maintain discipline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintain discipline" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in contexts where you are discussing the importance of enforcing rules or standards, particularly in educational, military, or organizational settings. Example: "In order to create a productive learning environment, teachers must maintain discipline in the classroom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

'Warriors' go berserk; 'soldiers' follow orders and maintain discipline".

The New York Times

He knows how to win and knows how to maintain discipline on a team.

The New York Times - Sports

The coach Mickey Arthur and captain Michael Clarke are fighting to maintain discipline.

The Guardian - Sport

It will be especially hard to maintain discipline after new budget projections are released next month.

The New York Times

The suit accuses the school employees of failing to adequately supervise the students or maintain discipline.

The New York Times

Edison had a rocky start last fall at several schools, where it struggled to maintain discipline.

The New York Times

He said: "To maintain discipline in the military, it must have been necessary at that time.

Independent

The scheme had to be scrapped and the trainees flown home after the failure to maintain discipline.

The Guardian

Military justice is meant to be harsh: it's designed to maintain discipline on and off the battlefield.

The New Yorker

"The industry needs to maintain discipline," said Chip A. Dillon, a paper industry analyst at Salomon Smith Barney.

The New York Times

That Hernandez was able to maintain discipline in his ranks is a testament to his knack for domination.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "maintain discipline", consider the specific context. In educational settings, it might involve setting clear expectations and consistent consequences. In military contexts, it could mean enforcing strict adherence to orders and protocols.

Common error

Avoid focusing solely on punishment when trying to "maintain discipline". Positive reinforcement and clear communication of expectations are often more effective in the long run.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "maintain discipline" is a verb phrase acting as a predicate. It describes the action of upholding established rules and standards of behavior. This is confirmed by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples of its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "maintain discipline" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of upholding order and adherence to rules. Ludwig's analysis, backed by numerous examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, confirms its widespread use across various contexts, including news, formal business, and encyclopedias. While the phrase generally carries a neutral tone, its effectiveness lies in its clear and direct emphasis on the importance of structured conduct. Remember that while it is important to "maintain discipline", positive reinforcement is often more effective than strictly punitive measures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enforce discipline

Emphasizes the act of actively imposing discipline.

uphold discipline

Highlights the act of supporting and preserving discipline.

preserve order

Focuses on keeping a state of order, which is a result of discipline.

ensure compliance

Stresses making sure rules and standards are followed.

exercise control

Highlights the act of using authority to direct behavior.

demand adherence

Focuses on requiring strict following of rules.

administer rules

Emphasizes the formal application of regulations.

keep in line

Informal way to describe enforcing discipline and obedience.

command respect

Highlights gaining respect which in turn helps with discipline.

instill obedience

Focuses on teaching and establishing obedience.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "maintain discipline" in a sentence?

To effectively use "maintain discipline", ensure the context clearly indicates the group or system for which discipline is being upheld. For example: "The coach worked hard to maintain discipline among the players."

What are some alternatives to "maintain discipline" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "enforce discipline", "uphold discipline", or "preserve order". Each of these carries a slightly different nuance.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "maintain discipline"?

The phrase "maintain discipline" is appropriate in situations where there is a need to uphold rules, order, or expected behavior within a group or system. This can include schools, the military, sports teams, and organizations.

What is the difference between "maintain discipline" and "instill discipline"?

"Maintain discipline" refers to the act of keeping existing discipline in place, while "instill discipline" refers to the act of creating or introducing discipline where it did not previously exist. You "maintain discipline" in an established system, but you "instill obedience" in a new one.