to be kept under control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be kept under control" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to express the need for something or someone to be managed or regulated. Example: "The situation escalated quickly, and it was crucial for the team to ensure that the project timeline was to be kept under control."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Other players had to be kept under control; the public should not mess with politics.

The New Yorker

It doesn't love the shade, though, and will need to be kept under control.

Independent

Weeds grow more vigorously under non- flooded field conditions, and need to be kept under control from an early stage.

Cornell University

Therefore, stresses in device fabrication and operation need to be kept under control to ensure structural stability.

Microelectronic Engineering

Once regarded as passive victims waiting to be rescued, Muslim women are now widely regarded as arbiters of "terror" and a potential threat to be kept under control.

Yale University

The generally accepted view, however, as Rogers points out, is that man's basic nature is destructive and has to be kept under control.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

It also means that there might be a new way to think about treatment: cancer might be kept under control by preventing healthy cells around it from crumbling.

The New York Times - Health

By Karin Ulin UNICEF and partners conducted a vaccination campaign for Syrian refugees at Domiz camp, Iraq, to ensure that measles and meningitis outbreaks be kept under control.

Unicef

Inflationary pressures should be kept under control.

Forbes

And this makes all music potentially dangerous if reactions, traditions, understandings and sympathies need to be kept under strict control.

The New York Times - Books

The huge surpluses of recent years cannot be counted on in the future, Mr. Giuliani said, and expenditures for next year will have to be kept under tight control.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be kept under control" when you want to emphasize the necessity of maintaining order, regulation, or management of a specific entity or situation. This passive construction is particularly useful when the controller is less important than the controlled.

Common error

Avoid using "to be kept under control" in every sentence, as excessive passive voice can make your writing sound weak and indirect. Try rephrasing some sentences to use active voice for a more engaging and direct tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be kept under control" functions as a passive infinitive construction. It typically acts as a complement to a verb or as part of a longer phrase expressing a need, requirement, or possibility. Ludwig's examples show it describes a state of needing regulation or management.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be kept under control" is a commonly used passive construction that signifies the need for regulation or management. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business. While it's important to use the phrase judiciously to avoid overuse of passive voice, it serves a crucial function in conveying the necessity of maintaining order and preventing undesirable outcomes. Related phrases like ""to be managed effectively"" or ""to be properly regulated"" can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be managed effectively

Focuses on the effectiveness of management, implying control but highlighting efficiency.

to be properly regulated

Emphasizes the importance of regulation, often in a legal or formal context.

to be carefully monitored

Highlights the aspect of continuous observation and oversight.

to be strictly supervised

Stresses the presence of direct supervision and enforcement of rules.

to be closely watched

Implies vigilance and attentiveness in observing something.

to be held in check

Suggests a forceful restraint to prevent something from escalating.

to be effectively contained

Focuses on limiting the spread or impact of something, often negative.

to be carefully governed

Implies the application of rules and principles to maintain order.

to be duly restrained

Emphasizes the appropriateness and justification of the restraint.

to be successfully reined in

Highlights the act of bringing something back under control after it has gone astray.

FAQs

How can I use "to be kept under control" in a sentence?

You can use "to be kept under control" to describe something that needs regulation or management, as in "The project's budget needs "to be kept under control" to avoid overspending".

What are some alternatives to "to be kept under control"?

Alternatives include "to be managed effectively", "to be properly regulated", or "to be carefully monitored", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "to be kept under control"?

While "to be kept under control" is a passive construction, its appropriateness depends on the context. If the actor performing the control is irrelevant or unknown, passive voice is suitable. If the actor is important, rewriting in the active voice may be clearer.

What does "to be kept under control" imply about the subject?

It implies that the subject has the potential to become unmanageable, chaotic, or harmful if not regulated. Therefore, there's a need for external forces to ensure it remains within acceptable limits.