maintain control over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'maintain control over' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe maintaining supervision or authority of a person or thing. For example, "The supervisors were tasked with maintaining control over the budget expenditures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But commanders will maintain control over the court-martial process.

The New York Times

5. From the start, maintain control over marketing strategy.

Harvard Business Review

Brokerage-firm votes are a powerful tool that helps management maintain control over shareholder votes.

The New York Times

As a 50.03 percent shareholder of Snam, Eni will still maintain control over those units.

The New York Times

You have to maintain control over a big city for a long time.

The Guardian

Another widespread reaction among vacationers was the determination to regain and maintain control over their lives.

The New York Times - Travel

Israel has sought to maintain control over access to the sea.

The New York Times

His first policy recommendation, his "unambiguous message," is that we must maintain control over inflation.

The New York Times - Books

The strategy is Sinclair's attempt to maintain control over the stations, critics say.

The Washington Post

To maintain control over society, leaders have embraced enhanced surveillance technology.

The New York Times

Some of these obstacles are a result of China's desire to maintain control over internal dissent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "maintain control over" when you want to emphasize the continuation of authority, influence, or management that already exists. Be precise about what is being controlled.

Common error

Avoid using "maintain control over" in very casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "handle" or "manage" for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain control over" typically functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of sustaining authority, management, or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it follows standard grammatical rules and is frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "maintain control over" is a widely used phrase signifying the continuation of authority, influence, or management. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it adheres to standard grammar and finds frequent application across diverse contexts, particularly in news and academic spheres. While versatile, it’s crucial to consider simpler alternatives in more casual settings. The phrase denotes an ongoing process of retaining dominance, as distinct from establishing it, and should be used when the focus is on preserving an existing state of command.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

retain authority over

Focuses more on the power aspect of control.

exercise command over

Emphasizes the act of giving orders and having them followed.

preserve influence over

Highlights the ability to affect outcomes, not necessarily direct control.

keep a tight rein on

Implies strict or close management.

hold sway over

Suggests a persuasive or dominant influence.

administer effectively

More about managing resources and processes well.

supervise diligently

Focuses on careful oversight and management.

govern responsibly

Implies ethical and accountable management.

dominate completely

Indicates total and comprehensive control.

oversee carefully

Emphasizes the act of watching and directing something.

FAQs

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

Use "maintain control over" to indicate the act of keeping authority or influence over something. For example, "The government must "maintain control over" its finances" or "Supervisors were tasked with "maintaining control over" budget expenditures".

What are some alternatives to "maintain control over"?

You can use alternatives such as "retain authority over", "exercise command over", or "preserve influence over depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "maintain control of" or "maintain control over"?

"Maintain control over" is generally preferred because it specifies the object or area over which control is being maintained. "Maintain control of" is also correct, but less common.

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

"Maintain control over" implies that control already exists and is being preserved. "Establish control over", on the other hand, means that control is being created or asserted for the first time.