strengthen control over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strengthen control over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe taking steps to increase authority or oversight over something. For example, "The company has decided to strengthen control over the management of their new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It urges the agency to "further strengthen control" over the ICW programme.

The Guardian

The job of director of the Defense Intelligence Agency has been vacant, filled by an acting director, and Mr. Rumsfeld's delay in filling the post is another sign of his strategy to strengthen control over intelligence.

The New York Times

An article on Aug. 1 about the arrests of eight people in the north and south of England on July 31 under antiterrorism laws misidentified a spokesman for the opposition Conservatives, who urged the government to strengthen control over Britain's porous borders.

The New York Times

After advancing it's territorial claims against the Philippines and Japan successfully over the last two years, China has now stepped up efforts to strengthen control over the South China Sea.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

But he has at the same time moved to strengthen controls over the internet and over debate among academics and the increasingly vocal middle class.

The Economist

On Sept. 24, in a sign of the problem's urgency, the inspector general, whose auditors had inspected only a few laboratories so far, issued a "management alert" recommending that the agency strengthen controls over its inventories.

The New York Times

"The confiscation has enabled us to strengthen controls over important elements of public security and thus eliminate potential security threats," said a caption accompanying the photo of a large pile of boxes.

The Guardian

MOSCOW — Russia's upper house of Parliament moved to strengthen controls over the Internet and nonprofit organizations on Wednesday, prompting a warning from the United Nations human rights chief that the Kremlin is sliding back into Soviet ways.

The New York Times

A proposed amendment on the subject may be attached today to legislation that is actually intended to increase protections for investors by strengthening controls over the nation's accounting system and over stock analysts' practices.

The New York Times

In fact, the main thrust of his measures will be to strengthen central control over it.

The Economist

Both moves were seen as attempts by the Hamas-led government to strengthen its control over the security forces.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "strengthen control over", ensure that the entity doing the strengthening and the object being controlled are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "strengthen control over" when the intention is simply to maintain existing levels of control. Use it specifically when there is an active effort to increase authority or oversight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strengthen control over" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action to increase authority or oversight. As Ludwig AI suggests, it conveys the process of reinforcing or enhancing command over something, whether it's a system, entity, or area of responsibility.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "strengthen control over" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for describing actions taken to increase authority or oversight. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. While more frequent in news and media contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for professional and academic writing as well. When using this phrase, ensure that the entity strengthening the control and the object of that control are clearly defined. Remember to avoid overstating the degree of control. Alternatives such as "bolster control over" or "tighten control over" can offer subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bolster control over

Replaces "strengthen" with "bolster", suggesting a reinforcing or supporting action.

tighten control over

Uses "tighten" instead of "strengthen", implying a more restrictive or firmer control.

improve control over

Focuses on making control better, rather than specifically stronger.

strengthen supervision over

Substitutes "control" with "supervision", highlighting the oversight aspect.

enhance authority over

Replaces "control" with "authority", emphasizing the power or right to govern.

reinforce authority over

Similar to enhance authority over, but emphasizing power instead of governance.

increase influence over

Shifts focus from direct control to a broader sense of influence.

solidify command over

Uses "command" instead of "control", suggesting a more directive form of authority.

consolidate power over

Emphasizes the act of combining and reinforcing power in a particular area.

assert dominance over

Implies a more forceful and declarative establishment of control.

FAQs

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

You can use "strengthen control over" to describe actions taken to increase authority or oversight, such as: "The company decided to "strengthen control over" its supply chain to improve efficiency."

What are some alternatives to "strengthen control over"?

Alternatives include "bolster control over", "tighten control over", and "improve control over", each with slightly different nuances.

Is it better to say "strengthen control on" or "strengthen control over"?

"Strengthen control over" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Control over" indicates direct influence or authority, while "control on" is rarely used in this context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "strengthen control over"?

Use "strengthen control over" when referring to deliberate actions taken to increase authority, oversight, or governance in a specific area, particularly in business, politics, or security contexts.