sense of control

USAGE SUMMARY

"sense of control" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to a feeling of being in command or having power over a situation or oneself. Example: Having a sense of control over your emotions is crucial in maintaining healthy relationships.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They have no sense of control".

The New Yorker

That gave us a sense of control.

The New York Times - Sports

Information gives some people a sense of control.

The New York Times - Health

Paradoxically, to do this requires a superior sense of control.

The New York Times

Was it the sense of control that appealed?

The Guardian - Music

Fiction writing provided the ultimate sense of control.

The New York Times - Books

But experts say patients can regain a sense of control.

The New York Times

The show's subtitle, "Choices," reinforces this sense of control.

The New York Times - Arts

"The sense of control, of being in charge of me".

The New York Times

For other women, midwives offer a sense of control.

The New York Times

That gave me comfort and a sense of control.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing personal well-being, use "sense of control" to highlight the importance of self-management and autonomy. This emphasizes the individual's role in navigating their environment and making choices that positively impact their life.

Common error

Avoid framing "sense of control" solely in terms of external factors or dominating others. It's more effective to convey how individuals can manage their reactions and choices, even when external circumstances are challenging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of control" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes a state of feeling in charge or having influence over circumstances, as validated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sense of control" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase that refers to the feeling of being in command or having power over a situation. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase's validity and widespread use. It's most frequently found in news, science, and business contexts, highlighting its relevance across various fields. When using this phrase, emphasize self-management and avoid focusing solely on external dominance. Alternatives like "feeling of agency" or "sense of autonomy" can offer nuanced perspectives, but "sense of control" is a straightforward and effective way to convey the importance of managing one's environment and actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of self-determination

Emphasizes the process by which a person controls their own life.

feeling of agency

Emphasizes the capacity to act independently and make one's own free choices.

sense of autonomy

Highlights the condition of self-government or independence.

feeling of mastery

Focuses on the feeling of being highly skilled and competent, thus influencing a sense of control.

feeling of influence

Focuses on the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.

feeling of command

Indicates a state of being in charge and directing others or a situation.

sense of efficacy

Refers to the belief in one's ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task.

sense of authority

Highlights the power and right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.

feeling of direction

Highlights having a clear aim or course of action, contributing to a sense of control.

sense of power

Emphasizes the ability to influence or control the behavior of people or the course of events.

FAQs

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

You can use "sense of control" to describe the feeling of being in charge of a situation. For example, "Taking deep breaths helped her regain a "sense of control" during the stressful meeting".

What's the difference between "sense of control" and "feeling of power"?

"Sense of control" refers to the feeling of being able to manage a situation or one's own actions, while "feeling of power" implies the ability to influence or dominate others. The first is about self-management, the second about external influence.

What can I say instead of "sense of control"?

You can use alternatives like "feeling of agency", "feeling of mastery", or "sense of autonomy", depending on the context.

Is it better to have a "sense of control" or "illusion of control"?

While a genuine "sense of control" is beneficial, the "illusion of control" can lead to poor decisions because it is based on a false perception of one's ability to influence events.