wield control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wield control" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to have power or influence over something or someone. Example: The dictator was known for his ability to wield control over the government and suppress any opposition.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Nowadays, he said, people want to wield control over what comes into their personal space.

The New York Times

While the News Corporation would own only about 35percentt of the combined company, it would wield control.

The New York Times

The establishment and their media neighbors wield control over this nation through means that are very well known.

The New Yorker

Managers who wield control even though they have no particular long-term interest in the company are more alarming still.

The Economist

Mr. Doctoroff asserted that the city would be able to wield control over the process, notwithstanding the lopsided makeup of the board.

The New York Times

"The various county leaders would very likely try to take control of their borough delegations in the Council and wield control in this case, too.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

While a façade of free will permeates the experiences of all participants, it is really Older Brother who wields control.

The New Yorker

It has merely denied the military the civilian façade behind which it has wielded control for almost six decades.

The New York Times

About seventy per cent of D.C.'s operating revenues come from taxes its residents pay directly to D.C., but Congress still wields control over D.C.'s budget.

The New Yorker

With a $10 billion advertising market at stake, Google, the fast-rising Internet star, is raising objections to the way that it says Microsoft, the incumbent powerhouse of computing, is wielding control over Internet searching in its new Web browser.

The New York Times

The wide-ranging federal corruption investigation into the state treasury riveted the state's political cognoscenti, largely because of the testimony of Mr. Silvester, who once wielded control of the state's $20 billion pension fund.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wield control", ensure that the subject performing the action actually possesses the authority or means to exert influence. For instance, 'The CEO wields control over the company's strategic direction.'

Common error

Avoid using "wield control" when the subject lacks actual authority or influence. For example, it would be inaccurate to say 'The intern wields control over the project's budget' unless they genuinely have that power.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wield control" functions as a verb phrase, where "wield" is a transitive verb indicating the exercise of power or authority, and "control" is the noun representing the power being exercised. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wield control" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the active use of power or authority. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and practical usage across various contexts. Primarily found in news and media, it effectively conveys the exertion of influence, making it suitable for both formal and neutral registers. Related phrases like "exercise control" or "exert control" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold control

Focuses on maintaining existing control rather than actively applying it.

exercise control

Emphasizes the active application of control in a specific situation.

exert control

Similar to 'exercise control' but suggests a more forceful application of influence.

employ control

Highlights the use of control as a tool or method to achieve a specific outcome.

use control

A more generic and straightforward way to express the act of controlling.

handle control

Suggests managing or directing control in a skillful or careful manner.

possess control

Indicates ownership or holding of power or authority over something.

wield power

Substitutes the more specific 'control' with 'power', broadening the scope of influence.

wield influence

Similar to 'wield power' but emphasizes the subtle and persuasive aspects of authority.

dominate control

Highlights the complete and overwhelming control over a specific domain.

FAQs

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

You can use "wield control" to describe someone or something that has power or influence over a situation. For instance, "The government can "exercise control" over the economy through fiscal policies."

What are some alternatives to "wield control"?

Alternatives include "hold control", "exert control", "wield power", or "wield influence" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "exercise control" instead of "wield control"?

Yes, "exercise control" is a valid alternative. While "wield control" suggests having and using power, "exercise control" emphasizes the act of applying or using the control.

What's the difference between "wield control" and "have control"?

"Have control" simply means possessing authority or power, while "wield control" implies actively using that authority or power to influence or direct something. You can "possess control" without actively "exercising it", but you can't "exercise control" without having it.