maintain authority over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintain authority over" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing control, power, or governance in various contexts, such as organizational, political, or personal relationships. Example: "The manager must maintain authority over the team to ensure that projects are completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

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

Even as many Gurgaon residents hope that the Municipal Corporation can improve services, others worry that its authority is too limited, given that state agencies will maintain authority over licenses and infrastructure.

The New York Times

CAIRO — Egypt's military rulers said Wednesday that they would control the process of writing a constitution and maintain authority over the interim government to check the power of Islamists who have taken a commanding lead in parliamentary elections.

The New York Times

That kind of loyalty was to be extremely important in Chinggis's rise to power and in his ability to maintain authority over all the various segments of his domain.

Columbia University

Because principals are responsible for assignments in their schools, and superintendents maintain authority over how teachers are used in their districts, the Board of Education does not control what each of its teachers is actually doing.

The New York Times

Although the bill prevents states from creating laws related to the design and operations of driverless cars, the states would maintain authority over licensing, insurance and public safety transportation laws.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 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

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

But Congress maintains authority over how federal agencies spend money, and officials at the Pentagon have said that it cannot use its money for Trump's border wall absent congressional action.

The Washington Post

Applying for federal tribal recognition is a complex process that requires proof that the group has been continuously identified as a tribe since colonial times, that it was a distinct community, and that it has maintained authority over its members, who must be proved descendants.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about leadership or governance, use "maintain authority over" to emphasize the ongoing effort required to uphold control and responsibility. For example, a project manager must "maintain authority over" their team to ensure tasks are completed effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "maintain authority over" when describing situations where influence is exerted without legitimate power. Overusing this phrase can create a false impression of official or rightful control where none exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain authority over" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of preserving or upholding control or power. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Examples demonstrate its use in describing governance, leadership, and control in various settings.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "maintain authority over" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for describing the act of preserving control or power. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly news, academic writing, and governance discussions. While it's not overly frequent, the phrase finds usage in contexts where sustaining a position of control or influence is essential. Alternatives include "retain control over", "exercise control over", and "hold sway over", offering subtle nuances in meaning. While the phrase is valuable in many contexts, be mindful of overstating authority in situations where it doesn't genuinely exist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise control over

Emphasizes the active use of control, suggesting a practical application of authority.

retain control over

Focuses on keeping existing control, emphasizing preservation rather than active maintenance.

assert influence over

Highlights the act of claiming and exerting influence, suggesting a more proactive approach.

preserve power over

Highlights the preservation of power, suggesting a more forceful and potentially contested authority.

keep command over

Focuses on retaining a position of command, often in a military or hierarchical context.

sustain dominance over

Implies a longer-term effort to keep a superior position, focusing on lasting influence.

preserve jurisdiction over

Specifically relates to legal or official control, emphasizing the legal right to authority.

uphold dominion over

Suggests defending and supporting a position of dominion, emphasizing a protective aspect.

administer power over

Focuses on the practical management and application of power within a system or organization.

hold sway over

Indicates influence or persuasive power, rather than strict control.

FAQs

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

You can use "maintain authority over" to describe the act of keeping control or power over someone or something. For instance, "The manager must "maintain authority over" the team to ensure projects are completed successfully."

What are some alternatives to "maintain authority over"?

Alternatives include "retain control over", "exercise control over", or "hold sway over", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "maintain authority over" and "establish authority over"?

"Maintain authority over" implies that authority is already in place and needs to be preserved, while "establish authority over" suggests creating or gaining authority where it did not previously exist.

Is it appropriate to use "maintain authority over" in informal contexts?

While grammatically correct, "maintain authority over" is generally better suited for formal or neutral contexts. In informal situations, phrases like "stay in charge of" or "keep control of" might be more appropriate.