regain control

USAGE SUMMARY

"regain control" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when referring to a situation where someone has taken back control after having lost it. For example: After a difficult series of negotiations, the union was able to regain control of their contract.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then I regain control".

The New York Times

You can regain control of the vehicle.

The New York Times

Attempts to regain control were repelled.

Independent

It's to help the driver regain control".

The New York Times - Tech

The regime is trying to regain control.

The Guardian

"We did to some degree regain control of the Party".

The New Yorker

The officers used batons and gunfire to regain control.

The New York Times

When the authorities regain control, they often arrest the ringleaders.

The Guardian

How do we regain control in the meantime?

The Guardian - Opinion

What could Google - specifically, Pichai - do to regain control?

The Guardian - Tech

We have to regain control of the streets.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "regain control" in situations where control was never established in the first place. The phrase implies a restoration, not an initial acquisition.

Common error

Avoid using "regain control" when referring to establishing control for the first time. The phrase implies a restoration of something that was previously held, not an initial establishment. Instead, use phrases like "establish control" or "take control".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "regain control" functions as a verb phrase, specifically indicating the act of recovering authority, command, or influence that was previously lost. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "regain control" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that describes the act of recovering lost authority or command. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely applicable across diverse contexts, particularly in news and formal settings. When using this phrase, clarity in defining what was lost is crucial. While several alternative phrases exist, such as "reclaim control" or "recover command", the best choice depends on the specific nuance intended. Overall, "regain control" effectively conveys the restoration of power or management, making it a valuable asset in professional and general communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

win back control

Stresses the act of gaining back control through effort, and has an connotation of overcoming adversity.

recover command

Specifically refers to regaining the position of leadership or the ability to give orders.

reassert authority

Focuses on the act of affirming one's power or right to command after a period of diminished influence.

resume management

Highlights the continuation of administrative or supervisory responsibilities after an interruption.

recapture influence

Emphasizes the regaining of persuasive power or sway over others.

re-establish dominance

Implies a forceful return to a position of power, often after a challenge or period of weakness.

take back the reins

An idiomatic expression suggesting a return to guiding or directing a situation or organization.

re-establish order

Focuses specifically on restoring a state of peace, calm, or regulation after chaos or disruption.

get things back on track

Focuses on the restoration of order and progress after a disruption or setback.

turn the tide

An idiom suggesting a reversal of fortune or momentum in a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "regain control" in a sentence?

You can use "regain control" to describe situations where someone or something recovers command or authority. For example: "After a period of instability, the government sought to regain control of the region."

What phrases are similar to "regain control"?

Alternatives to "regain control" include "reclaim control", "recover command", or "reassert authority" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "regain control" instead of "gain control"?

"Regain control" should be used when control was previously lost or relinquished. "Gain control", on the other hand, is used when establishing control for the first time.

Is "win back control" a good substitute for "regain control"?

Yes, "win back control" is a suitable substitute for "regain control", especially when emphasizing the effort or struggle involved in recovering control. It suggests overcoming resistance or challenges.