pursuit of control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pursuit of control" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the desire or effort to gain or maintain control over a situation, organization, or individual. Example: "In the chaotic environment of the corporate world, many leaders find themselves in a constant pursuit of control to ensure their team's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

His high hopes for prominence were invested in an improbable pursuit of control of the World Trade Center, a quest that only he seemed to take seriously.

The New York Times

The pursuit of control in football inspires him as much today as a coach with Ajax as it did when he was on the pitch as a player trying to change games with a flawless moment.

The Guardian - Sport

Cleaning away dirt, her contributors suggest, can be healing or oppressive, comforting or obsessive, or each of these at different times.One essayist in "Dirt" describes how her neurotic desire to keep her house spick and span led to the break-up of her marriage: "For me, the act of cleaning house came to represent my endless pursuit of control, in a life where virtually none existed".

The Economist

Last week, we talked about the myth of control and how the pursuit of control prevents people from making real choices.

HuffPost

Was the United States, through participation in the overthrow of the regime, furthering the aims of international oil corporations in pursuit of control over one of the world's largest oil resources?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Smallpox was defeated because Edward Jenner, among others, was fearless in his pursuit of controlling an infectious disease and, in the process, conferred a scientific status to the process of vaccination (17).

Science Magazine

In 1292, in his pursuit of controlling the Strait, the troops of Sancho IV of Castile laid siege to Tarifa and easily took it.

Wikipedia

The people she interviews have adopted new technologies in pursuit of greater control, only to feel controlled by them.

The New York Times - Books

"It requires a relentless pursuit of cost control.

The New York Times

President Obama's pursuit of arms control, like that of most of his predecessors of both parties, is the way to enhanced security.

The New York Times

McCarthy's portrait of the pursuit of total control is arresting, and he is alert to the bland amorality that underlies it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pursuit of control", consider the specific domain. In personal contexts, it may imply self-mastery, while in professional settings, it might refer to strategic management.

Common error

Avoid using "pursuit of control" in overly casual or informal conversations. Simpler terms like "trying to manage" or "seeking influence" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pursuit of control" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It refers to the act of striving to gain or maintain influence, authority, or dominance. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness for written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pursuit of control" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the act of striving for dominance, authority, or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for use in written English. While the phrase is most common in news and media, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts, it’s important to be mindful of the register and consider whether a more informal alternative might be appropriate in casual conversation. When considering alternatives, "quest for dominance", "search for influence", and "drive for mastery" provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quest for dominance

Emphasizes striving for a position of power.

search for influence

Focuses on the attempt to exert influence.

drive for mastery

Highlights the ambition to achieve expertise.

endeavor to regulate

Suggests an effort to manage or govern.

aim to command

Implies a goal to take charge.

push for authority

Highlights the effort to gain authority.

ambition to govern

Focuses on the desire to rule.

yearning for power

Emphasizes a strong desire for power.

craving for direction

Highlights a need to provide direction.

aspiration for supremacy

Indicates a goal to achieve the highest level of power.

FAQs

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

You can use "pursuit of control" to describe an effort to gain power, influence, or mastery over a situation or entity. For example: "The company's relentless "pursuit of control" in the market led to anti-trust investigations."

What are some alternatives to "pursuit of control"?

Alternatives to "pursuit of control" include "quest for dominance", "search for influence", or "drive for mastery" depending on the context.

Is there a negative connotation associated with "pursuit of control"?

The phrase "pursuit of control" can sometimes carry a negative connotation if it suggests manipulation or excessive ambition. It's essential to consider the context in which it's used.

In what contexts is "pursuit of control" most appropriate?

"Pursuit of control" is typically appropriate in formal contexts such as academic discussions, business analyses, or news reporting where strategic efforts to gain influence or power are being discussed.