Controlled vs They are slaves to his will

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Controlled

Top 2,000 (common)

They are slaves to his will

Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Most common: Controlled
 ControlledThey are slaves to his will
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //kənˈtrəʊld//🇺🇸 //kənˈtroʊld//🇬🇧 //ðeɪ ɑː sleɪvz tə hɪz wɪl//🇺🇸 //ðeɪ ɑr sleɪvz tə hɪz wɪl//
MeaningManaged or regulated in a certain way.They must do what he wants.
ExampleHer emotions were controlled during the stressful meeting.In a toxic relationship, one partner can feel like they are slaves to his will.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Collocationscontrolled environment, controlled situation, controlled substance, controlled study, controlled responseslaves to their will, slaves to power, slaves to desires
Antonymsuncontrolled, chaotic, freeindependent, free
Common mistakesConfused with 'control', using it incorrectly as a verb., Using 'controlled' instead of 'controllable' when talking about something that can be managed., Misplacing 'controlled' in sentences, leading to unclear meanings.Misunderstanding the seriousness of 'slaves' as a concept., Using in a light or joking context., Confusing with 'they are servants to his will'.
Usage notesUsed in both formal and informal contexts, often in discussions about behavior, emotions, or systems.This phrase is often used metaphorically to describe someone who is controlled by another. It might not be suitable in light-hearted situations.

See it in real clips

Controlled
They are slaves to his will

Frequently asked questions: Controlled vs They are slaves to his will

What's the difference between Controlled and They are slaves to his will?

Controlled: Managed or regulated in a certain way. They are slaves to his will: They must do what he wants.

Which is more common: Controlled and They are slaves to his will?

Controlled is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Controlled: Her emotions were controlled during the stressful meeting. They are slaves to his will: In a toxic relationship, one partner can feel like they are slaves to his will.

Can I use Controlled and They are slaves to his will interchangeably?

Not always. Controlled and They are slaves to his will are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

Related comparisons