would like to control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "would like to control" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a desire or preference to have authority or influence over something. Example: "I would like to control the project's direction to ensure it aligns with our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Many here say that effort is likely to backfire, further provoking the extremism Syria would like to control.

The New York Times

They genuinely would like to control costs.

The New York Times

They would like to control the finance ministry themselves.

The Economist

Like all vulnerable beings, they need protection from the powerful who would like to control them.

The New York Times - Books

There is a growing feeling that the government is afraid of civil society and would like to control everything.

The New York Times

Of those 3.5 billion, some 222 million would like to control their fertility but lack access to birth control.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

"We'd like to control those two-goal leads," Ftorek said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Ultimately, you'd like to control the shape of the rotation," he says.

MIT Technology Review

But at the same time, I'd like to control what's accessible to strangers and what's accessible to family and friends".

The New York Times - Tech

I'd like to control the weather so we could tackle global warming, and arrange for it only to rain in the middle of the night.

The Guardian

'I know this sounds mad, but I'd like to control what people wear because some clothes look awful in my environment.' She pauses.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "would like to control", ensure that the context clearly indicates what you wish to have influence over. For example, specify whether you "would like to control" a process, a budget, or a resource.

Common error

Avoid using "would like to control" in contexts where complete control is unrealistic or unethical. Instead, consider phrases like "would like to influence" or "would like to manage" to convey a more appropriate level of involvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would like to control" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a desire or intention to exercise authority or influence over something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a grammatically correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

19%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "would like to control" is a versatile expression used to communicate a desire for influence or authority. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and the phrase appears frequently across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While generally neutral to professional in tone, it's important to consider the specific context when choosing this phrase. Alternatives such as "desire to manage" or "wish to oversee" may be more appropriate depending on the desired level of formality and the nature of the control being discussed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desire to manage

Emphasizes the active role in overseeing and directing something.

wish to oversee

Highlights the aspiration to supervise and ensure proper functioning.

seek to influence

Focuses on the attempt to affect outcomes or decisions.

aim to regulate

Implies an intent to govern or direct according to rules.

hope to govern

Suggests a desire to lead or exercise authority over something.

intend to direct

Conveys a plan to guide and manage the course of something.

aspire to dominate

Indicates a strong ambition to have supreme control.

plan to handle

Emphasizes the intention to manage or deal with something effectively.

strive to command

Highlights the effort to exert authority and give orders.

long to manipulate

Implies a strong desire to influence or control cleverly or unscrupulously.

FAQs

How can I use "would like to control" in a sentence?

Use "would like to control" to express a desire to have influence or authority over something, such as "I "would like to control" the project's budget to ensure we stay on track".

What are some alternatives to "would like to control"?

Alternatives include "desire to manage", "wish to oversee", or "seek to influence" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "would like to control" or "want to control"?

"Would like to control" is generally more polite and formal than "want to control". Use "would like" in professional settings or when addressing someone in a position of authority.

What's the difference between "would like to control" and "would like to influence"?

"Would like to control" implies a desire for direct authority and management, while "would like to influence" suggests a desire to affect outcomes without necessarily having direct control. The latter is often used in more collaborative or diplomatic contexts.