under control

USAGE SUMMARY

"under control" is a valid expression in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which something is being managed or kept in order. For example: The government implemented strict social distancing measures to bring the COVID-19 cases under control.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Budget under control.

The Economist

That is under control.

The Economist

Always cool, under control".

The New Yorker

Inflation is under control.

The Economist

He's always under control.

The New York Times - Sports

SOUND LEVEL Under control.

The New York Times - Food

"It means 'Everything under control.

The New Yorker

And much more under control.

The New Yorker

He was always under control".

The New Yorker

"Kismayu falls and under control".

The New York Times

Their costs are under control.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under control", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being managed or restrained. For example, specify if it's 'the situation', 'the costs', or 'the emotions'.

Common error

Avoid using "under control" when the situation is merely being monitored or influenced, but not fully managed. Overstating the level of control can mislead the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under control" functions as an adjective phrase. It typically modifies a noun or pronoun, describing the state of something being managed or handled effectively. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

27%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under control" functions as an adjective phrase used to describe something that is being managed or handled effectively. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability across various contexts, including news, business, and general writing. Common synonyms include "in check" and "managed effectively". When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being managed and avoid overstating the degree of control.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in check

Implies that something is being restrained or limited, similar to being managed.

in hand

Suggests that something is being dealt with effectively and is not causing problems.

managed effectively

Directly conveys the idea of successful management, emphasizing competence.

handled well

Highlights the quality of care and management given to a specific task or situation.

well-maintained

Focuses on the state of being properly cared for and preserved, suggesting ongoing management.

regulated

Highlights the existence of rules or systems that ensure things are kept within desired limits.

restrained

Indicates a controlled limitation, preventing excess or undesirable behavior.

governed

Suggests that something is ruled or directed by authority, either by individuals or by external norms.

supervised

Implies oversight and direction, ensuring operations are conducted accurately and completely.

monitored

Suggests something is being constantly watched or checked to ensure standards are maintained.

FAQs

How can I use "under control" in a sentence?

You can use "under control" to describe a situation where something is being effectively managed or handled, such as: "The fire is now "under control"" or "The project is "under control" and on schedule".

What's a good alternative to saying "under control"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in check", "in hand", or "managed effectively", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "under control"?

While generally appropriate, be mindful of overstating the degree of control. If a situation is only being monitored or influenced, a more accurate phrase might be more suitable.

What does it mean when something is "under control"?

It means that the situation or object being referred to is being managed effectively, is not causing problems, and is proceeding as expected.