take complete control of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take complete control of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation in which someone has taken full control over a situation. For example, "She took complete control of the situation and brought order to the chaos."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I saw meth take complete control of her.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It said an attacker who exploited the vulnerability "could take complete control of an affected system".

The New York Times

The Iroquois sought to eliminate the Huron and take complete control of the interior fur trade.

Britannica

Americans said they wanted the federal government to take complete control of hiring and supervising all airport security workers.

The New York Times

They want the federal government to take complete control of hiring and supervising all airport security personnel.

The New York Times

The spyware took advantage of three previously undisclosed weaknesses in Apple's iPhone to take complete control of the devices.

The Guardian - Tech

They can use it to take complete control of a system even without having a username and password.

MIT Technology Review

A state oversight board, authorized by the Legislature, could be created to take complete control of the city's finances, Mr. Ryan said.

The New York Times

An Irish media tycoon, Tony O'Reilly, has renewed an attempt to take complete control of APN News and Media of Australia.

The New York Times

They need to show that the proxy documents did not contain caveats allowing German executives to take complete control of the combined business.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He took complete control of the main television channels and neutered any opposition political parties.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take complete control of", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being controlled and the extent of that control. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "take complete control of" when the actual level of control is partial or limited. Using more nuanced language ensures accuracy and maintains credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take complete control of" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a larger sentence structure. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it's used to describe the action of gaining complete authority or management over something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take complete control of" is a versatile phrase used to describe the act of assuming full authority or management. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear and the level of control is accurately represented. Consider alternative phrases like "assume full command of" or "seize total authority over" for nuanced meaning. This phrase is suitable for neutral to formal registers, making it appropriate for a wide range of writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assume full command of

Emphasizes leadership and authority, implying a formal transfer of power.

seize total authority over

Suggests a more forceful or abrupt acquisition of control.

establish absolute dominance over

Highlights the establishment of a position of power, often in a competitive context.

gain total mastery of

Focuses on skill and expertise, suggesting control through competence.

exert complete influence over

Highlights the effect one has on something, rather than direct management.

dominate entirely

A more concise way of conveying complete control, emphasizing superiority.

secure absolute power over

Implies obtaining control through strategic action and securing a position.

command without limitations

Focuses on the absence of restrictions on the control being exerted.

govern unilaterally

Highlights independent decision-making and control without shared authority.

dictate terms completely

Suggests control through setting the conditions and rules, often in negotiations.

FAQs

What does "take complete control of" mean?

The phrase "take complete control of" signifies assuming total authority or management over something, leaving no aspect uncontrolled.

How can I use "take complete control of" in a sentence?

You might say, "The new CEO aimed to "assume full command of" the company's operations" or "The software allowed the user to "take complete control of" the device remotely".

What are some alternatives to "take complete control of"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "assume full command of", "seize total authority over", or "gain total mastery of".

Is it better to say "take complete control of" or "have complete control of"?

"Take complete control of" implies the action of assuming control, whereas "have complete control of" indicates the state of possessing control. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the action or the state.