maintain public order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintain public order" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it to refer to actions taken by authorities to ensure that laws and regulations are followed and that the general peace and safety of the community is preserved. Example: The police were called in to maintain public order during the protest, as tensions were rising and there was a risk of violence.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

He was ruthless in enforcing measures to maintain public order.

The New York Times

Government authorities cited national laws intended to maintain public order.

The New York Times

--Details of pland and programs intended to promote and maintain public order.

The Guardian

"It is critical that police can maintain public order," Mr. Blunkett said.

The New York Times

We still have a military police force to maintain public order.

The New York Times

To this fortunate group, government exists in large measure to keep the merry-go-round going, to maintain public order.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Another 1,500 soldiers were detailed to maintaining public order, bringing the total to more than 4,000.

The Guardian

A national police spokesman, Pierre Chanel Ntarabaganyi, later thanked the mob "for getting involved in maintaining public order".

The New York Times

I've come to believe that The Apprentice serves a crucial purpose in maintaining public order.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was done in the interest of maintaining public order, according to Indian authorities.

The Guardian

He insists the deal was done in the name of maintaining public order.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "maintain public order", consider the specific context and the actors involved. Be specific about who is responsible for maintaining order (e.g., police, military) and what specific actions they take.

Common error

Avoid vague statements about "maintain public order" without specifying the context or methods. Instead of saying "The government must maintain public order", specify how they plan to do so, such as "The government must deploy police to maintain public order during the protests".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain public order" functions as a verbal phrase, often used as part of a larger clause to describe the actions or responsibilities of authorities, such as the police or government. This use is supported by Ludwig, which provides various examples of this phrase in context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "maintain public order" is a commonly used expression that describes the actions taken by authorities to ensure the safety and compliance with laws within a community. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse and authoritative sources, particularly in news media and encyclopedias. It functions as a verbal phrase with a neutral register and serves to communicate the role and responsibility of those in power to preserve peace and stability. While alternatives like "preserve civil order" or "ensure law and order" exist, "maintain public order" remains a straightforward and widely understood way to describe this essential function of governance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preserve civil order

Focuses on maintaining order within a civilian population, without direct military involvement.

ensure law and order

Emphasizes the enforcement of laws as a means to maintain order.

uphold public safety

Highlights the protection of the public from harm.

secure public peace

Focuses on ensuring a state of tranquility among the public.

enforce public regulations

Highlights the active enforcement of specific regulations.

keep the peace

A more colloquial and simplified way of expressing the same idea.

control civil unrest

Specifically addresses the management of disturbances and disorder.

manage public disturbances

Focuses on handling and resolving incidents that disrupt public order.

oversee public conduct

Highlights the supervision and regulation of people's behavior in public spaces.

guarantee community safety

Focuses on assuring the well-being and security of the community.

FAQs

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

You can use "maintain public order" to describe the actions taken by authorities to ensure peace and safety. For example, "The police were deployed to "maintain public order" during the demonstration".

What is a synonym for "maintain public order"?

Synonyms for "maintain public order" include "preserve civil order", "ensure law and order", and "uphold public safety", each with slightly different connotations.

Is it better to use "maintain public order" or "maintain social order"?

"Maintain public order" typically refers to the enforcement of laws and regulations in public spaces, while "maintain social order" is a broader term that encompasses societal norms and values. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What are the consequences of failing to "maintain public order"?

Failure to "maintain public order" can lead to civil unrest, increased crime rates, economic instability, and a loss of public trust in the authorities. It can undermine the overall stability of a community or nation.