maintain authority

USAGE SUMMARY

"maintain authority" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about the act of exerting and keeping control over someone, or in the context of people who are responsible for making sure their authority is respected. For example, "The CEO needs to maintain authority in order to be respected and taken seriously by the rest of the staff."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

In my experience, they help schools maintain authority.

The Guardian

Teachers can certainly maintain authority without this unhealthy practice.

The Washington Post

The term classroom structure refers to how teachers design tasks, maintain authority, and evaluate student achievement.

Journal of School Psychology

The Library also relies on the MARS service to help maintain authority control in ORBIS.

Yale University

In 1994, Dr. Plum said Nixon's living will allowed the former president to maintain authority over how his life ended.

The New York Times

They are relying heavily on force and intimidation, arrests, prison terms, censorship, even execution, to maintain authority.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

I wonder if it's difficult to be on stage with her dancers while maintaining authority over them.

The Guardian

Although these registrars are located in many countries, ICANN -- as the organization responsible for implementing policies related to gTLDs -- maintains authority over them.

Harvard University

Your level of confidence in yourself is a hugely important part of maintaining authority, so stand firm in your decision-making and don't doubt yourself.

The Guardian

While some things (having a clear plan, maintaining authority and avoiding "presenteeism") will always be good advice, the way we work has changed almost beyond recognition - and part of being successful is knowing how to keep up.

The Guardian

Ruling through a clique of conservative, corrupt officials and maintaining authority over the Manchu imperial house (Qing dynasty, 1644 1911/12), she became one of the most powerful women in the history of China.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic papers, specify the methods or systems used to "maintain authority" to provide a clearer understanding of power dynamics.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the methods used to "maintain authority". Describing reasonable actions as oppressive or tyrannical can weaken your argument. Ensure your description is proportional to the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain authority" functions as a verb phrase with a noun object, denoting the act of sustaining or preserving power and control. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It's frequently used to describe actions taken to ensure continued dominance or influence, as demonstrated in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "maintain authority" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe the act of preserving or sustaining control. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is commonly used across various fields, especially in news, academia, and science. The phrase suggests an active effort to ensure the continuity of power or influence. To convey similar ideas, one could use alternatives such as "retain authority" or "preserve authority". When using the phrase, it's important to ensure that the means of maintaining authority are portrayed accurately and proportionally to avoid misrepresentation. The sources analyzed indicate that "maintain authority" is a reliable and versatile expression in diverse communication contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

retain authority

Focuses on continuing to hold authority that one already possesses, similar to "maintain authority" but emphasizes continued possession.

preserve authority

Emphasizes protecting authority from being lost or diminished, adding a sense of safeguarding.

uphold authority

Highlights the act of supporting and defending authority, often in the face of challenges.

sustain authority

Implies keeping authority going over a longer period, emphasizing endurance.

exercise authority

Shifts the focus to the active use of authority, rather than just keeping it.

wield authority

Suggests a more forceful or deliberate application of authority.

assert authority

Emphasizes the act of declaring or affirming one's authority, often when it is questioned.

defend authority

Focuses on protecting authority from threats or challenges.

safeguard authority

Stresses the measures taken to ensure authority remains secure and protected.

secure authority

Implies obtaining and solidifying authority, with a focus on making it stable.

FAQs

How can I use "maintain authority" in a sentence?

You can use "maintain authority" to describe the act of preserving control or power, such as "The government used various strategies to maintain authority during the crisis".

What are some alternatives to "maintain authority"?

You can use alternatives like "retain authority", "preserve authority", or "uphold authority" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "maintain authority" or "exercise authority"?

The choice depends on the context. "Maintain authority" focuses on preserving existing control, while "exercise authority" emphasizes the act of using that control.

What does it mean to "maintain authority" in a classroom setting?

In a classroom, "maintain authority" refers to a teacher's ability to manage the classroom, enforce rules, and ensure a conducive learning environment. Strategies might include clear communication, consistent discipline, and fostering respect.