maintain decorum

USAGE SUMMARY

"maintain decorum" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to keep a sense of order and propriety in a social or professional setting. Example: The teacher reminded the students to maintain decorum during the school assembly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

"He has a responsibility to maintain decorum," Mr. Maisel said.

The New York Times

If a hearing turns nasty, he said, it is the chairman's job to maintain decorum.

The New York Times

Many saw more than an over-the-top marshal and a botched attempt to maintain decorum.

The Washington Post

I ask that you maintain decorum as you have throughout these proceedings.

The Guardian

"I've tried to maintain decorum and distance from Andy," she said.

The New York Times

I ask that you maintain decorum as you have throughout these proceedings.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Even the big-gun dish, a surf-and-turf combination of braised short ribs and caramelized scallops, maintains decorum.

The New York Times - Food

The judge, Col. Gregory A. Gross, has said that his decision on the beard had nothing to do with Major Hasan's intentions in growing it, but with maintaining decorum in the courtroom and ensuring that the suspect followed regulations.

The New York Times

Many lawyers who appeared before Judge Nickerson complained that he kept them on too short a leash, although they gave him grudging respect for doing a good job in maintaining decorum in his courtroom.

The New York Times

Barbed dialogue is a means of being inviting and rejecting at the same time, of maintaining decorum appropriate to the movies of the 40s, of setting boundaries against overt sexuality via tone.

The Guardian - Film

The chaps are Charley and Jack (a red-cheeked and toothy Greg Mills), and to woo Amy (Nili Bassman) and Kitty (Kristin Huxhold) while properly maintaining decorum, Charley dresses up as his own aunt, and ends up attracting every man over the age of 35.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about formal settings, consider using "maintain decorum" to emphasize the importance of proper behavior and order. This is especially relevant in contexts like courtrooms, parliaments, or academic ceremonies.

Common error

Don't use "maintain decorum" when simply referring to keeping things tidy or neat. The phrase implies upholding a standard of dignified and appropriate behavior, not just physical order.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain decorum" functions as a verb phrase, where "maintain" is the transitive verb and "decorum" is the direct object. This phrase describes the act of upholding a standard of proper behavior, as illustrated in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "maintain decorum" is a relatively common expression used to describe the act of upholding standards of dignified and appropriate behavior, particularly in formal settings. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news articles, academic papers, and encyclopedias. While it is not as prevalent as other similar phrases, "maintain decorum" effectively conveys the importance of order and respect in various contexts. Alternatives include phrases such as "preserve order", "ensure propriety", or "uphold standards of behavior", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ensure propriety

Emphasizes adherence to what is considered socially acceptable and proper.

preserve order

Focuses more on preventing chaos and less on the specific etiquette involved in "maintain decorum".

maintain a civil atmosphere

Emphasizes politeness and respect in interactions.

uphold standards of behavior

Highlights adherence to accepted conduct norms rather than just preserving a particular atmosphere.

preserve protocol

Focuses specifically on following established procedures and customs.

keep things orderly

A more general phrase that focuses on maintaining a state of order.

manage conduct

Focuses on overseeing and directing behavior.

keep up appearances

Suggests focusing on outward perceptions, potentially at the expense of genuine behavior.

foster respect

Suggests creating an environment of mutual consideration and courtesy.

control the situation

Emphasizes taking charge to prevent disruptions or inappropriate conduct.

FAQs

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

You can use "maintain decorum" to describe the act of upholding a standard of dignified behavior, like "The judge asked the audience to "maintain decorum" during the trial."

What does it mean to "maintain decorum"?

To "maintain decorum" means to uphold standards of appropriate behavior and order, especially in a formal or public setting.

Which is a better fit: "maintain decorum" or "preserve order"?

"Maintain decorum" implies upholding a standard of dignified behavior, while "preserve order"/s/preserve+order focuses more on preventing chaos. The better fit depends on whether the context involves specific standards of etiquette.

Are there other phrases similar to "maintain decorum"?

Yes, you could use phrases such as "ensure propriety", "uphold standards of behavior", or "preserve order" depending on the specific context.