maintain influence over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintain influence over" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the ability to exert control or sway over someone or something. Example: "The organization aims to maintain influence over policy decisions that affect the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

The Kurds are also seeking to maintain influence over a number of other disputed areas along their border with the rest of Iraq.

The New York Times

Pakistan has also long tried to maintain influence over Afghanistan's largest ethnic group, the Pashtuns, because of its wariness of its own Pashtun minority in the border areas.

The New York Times

The Russian military action in Georgia, which erupted a week ago, underscored the Kremlin's determination to maintain influence over other former Soviet republics and ward off expansion of NATO, which Georgia wants to join.

The New York Times

Television advertisers are fighting to maintain influence over consumers who are used to receiving a range of targeted advertising responses each time they place a keyword search into Google.

Independent

The proposals have yet to be agreed, but the group's board structure would incorporate a seat for the council in return for a long-term lease on the land, giving Lewisham a route to maintain influence over its use in perpetuity, while providing the trust with a means to raise cash by having something to borrow against, rather than relying on council subsidy.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The Catholic diocese, which maintains influence over many immigrant populations, holds Masses each year on Columbus Day in the explorer's honor.

The New Yorker

Pakistan has a crucial role in the Afghan peace process because it maintains influence over several Taliban groups that are fighting inside Afghanistan against United States and NATO forces, and it has shown no inclination of loosening its leverage.

The New York Times

It is possible that Pakistan will decide that it's worth maintaining influence over the Taliban, whatever the cost.

BBC

The Ministry of Health maintains influence over the health system by mandating local authorities to provide a minimum package of services (Standard Pelayanan Minimal or SPM) to their population.

Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation

Washington has not acquiesced to Russia's efforts to exert control over Ukraine, with Moscow's attempts to maintain influence throughout the former Soviet Union one of its main foreign policy goals.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "maintain influence over", consider the specific type of influence being exerted. Is it political, economic, social, or cultural? Clarifying this can make your writing more precise.

Common error

Avoid using "maintain influence over" when the actual level of control is minimal or non-existent. Overstating influence can damage your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain influence over" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of sustaining or preserving control, power, or authority over a person, group, or entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "maintain influence over" is a grammatically correct and usable verb phrase that describes the act of sustaining control or authority. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for formal and informal communication. Alternatives include "exert control over", "retain control of" and "keep sway over", offering nuances in meaning. When using the phrase, consider the specific type of influence and avoid overstating the degree of control to maintain credibility. While not overly common, its precise meaning and appropriate usage make it a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exert control over

Focuses on the active application of control, rather than the sustained effort of maintaining it.

retain control of

Emphasizes holding onto existing control, similar to maintaining it, but less about influence.

keep sway over

Highlights the power to persuade or direct, rather than direct control.

preserve authority over

Focuses on maintaining formal power and the right to give commands.

sustain dominance over

Implies a more forceful and potentially oppressive level of control.

wield power over

Highlights the act of exercising power, with less emphasis on its continuation.

dominate

A shorter word that emphasizes more superiority than influence.

have control over

States a general ability to control something; less specific about maintaining influence.

hold authority over

Similar to "preserve authority over", with a stronger emphasis on legal or official power.

keep a grip on

An idiom suggesting tight control, often in difficult circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "maintain influence over" to describe the act of keeping or sustaining control or sway over someone or something. For example, "The company strives to maintain influence over market trends".

What are some alternatives to "maintain influence over"?

You can use alternatives like "exert control over", "retain control of", or "keep sway over" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "maintain influence over" and "gain influence over"?

"Maintain influence over" implies that influence already exists and is being sustained, while "gain influence over" suggests the process of acquiring influence that was previously absent.

When is it appropriate to use "maintain influence over" in formal writing?

It's appropriate in formal writing when discussing strategic efforts to sustain a position of authority, control, or persuasive power within a specific context, such as business, politics, or international relations.