to control how

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to control how" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the manner or method in which something is managed or regulated. Example: "The new software allows users to control how their data is shared with third parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They want to control how we dress.

The New York Times

They want to control how we act.

The New York Times

Mike gets to control how much playing time he gets".

The New York Times

Columbia wanted to control how the news of the report broke.

The New York Times

The fashion industry is vilified for trying to control how women dress, look and feel.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But apartheid is how to control, how to keep the dominance.

The Guardian

"We had no way to control how they breathed," Ketchum told me.

The New Yorker

That would allow patients to control how much EPO is produced and prevent harmful overproduction.

The New York Times

They also get to control how their movie is rolled out and marketed.

The New York Times

Of course there must be stringent safeguards to control how data can be obtained.

The Guardian - Opinion

This allows users to control how much personal information they reveal to strangers.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to control how", ensure that the sentence clearly indicates what is being controlled and the specific aspect or manner of control. Clarity is key to effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "to control how" in overly broad or vague contexts. Instead, specify the precise mechanisms or parameters that are being managed to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to control how" functions as an infinitive phrase introducing a clause that specifies the manner or method in which something is managed. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to control how" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction widely used to indicate the management or influence over a process or action. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. It's prevalent in news, media, scientific, and general writing, offering a clear and direct way to express the intent or ability to regulate something. While generally neutral, it's crucial to maintain clarity and specificity to avoid vagueness and ensure effective communication. Remember to tailor the phrase to the formality of your writing and consider alternative phrasings for enhanced precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to direct the course of

Highlights the act of guiding or steering something, implying a strong influence over its direction.

to manage the method by which

This suggests a more hands-on approach, focusing on the practical aspects of overseeing a process.

to regulate the manner in which

This alternative emphasizes the act of regulating, highlighting the establishment of rules or guidelines for a process.

to determine the process of

This alternative emphasizes the act of making decisions about how something is done, indicating a foundational influence.

to dictate the way

Focuses on authority and prescribing a specific course of action, implying a higher level of control.

to influence the fashion in which

This focuses on affecting the style or manner of something, suggesting a more subtle form of control.

to govern the means by which

Implies a structured and authoritative approach to influencing the outcome, often used in formal contexts.

to orchestrate the path of

This alternative uses a metaphor, suggesting a careful and deliberate arrangement of events to achieve a desired result.

to manipulate the procedure for

Suggests skillful handling or controlling of a process, sometimes with a negative connotation if it implies deception.

to administer the methodology for

This alternative implies a systematic and organized approach to controlling a process, often used in professional contexts.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "to control how" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use alternatives like "to regulate the manner in which" or "to govern the means by which", depending on the context.

Is "to control how" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "to control how" is appropriate, but ensure clarity and precision in your writing. You might also consider more specific alternatives if they better reflect the nuance of your argument.

What's the difference between "to control how" and "to influence how"?

"To control how" implies a direct and often authoritative influence, while "to influence how" suggests a more subtle or indirect effect.

Can you provide an example sentence using "to control how"?

A valid example can be: "The software allows users "to control how" their data is shared with third parties".