maintain order

USAGE SUMMARY

'maintain order' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'maintain order' in a sentence when you want to express the idea that some kind of control or restraint should be kept over a situation. For example: "The teacher needed to maintain order in the classroom because the students were getting too rowdy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Israeli police would maintain order.

The Economist

And the police will maintain order.

The Economist

They have an obligation to maintain order".

The Guardian

"I maintain order there," Ms. Green said.

The New York Times

Tight tribal bonds helped maintain order.

The New Yorker

And so does Ms. Kiester's need to maintain order.

The New York Times

The state government has struggled to maintain order.

The New York Times

"I assure you, we will maintain order," Ms. Rousseff said.

The New York Times

Afghan authorities have limited ability to maintain order and ensure security.

The New York Times

Mr. Patterson said security forces would be at the funeral to maintain order.

The New York Times

But, to maintain order, they must impose absolute unity in the cell.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about maintaining order in official contexts, be specific about who is responsible and what methods they employ.

Common error

Avoid using "maintain order" in very casual settings; simpler phrases like "keep things tidy" or "stay organized" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain order" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a transitive verb requiring an object. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its active usage in conveying actions taken to ensure control and stability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "maintain order" is a versatile verb phrase widely used across various contexts to express the act of preserving control and preventing disruptions. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and most commonly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Wiki sources. To ensure effective writing, it's essential to consider the specific context and choose the most appropriate phrasing. Ludwig AI confirms its active usage in conveying actions taken to ensure control and stability. When used in informal contexts consider simpler alternatives for better clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep the peace

Implies preventing conflicts and disturbances to maintain a harmonious environment.

preserve stability

Focuses on the outcome of maintaining a steady state rather than the act itself.

ensure control

Emphasizes the aspect of having control over a situation to prevent disruption.

uphold discipline

Highlights the enforcement of rules and regulations to keep things in check.

enforce the law

Focuses on the legal aspect of maintaining order through the application of rules.

regulate conduct

Specifically addresses the control of behavior to maintain an acceptable standard.

govern effectively

Broader term referring to the overall management and control of a system or organization.

secure compliance

Emphasizes ensuring that individuals or groups adhere to established rules and norms.

oversee operations

Suggests managing activities to keep them running smoothly and prevent chaos.

administer justice

Refers to the impartial application of laws and regulations to maintain order within a legal framework.

FAQs

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

You can use "maintain order" to describe actions taken to keep a situation under control, for example: "The police were called to "keep the peace" and "maintain order" during the protest".

What are some alternatives to "maintain order"?

Some alternatives to "maintain order" include "preserve stability", "ensure control", or "uphold discipline", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "maintain order" or "maintained order"?

The choice between "maintain order" and "maintained order" depends on the tense of your sentence. Use "maintain order" for present or future actions, and "maintained order" for past actions. For example, "They must maintain order" versus "They maintained order".

What is the difference between "maintain order" and "enforce the law"?

"Maintain order" is a broader term referring to keeping a situation under control, while "enforce the law" specifically refers to applying legal rules and regulations.