take control of

USAGE SUMMARY

"take control of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation in which a person or group of people has taken charge of a situation or process. For example, "The new CEO took control of the company to make sure it stayed on track."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Take control of ambush video.

The New York Times - Tech

Or — take control of it.

The New York Times

Take control of your numbers.

The New York Times

"Listen folks, lemme take control of this".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Take control of your own destiny.

The Guardian

Take control of your health right now!

Harvard University

Japanese researchers take control of your hand.

MIT Technology Review

E.ON hopes to take control of Ruhrgas in two steps.

The New York Times

We need to take control of our destiny".

The New York Times

It's also useful when trying to take control of hardpoints.

The Guardian - Tech

"I wanted to take control of my own skating".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take control of" when you want to emphasize assuming responsibility or authority over a situation or process. For example, "After the merger, she decided to take control of the marketing department."

Common error

Ensure you're not using passive voice when intending to show active control. Instead of saying, "The project was taken control of by the team", say "The team decided to take control of the project."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take control of" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It is used to express the action of assuming authority, responsibility, or management over something. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples showing its active role in sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

21%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take control of" is a versatile phrase signifying the act of assuming authority or responsibility. Ludwig AI analysis shows it's grammatically correct and widely used in diverse contexts, ranging from news and academia to informal settings. To use it effectively, remember to avoid passive voice and choose it when you specifically want to highlight the action of gaining command. Related phrases like ""take charge of"" or ""assume command of"" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take charge of

Implies assuming responsibility and guiding actions.

assume command of

Emphasizes a formal assumption of authority, especially in hierarchical structures.

seize authority over

Suggests a more forceful or abrupt acquisition of power.

gain mastery over

Focuses on developing expertise and skill to manage something effectively.

manage effectively

Focuses on the efficient and skillful handling of resources and tasks.

exert influence on

Highlights the ability to affect or direct outcomes without necessarily holding formal control.

dominate the situation

Signifies a position of power and influence over the events.

govern the affairs of

Implies ruling or administering something, often in a formal context.

steer the course of

Conveys guiding or directing the progress of something.

regulate the operation of

Highlights the act of controlling or maintaining the function of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "take control of" to indicate assuming authority or responsibility. For example: "The manager needed to "take control of" the project to ensure its success".

What are some alternatives to "take control of"?

Alternatives include "take charge of", "assume command of", or "gain mastery over", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "take control of"?

While generally acceptable, consider the context. In some situations, a more nuanced phrase like "exert influence on" might be more suitable if direct control isn't the goal.

What's the difference between "take control of" and "take care of"?

"Take control of" implies assuming authority, while "take care of" suggests providing care or managing something in a supportive way. They are not interchangeable.