entire theatre".

The Guardian - Music

But Londoners need now to be given the power to control London's future.

The Guardian

The ruling emphatically ratified a co-op's power to control its own affairs.

The New York Times

It may be beyond our power to control the climate, but we can determine it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts, use "power to control" to emphasize the potential or capability to influence outcomes or behaviors.

Common error

Avoid using "power to control" when describing situations where influence is limited or shared; instead, opt for phrases like "influence over" or "ability to manage" to better reflect nuanced dynamics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "power to control" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig's examples show it describing the capacity or authority to manage or influence something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "power to control" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase that signifies the ability or authority to manage or influence something. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is widespread across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, careful attention should be paid to nuanced alternatives when conveying more subtle forms of influence or management. Key considerations involve distinguishing between inherent authority versus skill-based capacity, and avoiding interpretations that suggest absolute authority when influence is limited or shared. Prominent sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authority to direct

Replaces "power" with "authority", emphasizing the legitimacy of control; "direct" replaces "control", indicating guidance.

ability to manage

Substitutes "power" with "ability", focusing on the capacity to act; "control" replaced by "manage", suggesting a more hands-on approach.

capacity to regulate

Uses "capacity" instead of "power", highlighting the inherent potential; "regulate" replaces "control", implying a structured approach.

influence over

Replaces "power to control" with "influence over", shifting from direct control to persuasive effect.

command over

Uses "command" to convey a more forceful and directive type of control.

jurisdiction over

Highlights the legal and official authority related to control.

prerogative to dictate

Indicates a right or privilege to control, with "dictate" suggesting a strong authoritative stance.

leverage to manipulate

Conveys a strategic advantage used to control a situation, with "manipulate" suggesting skillful handling, sometimes with a negative connotation.

dominion over

Implies supreme authority or ownership, offering a broad scope of control.

the upper hand

An idiomatic expression indicating a position of advantage and control.

FAQs

How can I use "power to control" in a sentence?

You can use "power to control" to describe someone's ability to manage or direct something, for example: "The manager has the "power to control" the project's budget."

What are some alternatives to "power to control"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "authority to direct", "ability to manage", or "influence over".

Is "power to control" formal or informal?

"Power to control" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though the specific situation may dictate whether a more nuanced alternative is preferable.

What's the difference between "power to control" and "ability to control"?

"Power to control" suggests a more inherent or granted authority, while "ability to control" focuses more on the skill or capacity to manage.