B1verbworkpolitics
US/kənˈtroʊl/
UK/kənˈtrəʊl/
to have power over something or someone and decide what happens; to keep something within limits
In context
Try to control your breathing when you feel nervous before a speech.
A small group of companies controls most of the market.
The city is using new traffic lights to control the flow of cars.
Words that go with control
verb + noun
- control the spreadWashing your hands helps control the spread of the virus.
- control your temperYou need to learn to control your temper at work.
- control costsSmall businesses must control costs carefully this year.
- control inflationThe central bank raised interest rates to control inflation.
adverb + verb
- tightly controlThe government tightly controls what newspapers can print.
- strictly controlThe school strictly controls who can enter the building.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The guard controlled our tickets at the gate.Correct: The guard checked our tickets at the gate.