to establish control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to establish control" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is discussing the act of gaining authority or influence over a situation, group, or process. Example: "The manager's goal was to establish control over the project timeline to ensure timely delivery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The state is commandeering every resource to establish control over the country.

The Guardian - Opinion

After acquiring Yukos, he sent his enforcers to establish control of the extraction companies.

The New Yorker

In Libya, Isis managed to establish control over significant coastal towns in early 2015.

The Guardian

It is necessary to establish control over the work of every official.

The New York Times

Jackson kicked the conversion and with Saints conceding penalties Saracens began to establish control.

The Guardian - Sport

Various clan-based political coalitions and alliances attempted to establish control throughout the country.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But increased vigilance and improved technology have allowed the United States Border Patrol to establish control of these crossing points.

The New York Times

Finally, it would be wrong to use the battle against terrorism to establish control over countries or regions.

The New York Times

He also reformed the laws regulating communications and content in order to establish control over the media.

The New Yorker

It is more to establish control over their performance venues — or at least to ensure they do not disappear.

The New York Times - Arts

The contest went with serve until the sixth game, when Murray broke to establish control of the first set.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to establish control" when emphasizing the process of setting up systems, policies, or structures that will ensure authority or oversight. For instance, "The new regulations were designed to establish control over financial transactions."

Common error

Avoid using "to establish control" when you actually mean to maintain existing control. "Establish" implies a beginning, so use it when setting up control for the first time, not for continuing it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to establish control" functions as an infinitive phrase, often acting as an adverbial of purpose. It modifies a verb, indicating the reason or aim behind an action. Ludwig AI shows its usage in contexts where actions are taken with the specific intention of gaining or setting up control.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to establish control" is a common and grammatically correct infinitive phrase used to express the purpose of gaining authority or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage across diverse contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. The phrase carries a neutral to professional tone and is often employed in objective reporting and formal discussions. While alternatives like "to gain control" or "to assert authority" exist, "to establish control" specifically emphasizes the process of setting up systems or policies to achieve control.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to gain control

Focuses on the action of acquiring control, differing slightly in emphasis from the process of establishing it.

to assert authority

Highlights the act of declaring and enforcing one's power or right to control.

to take command

Implies assuming a leadership role and directing others, often in a more immediate or decisive way.

to seize power

Suggests a forceful or sudden acquisition of control, often implying a change in leadership or governance.

to secure dominance

Emphasizes the achievement of a superior position, ensuring control through strength or influence.

to implement control

Focuses on putting control measures into practice rather than the initial establishment.

to exercise control

Highlights the ongoing act of using the control one possesses.

to maintain control

Shifts the focus to preserving control that is already in place, rather than creating it.

to dominate

Implies overwhelming influence and control, often through force or superiority.

to regulate

Suggests controlling through rules and guidelines rather than direct power.

FAQs

How can I use "to establish control" in a sentence?

You can use "to establish control" when describing the act of gaining authority or influence over something. For example: "The company implemented new policies "to establish control" over its supply chain."

What are some alternatives to saying "to establish control"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "to gain control", "to assert authority", or "to take command".

Is it better to say "establish control" or "gain control"?

Both "establish control" and "gain control" are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Establish control" implies setting up a system or structure for control, while "gain control" simply means acquiring control.

What is the difference between "to establish control" and "to maintain control"?

"To establish control" refers to the initial act of setting up control, whereas "to maintain control" refers to the ongoing effort to keep control once it is already in place.