to exert control over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to exert control over" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing authority, influence, or power that one entity has over another. Example: "The government has the ability to exert control over various aspects of citizens' lives, including education and healthcare."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Parents attempt to exert control over almost every other aspect of their kids' lives as well.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This is changing rapidly, of course, as corporations and governments seek to exert control over it.

The Guardian - Tech

In 2015, the housing market will finally begin to exert control over the government.

The Guardian

Mr. Tatary said he did not think the government's proposal was a veiled effort to exert control over the mosques.

The New York Times

Thesiger touches on the old problem of the inability of governments to exert control over the marsh dwellers.

The New Yorker

He responded that architects try to exert control over the interpretation of their work, but they can't.

The New Yorker

The problem is that central banks must rely primarily on monetary policy to exert control over asset markets.

The Guardian - Business

It also gets to exert control over how those vegetables are grown and how the meat is fed.

The New York Times - Food

Debt-market specialists buy debt in troubled companies in a bid to exert control over their future.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's one of the few word games that manages to pull in some outside force to exert control over your word-making abilities.

Vice

Also, what about the ability to exert control over the system's dynamics?

Clinical and Translational Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about power dynamics, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Use "to exert control over" when emphasizing the effort or active application of influence. For example: "The company sought to exert control over its supply chain by implementing stricter regulations."

Common error

Instead of saying "Control was exerted over the project", use the active voice: "The manager exerted control over the project". This makes your writing more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to exert control over" acts as an infinitive phrase functioning as a verb complement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It typically connects a subject with the object or area being controlled, indicating the action of actively exercising influence or power.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Huffington Post

5%

TechCrunch

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to exert control over" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that denotes the active exercise of influence or authority. According to Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for describing efforts to manage, direct, or regulate various entities or situations. This phrase appears commonly in news, scientific, and general contexts, conveying a neutral tone suitable for diverse audiences. To ensure effective writing, consider the active voice and explore related phrases like "to exercise authority over" or "to wield power over" for nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to exercise authority over

Substitutes "exert control" with "exercise authority", emphasizing the legitimate right to give commands and enforce obedience.

to wield power over

Replaces "exert control" with the more forceful "wield power", suggesting a more direct and potentially imposing form of influence.

to maintain dominance over

Changes "exert control" to "maintain dominance", highlighting the continuous effort to stay in a position of power or superiority.

to have influence over

Replaces "exert control" with "have influence", indicating a more subtle and persuasive form of control.

to dominate

A more concise alternative to "exert control over", implying a strong and often oppressive influence.

to govern

Suggests a formal and structured approach to maintaining power over a defined group or area, rather than merely influencing.

to dictate

Implies an absolute form of control, where actions and decisions are imposed without negotiation or consent.

to regulate

Focuses on managing or directing something according to rules or a system, instead of outright control.

to manipulate

Highlights a crafty and insidious application of influence, in contrast with explicit methods to "exert control over".

to oversee

Signifies a supervisory role that includes some control, but emphasizes guidance and direction rather than strict management.

FAQs

How can I use "to exert control over" in a sentence?

The phrase "to exert control over" is used to describe the act of exercising influence or authority. For example, "The government tries "to exert control over" the media" or "Parents often attempt "to exert control over" their children's choices."

What are some alternatives to "to exert control over"?

You can use alternatives like "to exercise authority over", "to wield power over", or "to have influence over" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to "to exert control over" something?

Not necessarily. While "to exert control over" can imply a negative manipulation or oppression, it can also refer to responsible management and direction. For example, "to exert control over" finances can be a sign of good management.

What's the difference between "to exert control over" and "to have control over"?

"To exert control over" implies an active effort to influence or manage something, while "to have control over" simply suggests possession of authority or influence, without necessarily implying any active use of it.