vying for control

USAGE SUMMARY

"vying for control" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when expressing a competition for power or influence, typically between two parties. For example, "The two companies have been vying for control over the market for years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Where three separate governments are vying for control.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many rebel groups and government troops have been vying for control in the vast region.

The New York Times

Douglas Durst and Mr. Bernstein have been vying for control of the block ever since.

The New York Times

The area has remained volatile, with Israel and the Palestinians vying for control.

The New York Times

Many Shiite militias and political factions are vying for control of Basra and southern Iraq.

The New York Times

The two parties, which are ideologically similar, appear to be vying for control of the city.

The New York Times

The Shabab, an Islamist insurgent group vying for control of the country, later took responsibility for the attack, Reuters reported.

The New York Times

The only other characters you encounter are two deranged artificial intelligences vying for control of the complex.

The New York Times - Arts

Both sides vying for control of the story could vastly improve the national conversation by acknowledging the other side's existence.

The New York Times

The government also has ignored the high-profile armed standoff between two factions of directors vying for control of the Krystall vodka factory here in the capital.

The New York Times

Mr. Karzai's aides played down the problem, though it now appeared that two commanders were vying for control of the city.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing factions or groups within a larger entity use "vying for control" to illustrate internal power struggles and differing agendas.

Common error

Avoid using "vying for control" when there is no actual competition. For example, if a single entity has unchallenged authority, it would be incorrect to say they are "vying for control". Use it exclusively for competitive situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vying for control" typically functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, describing a state of competition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It often appears as part of a longer clause, indicating a process or activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vying for control" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to depict situations where entities are actively competing for power or dominance. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal discourse. Alternatives like ""competing for control"" or "struggling for dominance" offer nuanced variations, while it's crucial to avoid its application in non-competitive scenarios. Understanding these facets ensures precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

competing for control

Replaces the gerund "vying" with the active participle "competing", emphasizing the act of competing.

locked in a battle for control

Similar to "locked in a power struggle", but more specific to the idea of controlling something.

struggling for dominance

Substitutes "vying" with "struggling" and "control" with "dominance", conveying a more intense and challenging competition.

in competition for control

More descriptive, explicitly stating the state of competition.

battling for supremacy

Replaces "vying" with "battling" and "control" with "supremacy", suggesting a more aggressive and decisive contest.

contending for authority

Uses more formal terms "contending" and "authority", suitable for official or academic contexts.

seeking to dominate

Focuses on the intent to dominate rather than the immediate act of competing.

fighting for command

Replaces "vying" with "fighting" and "control" with "command", suggesting a more direct and forceful struggle.

jockeying for position

Implies a strategic maneuvering for a better position, often in a subtle or political manner.

locked in a power struggle

Highlights the ongoing nature of the conflict and emphasizes the element of power.

FAQs

How can I use "vying for control" in a sentence?

Use "vying for control" to describe situations where two or more entities are competing for power or dominance. For example, "Several factions are "competing for control" of the organization."

What are some alternatives to "vying for control"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "competing for dominance", "battling for supremacy", or "struggling for power" as alternatives to "vying for control".

Is "vying for control" formal or informal?

"Vying for control" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as it is commonly used in news articles, academic papers, and everyday conversations.

What's the difference between "vying for control" and ""competing for control""?

While both phrases are similar, "vying for control" implies an active and ongoing competition, whereas ""competing for control"" is a more general term that simply indicates a competitive situation. The nuance is minimal, but "vying" often suggests a more intense struggle.