maintain a hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintain a hand" is not commonly used in written English and may be unclear without context.
It could be used in contexts related to keeping control or involvement in a situation, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "In order to ensure the project stays on track, it's important to maintain a hand in the decision-making process."

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Solari et al. [ 26] designed a fixation device to maintain a hand held dynamometer stationary to evaluate ankle strength in patients with CMT disease.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In order to be immune from a finding that you have the "ability" to control your users' acts, do not boot any users, do not monitor your systems, and maintain a hands off approach to your software and products.

WikiHow

It's all been digitised now, of course, but to this day Howe maintains a hand-written record.

The Guardian - Sport

Theresa May has defended her refusal to guarantee the rights of EU nationals currently living in the UK, telling prime minister's questions that Donald Tusk's letter blaming Britain for the uncertainty showed it was vital to maintain a bargaining hand.

The Guardian

This is called wing-on-wing, and you have to maintain a steady hand on the tiller to keep this sail configuration.

WikiHow

Shorn of their youthful attributes by the march of time, ageing athletes must look elsewhere to maintain an upper hand over opponents if they are to prolong their careers.

The Guardian - Sport

With the emerging nations swiftly absorbing many of the service industry skills we prize (see the rendering farms in China that make high intensity design processing a snip, or the excellent architecture coming out of India) how do we maintain an upper hand when we might very well be hanging on by our fingernails?

The Guardian

Uber told VICE News that the company would maintain an "outstretched hand" policy and would seek to "educate" disgruntled drivers as to the benefits of the drop in prices.

Vice

Roll your hand over the top of the bottle by lifting your elbow while maintaining a straight hand, wrist and arm combination for better use of leverage.

WikiHow

And here he is still today, enjoying considerable popularity and maintaining a steady hand on the national rudder.

The New York Times

Mr. Bulger was a long-time informant for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, but maintained a strong hand in criminal activities, including accusations of killing more than a dozen people.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "maintain a hand", ensure the context clearly indicates what you are retaining control or involvement in. It often implies a deliberate effort to stay connected or influential.

Common error

Avoid using "maintain a hand" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise and authoritative language is expected. Opt for terms like "retain control" or "preserve influence" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain a hand" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It typically describes the action of retaining influence or control over something. Ludwig AI suggests that this expression isn't particularly common. The example provided in Ludwig illustrates its use in expressing continued involvement.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "maintain a hand" implies retaining control or influence over something, but Ludwig AI indicates it's not a very common expression. It is grammatically acceptable, but alternatives like "retain control" or "stay involved" may be clearer and more frequently used. Usage is relatively rare across News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. While it can be used in professional contexts, it's best to avoid it in very formal or academic writing where more precise language is preferred. Ensure that the context clearly defines what control or involvement is being maintained. Given its infrequent usage and availability of better alternatives, writers should use it cautiously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

retain control

Focuses on preserving authority or command.

keep a grip

Emphasizes holding firmly to power or a position.

stay involved

Highlights the continued participation and connection.

preserve influence

Stresses the continuation of having an effect.

uphold authority

Concentrates on supporting and defending power.

exert influence

Focuses on applying power or sway.

keep a hold

Emphasizes retaining a physical or metaphorical grasp.

remain active

Highlights the continuous state of engagement.

sustain participation

Stresses the long-term continuation of involvement.

exercise control

Focuses on using power or command effectively.

FAQs

What does "maintain a hand" mean?

The phrase "maintain a hand" suggests keeping some level of control, influence, or involvement in a specific situation or activity. It implies a conscious effort to stay connected and exert some level of authority.

What can I say instead of "maintain a hand"?

You can use alternatives like "retain control", "stay involved", or "preserve influence" depending on the specific context.

Is "maintain a hand" a common phrase in English?

The phrase "maintain a hand" is not a very common expression in contemporary English. While grammatically sound, it is often better to opt for more common and easily understood alternatives.

How to use "maintain a hand" in a sentence?

Example: "In order to ensure the project stays on track, it's important to maintain a hand in the decision-making process." This shows active involvement and influence.