strictly controlled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strictly controlled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or environment where rules and regulations are enforced rigorously. Example: "Access to the laboratory is strictly controlled to ensure the safety of all personnel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tourism remains strictly controlled.

The New York Times

It's pretty strictly controlled.

The Guardian - Film

Immigration is now strictly controlled.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Access to the oligarch was strictly controlled.

The New Yorker

Entry and exit were strictly controlled.

The Guardian - Opinion

The panels themselves follow strictly controlled lines of enquiry.

The Guardian

In other nations, such sales would be strictly controlled.

The New York Times

They have strictly controlled battlefield reports and grossly downplayed losses.

The New York Times

In Europe, most radio was strictly controlled by government.

The New York Times - Arts

Prostitution then was legal, but strictly controlled by the police.

The New York Times - Arts

Israel has strictly controlled the entry of building materials.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing processes or environments, use "strictly controlled" to convey the idea that adherence to rules and guidelines is mandatory and closely supervised.

Common error

Avoid using "strictly controlled" when describing situations that are only moderately regulated. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and create a perception of unnecessary rigidity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strictly controlled" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is subject to stringent regulations or oversight. This usage aligns with Ludwig's examples, where it describes environments, processes, or access, such as "Tourism remains strictly controlled" or "Access is strictly controlled and it's easy to see why."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

31%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strictly controlled" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig, that describes something subject to stringent rules and oversight. Its primary function is to communicate that a particular entity is governed by firm regulations, often for safety, security, or quality assurance. While versatile, it is best suited for formal and professional contexts and should be avoided in trivial situations. Consider alternatives like ""tightly regulated"" or ""closely monitored"" based on the specific nuance needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rigidly controlled

Emphasizes inflexibility and unyielding governance.

tightly regulated

Focuses on the presence of detailed rules and oversight.

closely monitored

Highlights careful and continuous observation.

heavily supervised

Stresses the presence of significant oversight and guidance.

carefully managed

Focuses on skillful handling to maintain order.

closely guarded

Highlights protection and restricted access.

firmly administered

Emphasizes the steadfast application of rules or policies.

strictly supervised

Focuses on rigorous monitoring and accountability.

precisely regulated

Highlights accuracy and exactness in the regulation.

absolutely controlled

Stresses an absence of exceptions and total dominion.

FAQs

How can I use "strictly controlled" in a sentence?

You can use "strictly controlled" to describe environments or processes where rules are rigorously enforced. For example, "Access to the research facility is "strictly controlled" to prevent contamination".

What are some alternatives to "strictly controlled"?

Alternatives include "tightly regulated", "closely monitored", or "carefully managed", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "strictly controlled" or "closely controlled"?

"Strictly controlled" implies a more rigorous and inflexible enforcement of rules compared to "closely controlled", which suggests careful but potentially more adaptable oversight. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "strictly controlled" and "strictly regulated"?

"Strictly controlled" suggests a direct power or influence exerted to maintain specific conditions, while "strictly regulated" implies managing activities through a set of rules. The choice depends on whether you are emphasizing direct control or rule-based management.