took full control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took full control" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone has assumed complete authority or dominance over a particular matter or situation. Example: "After the merger, the new CEO took full control of the company's operations and strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But the military took full control of Slahi's interrogation.

The Guardian

In 2005 he took full control of BTA.

The New York Times

Britain and India suspended military aid after King Gyanendra took full control of the government.

The New York Times

But only today, when reformers took full control of Serbia, did he have the power.

The New York Times

The employees were let go when Duke took full control of the plant in April.

The New York Times

(In 2010, Ma took full control, and substantial ownership, of the payments system).

The New Yorker

Martin J. Wygod took full control as the remaining chief executive of the troubled company.

The New York Times

TfL eventually took full control of the tube when the PPP collapsed.

The Guardian

CanWest took full control of The National Post earlier this year.

The New York Times

On 9 February the Free Army took full control of Bayada.

The Guardian

The sanctions tightened after Hamas took full control of the territory in June 2007.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when choosing this phrase; ensure it accurately reflects the nature and extent of the control gained. Alternatives like "assumed command" or "gained authority" may be more appropriate in certain situations.

Common error

Avoid using "took full control" if the individual or entity only gained partial or limited control. Using stronger alternatives when the real control is low will cause misunderstanding. Be specific about the limitations if they exist to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took full control" functions as a verb phrase, typically used in the past tense to describe the action of assuming complete authority or management. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. It is commonly used to denote a definitive shift in power.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "took full control" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes the action of assuming complete authority or management. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It is commonly found in news, business, and general contexts, indicating its versatility. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the extent of control gained and consider alternative phrasings like "assumed command" or "gained authority" to provide nuance and clarity. Avoid overstating the extent of control to maintain accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

took charge

Suggests a proactive and decisive action to lead or manage a situation.

secured control

Focuses on the act of making control safe and preventing it from being lost.

assumed command

Focuses more on the act of assuming a leadership position or direct control.

seized power

Implies a more forceful or abrupt acquisition of control, often in a political context.

wrested control

Suggests a struggle or effort to gain control from someone else.

gained authority

Highlights the acquisition of legitimate power or influence.

assumed responsibility

Emphasizes the acceptance of duties and obligations, which may or may not include control.

established dominance

Implies a longer-term process of gaining superiority and control.

inherited power

Indicates that control was passed down through familial or hierarchical lines.

became the leader

Focuses on the position of leadership rather than the act of taking control.

FAQs

What does "took full control" mean?

The phrase "took full control" means to assume complete authority, management, or dominance over something, such as a project, organization, or situation.

What can I say instead of "took full control"?

You can use alternatives like "assumed command", "gained authority", or "took charge" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "took full control" in formal writing?

Yes, "took full control" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing a clear and decisive shift in power or responsibility. However, consider the specific context and choose the most precise alternative if necessary.

What's the difference between "took full control" and "had full control"?

"Took full control" describes the action of assuming control, while "had full control" describes the state of possessing complete authority or management. For example, "The new CEO took full control" (action), and "The CEO had full control over the company" (state).