wield control over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wield control over" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that someone has influence or power over a particular situation. Example sentence: The dictator was able to wield control over the entire country.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

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

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

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

But the good cheer, they say, is tempered by the belief that Israel will continue to wield control over Gaza from the outside.

The New York Times

The NY1 local news station was one nonstop vox populi of citizens baying that Bloomberg was a tyrant whose real motivation was to wield control over as much of our lives as possible.

The New York Times

He set out to woo those that wield control over these areas, "By coaxing them," he says, "and saying: why don't we have more live music here?" Serving as "curator" of the series, which is his brainchild, he can stage the concerts as he sees fit: "Despite austere budgeting, I have total autonomy, which is extremely rare in this universe".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

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

And, of course, the existential lamentations over what it means to be a Mets fan: a loser at your very core, someone who wears his team's inevitable, bumbling failures as a badge of honor in a last-ditch attempt at wielding control over a relationship that is, ultimately, cruel and capricious.

The New Yorker

George W. S. Abbey, a former NASA official who wielded control over the astronaut office during much of his long tenure at the agency, which lasted from 1964 to 2002, said "the Navy is taking a position that adversely affects the country's ability to have a vital and ongoing space program".

The New York Times

Recent scholarship on women in South Carolina has identified instances in which "female planters" wielded control over land and slaves, temporarily assuming authority otherwise reserved for men.

The History of the Family

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wield control over" when you want to emphasize the act of actively using power or authority to direct something.

Common error

Avoid using "wield control over" when referring to minor influence or suggestions. The phrase implies a significant and direct level of authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wield control over" functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of actively exercising power or authority. Ludwig examples show its use in describing how individuals or entities manage and direct resources or situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is perfectly acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

13%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wield control over" is a valid and grammatically correct verb phrase that describes the active use of power or authority. As Ludwig AI states, it's suitable when you want to emphasize actively directing something. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, suggesting its use in describing governance, leadership, and power dynamics. While alternatives like "exercise control over" and "exert influence over" exist, they carry slightly different nuances. When employing this phrase, ensure you are accurately representing a significant level of authority, according to Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise control over

Focuses on the act of using control, rather than possessing the ability.

exert influence over

Emphasizes indirect power and persuasion rather than direct command.

hold sway over

Implies a more subtle and persuasive form of influence.

dominate

Suggests a stronger, more forceful exercise of power.

command

Implies direct authority and the ability to give orders.

govern

Implies a structured and official form of control.

regulate

Focuses on maintaining order and standards through rules.

dictate

Suggests absolute and often oppressive control.

manage

Emphasizes the practical aspects of directing and coordinating.

administer

Implies overseeing and managing resources or systems.

FAQs

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

Use "wield control over" when describing someone's ability to exercise authority or power effectively. For example: "The CEO was able to "wield control over" the company's direction."

What are some alternatives to "wield control over"?

Alternatives include "exercise control over", "exert influence over", or "hold sway over", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "wield control over" in formal writing?

Yes, "wield control over" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing governance, leadership, or power dynamics. However, consider alternatives like "manage" or "administer" for less direct or forceful connotations.

What is the difference between "wield control over" and "have influence on"?

"Wield control over" implies a direct and active use of power, while "have influence on" suggests a more indirect and persuasive effect. "Wield control" suggests authority, whereas "have influence" suggests persuasion.