within our control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "within our control" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something can be managed or influenced by a person or group. Example: "We need to focus on the factors that are within our control to improve our performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But it is also within our control.

The New York Times

The situation is overwhelming; nothing is within our control".

The New York Times

In Greenport, we will look for solutions within our control.

The New York Times

Forces within our control How did such changes come about?

The Guardian

"It's still within our control to win a championship.

The Guardian - Sport

"What we have within our control is under our control.

Independent

Sadly, sometimes it is not within our control".

The New York Times

Skills is the most important lever within our control to create wealth and reduce social deprivation".

The Guardian - Opinion

"But the outcome of these efforts is not fully within our control," he said.

The New York Times

However we will concentrate on those opportunities within our control to improve performance further and enhance margins.

The Guardian - Business

By extension, say the authors, cancers are within our control once the underlying environmental causes are identified.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "within our control", clearly define what 'our' refers to in the context. This prevents ambiguity and ensures the audience understands the scope of influence being discussed.

Common error

Avoid overstating the degree of control. While something may be "within our control", external factors can still influence outcomes. Acknowledge potential limitations to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "within our control" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used as an adjective to modify a noun or pronoun. It signifies that something is subject to our influence or management. Ludwig highlights numerous instances across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "within our control" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to denote that something is manageable or influenceable by a person or group. As Ludwig confirms, the expression appears frequently in News & Media, Scientific, and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly define the scope of 'our' to avoid ambiguity and avoid overstating the degree of control, acknowledging potential external influences. Using phrases like "in our power" and "something we can influence" can provide alternative ways to convey similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something we can influence

Highlights the ability to have an impact, but not necessarily direct command.

manageable by us

Emphasizes that something can be successfully handled or dealt with by a specific group.

in our power

Emphasizes the ability to effect change or make decisions, slightly stronger than "within our control".

in our hands

Implies possession of the means to affect something, conveying a sense of immediacy.

we are able to direct

Focuses on the act of guiding or steering something, adding a sense of purpose.

under our jurisdiction

Refers to being under legal or administrative authority, differing from 'control' which implies more direct influence.

under our management

Focuses on the act of managing or administering something, implying ongoing effort.

subject to our discretion

Highlights the freedom to decide, adding a layer of personal judgment not necessarily present in "within our control".

our responsibility

Highlights the obligation to take care of something, adding a moral or ethical dimension.

we have authority over

Stresses the official permission or right to control.

FAQs

How can I use "within our control" in a sentence?

You can use "within our control" to emphasize aspects of a situation that can be managed or directly influenced. For example: "We should focus on the elements "within our control" to improve the project's success."

What are some alternatives to saying "within our control"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in our power", "under our management", or "something we can influence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to assume factors are "within our control"?

No, it is important to realistically assess the degree of influence. Overstating control can lead to misaligned expectations and a lack of preparedness for external variables. Be accurate about what is genuinely "manageable by us".

What is the difference between "within our control" and "our responsibility"?

"Within our control" indicates the ability to directly affect something, while "our responsibility" implies a duty or obligation, even if direct control is limited. Something can be "our responsibility" without being fully "within our control".