Wind
govern vs control what's the difference between the two? Happiness doesn't depend on any external conditions, it is governed by our mental attitude. Could I use control instead of govern here? Thanks
Jul 21, 2012 4:30 PM
Answers · 8
1
"govern" usually means to watch over or take care of. "control" means to rule over or be in charge of. example:The man "governed" the people of the city. That boy needs to "control" his behavior.
July 21, 2012
The answer above is a good one. Govern is not really used much actually in English, unless you are actually talking about the "government". It can be used, it just isn't much. I would use control over govern. That's just my opinion.
July 21, 2012
Hi Wind, Govern: to direct the public business of a country, city, group of people, etc. Control: to order, limit or rule something, or someone's actions or behaviour. It addresses more on "rule over something, or someone" You're going to have to learn to control your temper. The temperature is controlled by a thermostat. The laws controlling drugs are very strict in this country. Our mental attitude could govern our happiness. There is a meaning of "direct" or "guidance" here, while control doesn't have the "guidance" meaning.
July 22, 2012
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