Meaning & use
control technique
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Meanings
nouncountable
A particular method used to keep something under control or to limit an unwanted effect.
Grammar: Countable: use 'a control technique' for one method and 'control techniques' for several.
Patterns
- a control technique for something
- use a control technique
- develop a control technique
- control techniques in something
Engineers tested a new control technique for reducing noise from the engine.
The report describes several control techniques for managing water pollution.
Teachers discussed a control technique for keeping large classes focused.
nouncountabletechnicalspecialist
A standard method used in science or engineering to keep a machine, process, or system working within set limits.
Grammar: Often used in technical writing; it can be singular or plural depending on whether you mean one method or a group of methods.
Patterns
- a control technique for a system
- apply a control technique
- control technique in engineering
- advanced control techniques
The laboratory uses a control technique to keep the temperature steady.
Modern control techniques allow the robot to move more smoothly.
This control technique is common in chemical plants.
Word forms
| plural | control techniques |
|---|
Common combinations
- use a control technique
- The team used a control technique to stop the leak.
- develop a control technique
- Scientists developed a control technique for the disease.
- effective control technique
- An effective control technique can save both time and money.
- control technique for something
- They need a control technique for traffic in the city center.
Synonyms and how they differ
- method
- A general word for any way of doing something; 'control technique' is more specific because it is about keeping something under control.
- procedure
- A fixed series of steps; a control technique may be more flexible and focused on control rather than a set order.
- mechanism
- Often a physical or system part that does the controlling; a control technique is the method itself, not the device.
Word family
Commonly confused: control technique or control technology?
control technique vs control technology
This means the machines or systems used to control something, not the method. 'Control technique' is the method; 'control technology' is the equipment.
Practice
The engineers introduced a new control technique ___ reducing vibration in the bridge.
Choose one answer.
'For' introduces the purpose or the thing being controlled: a technique for reducing vibration. 'To' would need a verb after it (to reduce), and 'at' and 'by' do not fit this pattern.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “control technique”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.