maintain control of

USAGE SUMMARY

"maintain control of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to continue having power or influence over something or someone. Here are a few examples of how you can use this phrase in a sentence: - It is important for the coach to maintain control of the team during the game. - The candidate promised to maintain control of the budget if elected. - The company needs to carefully maintain control of their brand image in the market.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They will maintain control of the House.

The Economist

Republicans will now maintain control of the court.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Brazil should maintain control of the bank," he said.

The New York Times

The Houthis still maintain control of much of the north.

The Washington Post

America Online will maintain control of Netscape's Web browser.

The New York Times

"As an entrepreneur, you maintain control of your own destiny".

The New York Times

But there's a lot more involved with trying to maintain control of a transport-category airliner".

The New York Times

By keeping the library private, Mr. Scheide has been able to maintain control of his collection.

The New York Times - Arts

United National said Fox Paine would maintain control of the board after the offering.

The New York Times

The Sloughs overextend themselves trying to maintain control of both the valley and their home ground.

The New York Times - Arts

No matter the outcome of the race, Republicans will maintain control of the Senate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about ongoing situations, use "maintain control of" to emphasize the continuation of existing power or influence.

Common error

Avoid using "maintain control of" when referring to establishing control for the first time; instead, use phrases like "gain control of" or "establish control over".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain control of" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the continuation of authority, influence, or management over something. Ludwig shows it used in contexts where someone or something already possesses control and seeks to retain it.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

12%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "maintain control of" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the continuation of power or influence, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's prevalent in news, wiki, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, remember that it implies existing authority rather than initial acquisition. Alternatives like "retain authority over" or "preserve command over" offer nuanced variations in meaning. The frequency and source quality suggest that it is a reliable option for diverse writing needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

retain authority over

Focuses on keeping the power or right to govern or direct.

preserve command over

Emphasizes the act of keeping a firm directive presence.

sustain leadership of

Highlights keeping the position of leading a group or organization.

hold onto power over

Suggests an effort to not relinquish power.

keep a grip on

Implies closely guarding control often in a precarious situation.

manage dominion over

Emphasizes managing or governing an area or people.

exercise rule over

Highlights the active use of power to govern.

dominate influence in

Focuses on being the strongest influencer within a particular area.

oversee direction of

Implies supervising and guiding the path or course of something.

guide management of

Emphasizes the steering and handling of resources or processes.

FAQs

How can I use "maintain control of" in a sentence?

You can use "maintain control of" to describe the act of retaining power or influence over something. For instance, "The company needs to maintain control of its market share" or "The pilot struggled to maintain control of the aircraft".

What are some alternatives to "maintain control of"?

Alternatives include "retain authority over", "preserve command over", or "sustain leadership of" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "maintain control over" or "maintain control of"?

Both "maintain control over" and "maintain control of" are acceptable. "Maintain control of" is generally more common, but "maintain control over" can be used when emphasizing dominion or authority directly impacting something.

What is the difference between "gain control of" and "maintain control of"?

"Gain control of" refers to the act of initially acquiring power or influence, whereas "maintain control of" implies that you already have power and are working to keep it. They describe opposite ends of a process.