maintained power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintained power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the preservation or continuation of authority, control, or energy supply. Example: "The government has maintained power despite the ongoing protests and calls for reform."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

His regime maintained power until the Soviet occupation of 1940.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Muncie's Democratic machine, much like the Clinton machine, maintained power but lost influence.

The Guardian

Poorly maintained power lines are prime suspects in some of this fall's fire outbreaks as well.

The New Yorker

Determined people have maintained power through networks of pay-to-play trade groups, think tanks, and even academic centers.

University of California, Berkeley

He establishes for the first time how oligarchies maintained power in the face of potential citizen resistance.

Princeton University

Mr. Gbagbo has maintained power by continuing to pay the salaries of soldiers and key civil servants.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

That maintaining power involves spin?

The New York Times

Maintaining power is necessary but dangerous.

The New York Times - Books

It was also about accumulating economic advantage and maintaining power.

The New York Times - Books

Many families keep home generators to maintain power.

The Guardian

"Iyad sees maintaining power primarily as an intelligence game.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing political situations or historical events, consider using "maintained power" to describe how a leader or group held onto control. For example, "The dictator maintained power through strict censorship and repression."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "maintained power" is generally more suitable for formal or analytical writing. In casual conversation, simpler phrases like "stayed in charge" or "kept control" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintained power" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of retaining control, authority, or influence. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase indicates the continuation of existing control rather than the initial acquisition of it. The examples show it often appears in political or historical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "maintained power" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of retaining control or authority. Ludwig AI analysis shows that it's grammatically correct and frequently used in formal contexts such as news articles, encyclopedias, and academic texts. When writing, consider the nuance you wish to convey, as related phrases like "retained authority" or "sustained control" may offer slight differences in meaning. Be mindful of overusing it in informal settings, where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. The phrase's high frequency and varied usage across authoritative sources affirm its place in formal and analytical English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

retained authority

This alternative replaces "power" with "authority", suggesting a more formal or legitimate control.

sustained control

This option uses "sustained" to emphasize the continuous effort required to keep control.

preserved influence

This phrase swaps "power" with "influence", focusing on the ability to affect decisions without direct control.

kept a grip on power

This option adds a sense of struggle or effort in holding onto power.

held onto their position

This alternative shifts the focus to maintaining a specific rank or office.

continued to dominate

This implies a more aggressive or assertive form of maintaining power.

exercised continued influence

This option focuses on the active exertion of influence over time.

upheld authority

This suggests a focus on defending or supporting existing authority.

ensured continued rule

This focuses on the aspect of governance and leadership.

perpetuated their reign

This implies a long-lasting or even indefinite continuation of power, often associated with monarchies or dynasties.

FAQs

How can I use "maintained power" in a sentence?

You can use "maintained power" to describe how someone or something retained control, for example: "The party "maintained power" by suppressing dissent".

What are some alternatives to "maintained power"?

Some alternatives include "retained authority", "sustained control", or "preserved influence", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "maintained power" or "retained power"?

"Maintained power" and "retained power" are quite similar. "Retained power" often implies having power and keeping it, while "maintained power" suggests actively working to keep it. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "maintained power" and "seized power"?

"Maintained power" describes the act of holding onto existing authority. In contrast, "seized power" describes the act of taking control, often abruptly or forcefully.