under their control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under their control" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use this phrase to indicate that something is under the management of a particular group of people. For example, "The operations of this business are now under their control."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The game was under their control.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm not sure it's something they have under their control".

The New York Times

"Even my weight is under their control," she said, laughing.

The New York Times

"He is missing again; he is still under their control.

The New York Times

It was not known if it was still under their control.

The Guardian

Some groups exercise complete surveillance over any humanitarian activity in the areas under their control.

The Guardian - Opinion

Palestinian officials denounced it as a "reoccupation" of areas supposedly under their control.

The New York Times

The important thing was to "let [the officials] know we're under their control".

The Guardian - Opinion

Local Ukip activists' claims that Hartlepool is now under their control are fanciful.

The Guardian

The Houthis have expanded the area under their control since the bombing started.

The New Yorker

The Taliban thinks that everyone should be in and under their control.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger synonyms like "governed by", "managed by" or "supervised by" if you want to add more emphasis on the type of control being exerted.

Common error

Avoid assuming complete or absolute control when using this phrase. It's crucial to acknowledge that even under someone's control, external factors and unforeseen circumstances can still influence outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under their control" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb to indicate a state of being managed, governed, or influenced by a specific entity. It is used to show who has authority or responsibility over something, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under their control" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate that something is being managed or governed by a specific entity. As verified by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academic writing. When using this phrase, clarity is key—ensure that "they" is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Consider using synonyms like "within their jurisdiction" or "governed by them" for more specific nuances. Remember that while something may be under someone's control, external factors can still play a significant role.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

managed by them

This phrase focuses on the administrative aspect of control.

supervised by them

Similar to 'overseen', but implies a more direct and hands-on form of control.

within their jurisdiction

This alternative specifies that the control is legal or official, limited to a certain area or scope.

overseen by them

Focuses on the supervisory aspect of control.

governed by them

This highlights the act of ruling and directing.

subject to their authority

This phrase emphasizes the power dynamic and the obligation to obey.

in their hands

Emphasizes responsibility and direct handling.

in their possession

Focuses on physical ownership rather than abstract control or influence.

at their disposal

Highlights the availability and readiness for use under their management.

accountable to them

This phrase indicates that actions and decisions must be justified to the controlling party.

FAQs

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

You can use "under their control" to describe a situation where something is being managed or governed by a particular group. For instance, "The territory is now "under their control" after the recent agreement".

What can I say instead of "under their control"?

You can use alternatives like "within their jurisdiction", "subject to their authority", or "governed by them" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "under their control" or "in their control"?

"Under their control" is the more common and grammatically correct phrasing. "In their control" is less frequently used and can sound awkward in certain contexts.

What's the difference between "under their control" and "under their supervision"?

"Under their control" implies a broader sense of management and authority, while "under their supervision" suggests a more direct oversight and guidance. A project "under their supervision" might also be "under their control".