secure control over

USAGE SUMMARY

"secure control over" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to convey that one entity has ensured or obtained control or authority over another entity. For example, "The company's leadership was able to secure control over rival businesses in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

The link with Sonargaon became a far more secure control over the ports of Bengal.

Britannica

This has given them advanced AI capabilities, helping to secure control over a crucial part of the global digital infrastructure.

The Guardian - Opinion

Since its establishment, the Jewish State has devoted major efforts to secure control over the land of Israel.

Stanford University

Defence contractor BAE Systems is pushing to secure control over Britain's entire submarine industry by taking majority ownership of maintenance and support facilities at Devonport dockyard in Plymouth.

The Guardian - Business

Joshco is in the process of taking control of the neighbouring building through a combination of consultation with tenants and legal moves to secure control over the property.

The Guardian

"This history helps to explain why the very first military objective of Operation Iraqi Freedom was to secure control over the oil fields and refineries of southern Iraq".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Ramon Berenguer I also expanded his domain by securing control over the adjacent counties of Ampurias and Pallars.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Gaelic Lords of the Isles dominated the Atlantic coast from the 12th century to the 15th century, when the kings of Scotland secured control over the entire region.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By securing control over Asia Pacfic Breweries, which the Dutch brewer operates through a joint venture with Fraser & Neave, Heineken will increase its market share in a number of fast-growing emerging markets.

The New York Times

These Juchen established a kingdom of some extent and importance in Manchuria, and by ad 1115 their dynasty (called Jin in Chinese records) had secured control over northeastern China.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nearly three weeks into the war, with the allies securing control over much of Iraq, American forces well into their effort to take Baghdad and Mr. Hussein's fate unclear, Mr. Bush appeared more relaxed than during his last session with Mr. Blair, at Camp David on March 27.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In business contexts, use "secure control over" when emphasizing the strategic importance of gaining dominance in a market or industry, demonstrating a long-term goal beyond simple acquisition.

Common error

Avoid using "secure control over" when simply meaning 'influence'. The phrase implies a comprehensive and enforceable authority, not just a persuasive or suggestive influence. For example, saying "The company secured control over consumer preferences" is inaccurate if they merely influenced trends, not dictated them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secure control over" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun and a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It typically describes an action taken to establish or maintain authority, possession, or dominance over something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "secure control over" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression signifying the act of establishing or maintaining authority or dominance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly found in news and media, academic, and encyclopedic sources. Its usage implies a deliberate effort to gain and maintain authority, making it suitable for formal and analytical writing. While alternatives like "establish dominance over" or "gain command of" exist, "secure control over" provides a clear and consistent way to express this concept. Remember to use it when actual control, not just influence, is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish dominance over

Emphasizes achieving a position of power or authority.

gain command of

Focuses on acquiring the ability to direct or manage something.

take possession of

Highlights the act of acquiring ownership or control.

assert authority over

Stresses the act of declaring and enforcing one's power.

dominate

A single word focusing on supremacy.

seize control of

Suggests taking control quickly, possibly forcefully.

wrest control from

Indicates taking control away from someone else, often after a struggle.

gain mastery of

Implies comprehensive knowledge and skill in controlling something.

get a grip on

An idiom suggesting understanding and beginning to manage a situation.

ensure command over

Focuses on making certain that control is maintained.

FAQs

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

You can use "secure control over" to describe actions taken to establish authority or dominance. For example, "The military aimed to "secure control over" the border region" or "The company sought to "secure control over" the market share".

What are some alternatives to "secure control over"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "establish dominance over", "gain command of", or "take possession of". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "secure control of" or "secure control over"?

While both prepositions can be used, "secure control over" is generally preferred when referring to people, organizations, or abstract concepts like resources or territories. "Secure control of" is more often used with specific objects or mechanisms.

What's the difference between "secure control over" and "influence"?

"Secure control over" implies direct authority and the ability to enforce decisions. "Influence", on the other hand, suggests a persuasive power without necessarily having the ability to dictate outcomes. For example, one can "secure control over" a territory, but only have influence over its population.