be able to control vs possible to control

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Be able to control' is used when referring to someone's capability or capacity to control something, while 'possible to control' is used when discussing the feasibility or likelihood of controlling something.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 912 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"be able to control"

This phrase is used to indicate someone's capability or capacity to control something.

Examples:

She is able to control her emotions in difficult situations.
I am not able to control the outcome of the experiment.
Are you able to control your temper when you are angry?
He was able to control the steering wheel despite the slippery road.
It is important to be able to control your impulses.

Show examples from the web [+]

Place it back into position and we should be able to control the ship again.
The driver should be able to control the pace of interface with the system.
You don't know what it's like to not be able to control what's in your own head.
Your human side may not be able to control it.
If we do, we may not be able to control the situation.
I don't know if I'll be able to control who I go after, and my bite will kill them.
To be able to control the weather like that, indoors?
Just want to be able to control the urges, you know?
So how do you expect to be able to control voluntary agreements from Brussels?
There are simply not enough African Union troops to be able to control the high level of violence that is taking place, particularly near the Chad border and in the corridor between Tawila and Graida.
This shows that Farice does not appear to be able to control prices or supply in the market for international connectivity from/to Iceland under the present market conditions.
However, legal enforceability of a right is not a necessary condition for control because an entity may be able to control the future economic benefits in some other way.
To be able to control the weather like that, indoors?
Then I'll be able to control him.
I n the end, you won't be able to control it.
It seems to be able to control its memory.
You'll never be able to control the flow of information.
I n the end, you won't be able to control it.
I might not be able to control myself.

Alternatives:

have control over
manage to control
control effectively
exercise control over
maintain control of

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"possible to control"

This phrase is used to discuss the feasibility or likelihood of controlling something.

Examples:

The fire is spreading rapidly, but it is still possible to control it.
Is it possible to control the spread of the virus?
It may not be possible to control the behavior of wild animals in their natural habitat.
In some cases, it is not possible to control the outcome of a situation.
The situation is challenging, but it is still possible to control the damage.

Show examples from the web [+]

Unfortunately, it is not possible to control the way the Court's findings are used.
Furthermore, it must be possible to control the vehicle without abnormal steering correction.
Without the support of the local population it will never be possible to control bushmeat hunting or trade.
It is not possible to control every single batch of fish and fishery products for compliance with the maximum levels.
By way of exception, Directive 2006/52/EC contains maximum residual levels for certain specified traditionally produced meat products, where it was not possible to control the in-going amounts because of their traditional manufacturing process.
Do you think it's possible to control someone's attention?
By way of exception, Directive 2006/52/EC contains maximum residual levels for certain specified traditionally produced meat products, where it was not possible to control the in-going amounts because of their traditional manufacturing process.
I do not know whether technically, for example, it is possible to control the Internet without having some control of those who input into the Internet.
With experience... it seems possible to control... the flow of the paint to a I don't use -
In relation to these products maximum residual values have been established since it is not possible to control the ingoing amount of curing salts absorbed by the meat due to the nature of the manufacturing process associated with these products.
One thing is certain: it is not possible to control human beings by law, but it is possible and indeed necessary to create the conditions in which they and their health can grow - mind, body and soul.
Therefore, it would not be possible to control the correct implementation of the prohibition on intra-species recycling should the use of PAP of porcine origin in poultry feed and the use of poultry PAPs in pig feed be reauthorised.
Tan Le's astonishing new computer interface reads its user's brainwaves, making it possible to control virtual objects, and even physical electronics, with mere thoughts. She demos the headset, and talks about its far-reaching applications.
In this way it really will be possible to control the phenomenon.
The taxation of capital movements would make it possible to control and restrict them.
It would be possible to control immigration into Britain by taking some very basic measures.
There are many mechanisms, financial and otherwise, which make it possible to control the activities of a general interest enterprise.
In the open market it is, however, hardly possible to control supply.
It is probably right to include civil aviation, but it will not be possible to control industrial dominance by this means alone.
It shall be possible to control and monitor the main engines and steering systems from the steering position.

Alternatives:

capable of controlling
able to be controlled
feasible to control
likely to control
within control

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be able to control vs possible to control