continue in power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "continue in power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a person or group maintaining their position of authority or control over a period of time. Example: "The president aims to continue in power for another term, despite the challenges he faces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Either party could continue in power, with various allies, but almost certainly not together (see article).

The Economist

"My country has no alternative but to assume that Kim Jong Il will continue in power.

The New York Times

Leyla Çelik, 38, a part-time student voting in Istanbul's conservative Fatih district, hoped the AKP would continue in power.

The Guardian

"Even if we have a bad government, we will have another election and can decide if they continue in power".

The New York Times

Such a deal envisages her giving him support to change the Constitution to allow him to continue in power.

The New York Times

As in Vietnam, the Laotian war ended in victory for the Communists, who continue in power today.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Since then, it had seemed more or less reconciled to Mr. Fujimori's continuing in power.

The New York Times

Iran, with Russia, is Assad's main backer, and has long maintained that only the Syrian people should decide how long he continues in power.

The Guardian

Even if Saddam had continued in power, the Arab Spring in 2011 would have led to a serious problem in Iraq, suggested Blair.

The Guardian

During his reign the ultras continued in power and were able to partly fulfill their political program, which called for tightened restrictions on the press and increased power for the Roman Catholic church.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Today, should someone wish to know about the legislative elections of Newfoundland in 1913, the index would steer him to the Nov. 4 issue, Page 6, Column 2 and also report that the Conservatives continued in power.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "continue in power" when referring to a person or group maintaining their position of authority or control. Ensure the context clearly indicates the scope and nature of their power.

Common error

Avoid using "continue in power" when referring to abilities or personal strengths. "Power" in this context refers specifically to authority, control, or influence within a structured system.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continue in power" functions primarily as a verbal phrase indicating the ongoing state or action of maintaining authority or control. This usage is supported by various examples found through Ludwig, which demonstrate its application in political, social, and historical contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

14%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "continue in power" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of maintaining authority or control. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news and media, as well as academic and encyclopedic contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral, it often carries political or strategic implications. When using "continue in power", ensure the context aligns with its formal usage, avoiding misapplication to personal abilities. Alternatives such as "remain in authority" or "retain control" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain in authority

Focuses more on the aspect of holding authority, which is a key component of being in power.

retain control

Emphasizes the aspect of maintaining control, suggesting a possible struggle or challenge to that control.

stay in office

More specific to holding an official position, usually within a government or organization.

hold onto power

Suggests a more tenuous grip on power, implying an effort to prevent losing it.

maintain dominance

Highlights the aspect of superiority and influence that comes with being in power.

sustain leadership

Focuses on the aspect of leading and keeping that leadership position.

preserve their rule

Implies a system of governance and the act of keeping that system intact.

perpetuate their reign

Suggests a long-lasting and potentially hereditary form of power.

extend their mandate

Relates to having the approval or authorization to continue in power, often through an election or vote.

consolidate their position

Emphasizes the act of strengthening and securing one's hold on power.

FAQs

How can I use "continue in power" in a sentence?

You can use "continue in power" to describe a political leader, party, or system that maintains its authority, as in, "The president aims to "continue in power" for another term, despite the challenges he faces."

What are some alternatives to "continue in power"?

Alternatives include "remain in authority", "stay in office", or "retain control", each carrying slightly different connotations regarding the nature and security of that power.

Is it more accurate to say "continue in power" or "remain in power"?

Both "continue in power" and "remain in power" are grammatically correct and very similar in meaning. The choice often depends on the specific context and desired emphasis. "Continue" suggests an ongoing action, while "remain" suggests a state of being.

What's the difference between "continue in power" and "hold onto power"?

"Continue in power" implies a sustained or expected authority, whereas "hold onto power" suggests a more active and potentially difficult effort to maintain control against opposition or challenges.