to exercise control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to exercise control" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is discussing the act of managing, directing, or influencing a situation or group of people. Example: "The manager has the authority to exercise control over the team's workflow and productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I like to exercise control.

The Guardian - Books

All strong lobbies aspire to exercise control.

The New York Times

"He was very much trying to exercise control".

The New York Times

It's difficult to exercise control of who gets tickets for which performance in the Free Fringe.

The Guardian

"It was impossible for him to exercise control over subordinates and contractors," Mr. O'Neill said.

The New York Times

"But you need to exercise control in order to get bad assets off the books.

The New York Times

Ever mindful of uncertainty, Koolhaas is perpetually trying to exercise control.

The New York Times - Magazine

But Barcelona was just warming to its task, Xavi just beginning to exercise control and concentration.

The New York Times - Sports

Barcelona was just warming to its task, Xavi just beginning to exercise control and concentration.

The New York Times - Sports

As a result of the Board's failure to exercise control, the Club cheated.

The Guardian - Sport

As part of its capacity for achievement, it must also be able to exercise control that stops maladaptive behavior.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, make sure the subject who is "to exercise control" is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify who or what is performing the controlling action, such as "The manager needs to exercise control over the project's budget".

Common error

Avoid overstating the degree of control. Saying someone can "exercise control" doesn't mean they have absolute power; it implies influence within certain boundaries. Be mindful of realistic limitations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to exercise control" functions as an infinitive phrase that typically introduces a purpose or intention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable expression, often indicating an action taken to manage or direct something. The examples show its usage in various contexts like political, economic, and social control.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to exercise control" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate the act of managing, directing, or influencing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is applicable in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. It signifies the active use of authority to regulate or govern. While the phrase is generally versatile, it's important to specify who is "to exercise control" to avoid ambiguity and to consider the scope of that control to ensure realistic portrayals. Alternatives such as "to exert influence" or "to maintain authority" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to exert influence

Focuses on affecting something indirectly, rather than direct command.

to maintain authority

Highlights the preservation of existing power or control.

to wield power

Implies a more forceful or strategic application of control.

to take command

Emphasizes assuming a position of leadership or control.

to govern effectively

Specifically refers to the act of ruling or managing a group or system.

to be in charge

A more informal way of saying someone has control or responsibility.

to dominate proceedings

Implies overwhelming control over a situation or event.

to keep in check

Emphasizes restraining or limiting something to maintain control.

to regulate effectively

Focuses on establishing and enforcing rules or standards.

to steer the ship

A more figurative way of saying to be in control of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "to exercise control" to indicate the act of managing, directing, or influencing something. For example: "The government needs to exercise control over the budget" or "The supervisor must exercise control over the project's timeline".

What can I say instead of "to exercise control"?

You can use alternatives like "to exert influence", "to maintain authority", or "to wield power" depending on the context.

What does it mean "to exercise control"?

The phrase "to exercise control" means to use one's power or authority to manage, regulate, or direct something. It implies having the ability to influence or govern a situation, person, or process.

What is the difference between "to exercise control" and "to have control"?

"To have control" implies possession of authority or influence, while "to exercise control" implies the active use of that authority. You can "exercise control" if you already "have control", but "having control" doesn't necessarily mean it is being actively used.