taking control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking control" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of assuming authority or responsibility over a situation or entity. Example: "After the unexpected departure of the manager, Sarah stepped in, taking control of the project to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sport

Opinion

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Taking control?

The Guardian - Business

McNabb taking control.

The New York Times - Sports

It was like taking control.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I also enjoy taking control.

The Guardian - Film

Taking Control Of ActiveX Q.

The New York Times - Tech

Who's taking control this year?

The Guardian

"Far from losing control, they're taking control.

The Guardian

It's about them taking control of things".

The Guardian - Sport

He took ownership without taking control.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

He immediately takes control.

Independent

They have taken control.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about personal empowerment, consider "taking control of your life" to highlight agency and self-determination.

Common error

Avoid using "taking control" when the subject is actually being controlled or manipulated by external forces. The phrase implies active agency, which should be accurately reflected in the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking control" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often acting as the gerund form of the verb "take". It describes the action of assuming authority or responsibility. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is widely used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taking control" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that effectively conveys the act of assuming authority or responsibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, its impact can be tailored by understanding the nuances of related phrases like "assuming authority" or "seizing power". To ensure clarity, avoid using "taking control" in scenarios where the subject lacks genuine agency, and always consider the desired level of formality when integrating it into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assuming authority

Focuses on the act of gaining authority.

gaining command

Highlights the act of achieving a position of command.

seizing power

Emphasizes a forceful acquisition of power.

establishing dominance

Stresses the creation of a dominant position.

exerting influence

Focuses on applying influence to direct a situation.

assuming responsibility

Highlights the acceptance of duties and obligations.

getting a grip

Implies gaining control after a period of instability or chaos.

mastering the situation

Emphasizes skill and expertise in handling a situation.

wrestling control

Suggests a struggle or effort to gain control.

steering the ship

A metaphorical phrase for guiding or directing a venture or organization.

FAQs

How to use "taking control" in a sentence?

You can use "taking control" to describe someone assuming authority, like: "After the merger, she focused on "taking control" of the company's direction".

What can I say instead of "taking control"?

You can use alternatives like "assuming authority", "gaining command", or "seizing power" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "taking control" or "getting control"?

Both phrases are correct, but ""taking control"" implies a more active and deliberate assumption of authority, while "getting control" may suggest a more gradual or passive acquisition.

What's the difference between "taking control" and "being in control"?

"Taking control" refers to the act of assuming authority, while "being in control" describes the state of currently possessing and exercising authority.