take control

USAGE SUMMARY

"take control" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to suggest that someone needs to gain control of a situation, either literally or figuratively. Example sentence: He needs to take control of his finances if he wants to have a comfortable retirement.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Take control serving".

The New York Times - Sports

Take control, you say?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Take control of ambush video.

The New York Times - Tech

They decided to take control.

The New York Times

You have to take control.

The New York Times

Or — take control of it.

The New York Times

Take control of your numbers.

The New York Times

Note to Parents: take control.

The New York Times

I needed to take control".

The New York Times - Books

"Let the music take control".

The New York Times

"Take control," chanted the leavers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take control", clearly define what area or situation needs controlling to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "take control", specify "take control of the budget" or "take control of the project".

Common error

Avoid using "take control" without specifying the context. Saying "we need to take control" without indicating what needs to be controlled can lead to confusion and a lack of clear direction. Instead, be specific: "We need to take control of the supply chain to reduce costs."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "take control" is as a verb phrase. It acts as the predicate of a sentence, indicating an action of assuming authority or command. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

27%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take control" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the action of assuming authority or responsibility. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase, and the examples from Ludwig show its versatility across various contexts, including News & Media and educational content on WikiHow. When employing "take control", ensure you specify the object or area requiring control to maintain clarity and avoid vagueness. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register, you can effectively incorporate "take control" into your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take charge

Focuses on assuming responsibility and guiding a situation.

assume command

Emphasizes the act of taking a leadership role or position of authority.

seize authority

Highlights a forceful or decisive action in gaining control.

dictate terms

Suggests setting conditions or rules, often in a negotiation or agreement.

gain dominance

Stresses achieving a position of power or superiority.

dominate proceedings

Highlights a situation where one entity heavily influences or leads an event.

establish mastery

Implies developing expertise and control through skill.

exert influence

Highlights the act of affecting a situation or outcome.

manage effectively

Focuses on skillful handling and guidance of resources or people.

govern operations

Refers to directing and regulating activities or processes.

FAQs

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

You can use "take control" to suggest assuming authority or responsibility over something. For instance, "The team decided to "take control" of the project to ensure its timely completion."

What are some alternatives to "take control"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "take charge", "assume command", or "seize authority".

Is it better to say "take control of" or "take control over"?

"Take control of" is generally preferred and more common. While "take control over" isn't grammatically incorrect, it's less frequently used.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "take control"?

It's appropriate to use "take control" when you want to emphasize the act of assuming authority, managing a situation, or directing actions to achieve a specific outcome. For example, in a crisis, it's often necessary to "take control" to prevent further escalation.