maintain influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintain influence" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to continue having power or sway over others. Here are some examples of how to use it in a sentence: 1. The CEO's main goal is to maintain influence over the company's direction and decision-making process. 2. In order to maintain influence in the global market, the country's government must implement effective trade policies. 3. The politician used various tactics to maintain influence among his constituents, including regular town hall meetings and social media campaigns. 4. It is important for parents to maintain influence over their children's behavior and choices, even as they grow older. 5. The celebrity's team of publicists worked hard to maintain her influence and brand image despite recent scandals. 6. Despite facing setbacks, the activist group has managed to maintain their influence and continue pushing for social change. 7. The coach's ability to maintain influence over his team was evident in their impressive performance in the championship game. 8. In order to maintain influence over the board of directors, the chairman must regularly communicate and collaborate with its members.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

But is this the best way to maintain influence?

Independent

Others argue he is playing a game of "psychological jujitsu", to maintain influence over his successor.

The Guardian

president, Andy Stern, has been especially active in trying to maintain influence.

The New York Times

Gerges recommends that the US embrace balanced policies to maintain influence in the region.

Yale University

"Having an office close to Brussels would allow them to maintain influence post any deal," the second source said.

The Guardian - Business

The split enraged Russia, which wants to maintain influence in its former stomping ground and discourage similar unrest at home.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

The U.S. position is to support Russia in maintaining influence in E. Europe.

The New Yorker

The news organisation has been a hugely successful way of maintaining influence in the Arab world and beyond.

The Guardian

Lukács renounced this heresy after residence in the Soviet Union under Stalin, but he maintained influence through literary and dramatic criticism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Berlusconi has been a key player in Italian politics for more than 20 years, and has maintained influence despite a conviction for tax fraud.

The Guardian

Qatar maintained influence with al-Nusra; however, sending an operative into Aleppo was extremely dangerous, and the three-day deadline for Padnos had passed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing international relations or organizational strategy, use "maintain influence" to denote ongoing efforts to retain a position of power or control. For example: "The country is using economic aid to maintain influence in the region."

Common error

Avoid using "maintain influence" when describing situations where the power dynamic is minimal or non-existent. Overstating influence can undermine credibility and misrepresent the actual relationships involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain influence" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating an action of preserving or continuing a position of power or sway. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It describes efforts to ensure influence is not lost or diminished.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "maintain influence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the act of preserving power or control. As Ludwig AI points out, it appears most often in news, business, and academic contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. Alternative phrases include "sustain power", "retain control", and "preserve authority", each with subtle differences in emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure that the context accurately reflects the degree of power being discussed and that the level of influence isn't overstated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Retain control

Emphasizes holding onto existing power rather than broadly affecting outcomes.

Preserve authority

Highlights the act of keeping one's legitimate power intact.

Exercise control

Highlights the active use of power to manage situations or people.

Sustain power

Focuses more on the capacity to wield control, emphasizing authority and command.

Keep sway

Implies a persuasive or emotional hold over others.

Uphold dominance

Suggests maintaining a superior position or prevailing power.

Consolidate power

Focuses on reinforcing and strengthening existing influence.

Secure leverage

Implies gaining and protecting an advantageous position.

Extend reach

Implies expanding the scope of one's influence or authority.

Protect interests

Focuses on safeguarding what one values and wants to defend through influence.

FAQs

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

The phrase "maintain influence" can be used to describe efforts to retain power or control. For instance, "The company is working to maintain influence over its market share" or "The politician is using social media to maintain influence among young voters".

What are some alternatives to "maintain influence"?

You can use alternatives like "sustain power", "retain control", or "preserve authority", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "maintain influence" and "exert influence"?

"Maintain influence" implies an ongoing effort to keep existing power or control, while "exert influence" suggests actively using that power to achieve a specific outcome. For example, one might "maintain influence" through long-term relationships but "exert influence" during a critical decision.

Is it correct to say "maintained influence"?

Yes, "maintained influence" is the past tense form of the phrase and is grammatically correct. You can use it to describe situations where someone successfully kept their power or control in the past.