Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
under controls
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "under controls" is not correct in standard written English; it should be "under control." You can use it when referring to a situation that is managed or regulated effectively.
Example: "The project is now under control after addressing the initial setbacks."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
9 human-written examples
And even at Penn South near Penn Station, which has an agreement to remain under controls until 2022, the issue still occasionally provokes heated discussion.
News & Media
There, the Holbeck area of the city was placed under controls to give prostitutes a safer place to work last year.
News & Media
PAGE A10 U.S. and Russia Agree on Iran President Bush and President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia have agreed to press Iran to have its uranium enriched only in Russia, under controls that would prevent the processed material from being used to make bombs.
News & Media
In Switzerland, there is a very strong decentralisation of active labour market programmes under controls, combined with a certain Germanic discipline16.
Science
We also compared the changes in cellular sensitivity of interneurons vs. pyramidal neurons, in which the changes in threshold potentials (ΔVts) were calculated, i.e., threshold potentials under the condition of MDA treatments were divided by those under controls.
Science
Fig. 4C illustrates the number of primary processes per GABAergic neuron on the average from each of barrel sections under controls (white bar) vs. olfactory deprivation (gray; n = 59, p = 0.81).
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
50 human-written examples
Budget under control.
News & Media
That is under control.
News & Media
Always cool, under control".
News & Media
Inflation is under control.
News & Media
SOUND LEVEL Under control.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Always use "under control" (singular) instead of "under controls" (plural). The singular form is the grammatically correct and widely accepted idiom.
Common error
Avoid using the plural form "under controls". The correct idiomatic expression is "under control". Using "under controls" can make your writing sound ungrammatical and unnatural.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "under controls" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically intended to modify a verb or noun, indicating a state of being managed or regulated. However, as Ludwig AI explains, the correct form is "under control".
Frequent in
News & Media
60%
Science
40%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "under controls" appears in various sources, including news and scientific articles, it is grammatically incorrect. The correct idiomatic expression is "under control". Ludwig AI identifies this error, and it's crucial to use the singular form to maintain grammatical accuracy. Alternative phrases like "in check" or "well-managed" can be used, but "under control" is the standard and most versatile option. Avoiding the plural form will improve the clarity and credibility of your writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
under control
Direct replacement; corrects the grammatical error by using the singular form of 'control'.
in check
Focuses on preventing something from escalating or getting out of hand.
well-managed
Emphasizes the quality of management, highlighting efficiency and skill.
regulated
Highlights the presence of rules and oversight.
handled effectively
Focuses on the successful execution of dealing with a situation.
properly managed
Similar to 'well-managed', but can also imply adherence to specific rules or procedures.
under supervision
Emphasizes that activities or processes are being watched and directed by someone.
within established parameters
Focuses on maintaining activities within defined boundaries or limits.
contained
Suggests that something, like a problem or situation, is kept within specific limits and not spreading.
in good hands
Implies that something is being taken care of by competent individuals.
FAQs
What's the correct form, "under control" or "under controls"?
The correct form is "under control". "Under controls" is grammatically incorrect.
How can I use "under control" in a sentence?
You can use "under control" to describe a situation that is being managed effectively. For example, "The fire is now under control".
What are some alternatives to "under control"?
Alternatives include "in check", "well-managed", or "regulated", depending on the context.
Is "under control" formal or informal?
"Under control" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is a widely understood and accepted expression.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested