Control
UK /["/kənˈtrəʊl/"]/US /["/kənˈtrəʊl/"]/
Definition
the power to make decisions about how a country, an area, an organization, etc. is run
In simple words: To have power over something or someone.
Examples
- She learned how to take control of the situation during the meeting.
- The remote allows you to control the TV from a distance.
- He struggled to regain control after the car started to skid.
- In the game, you can control the character's movements.
- The teacher is in control of the classroom at all times.
Usage notes
Use 'control' when talking about managing situations or people's behavior. Avoid using it in overly casual conversations as it may imply dominance.
Grammar pattern
control + object
Memory hint
Think of a remote control that lets you operate a TV.
Collocations
- absolute
- complete
- full
- have
- achieve
- assert
- freak
- beyond your control
- outside your control
- in control (of)
- circumstances beyond somebody’s control
- absolute
- complete
- full
- have
- achieve
- assert
- freak
- beyond your control
- outside your control
- in control (of)
- circumstances beyond somebody’s control
- strict
- stringent
- tight
- implement
- impose
- introduce
- control on
- remote
- volume
- cruise
- take
- panel
- device
- stick
- at the controls
Synonyms
- manage
- direct
- govern
- command
- regulate
Antonyms
- lose
- surrender
- release
Common mistakes
- 'Control' is sometimes confused with 'manage' although 'manage' implies more overall organization.
- Learners may use 'control' with reflexive pronouns incorrectly, e.g., 'control myself' instead of just 'control'.
- Misusing 'control' in a physical sense, like 'control the ball' instead of 'handle the ball'.