maintaining authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintaining authority" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in contexts where you are discussing the act of keeping or upholding power, control, or influence over a situation or group. Example: "The manager emphasized the importance of maintaining authority in the workplace to ensure productivity and respect among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

I wonder if it's difficult to be on stage with her dancers while maintaining authority over them.

The Guardian

Your level of confidence in yourself is a hugely important part of maintaining authority, so stand firm in your decision-making and don't doubt yourself.

The Guardian

While some things (having a clear plan, maintaining authority and avoiding "presenteeism") will always be good advice, the way we work has changed almost beyond recognition - and part of being successful is knowing how to keep up.

The Guardian

Ruling through a clique of conservative, corrupt officials and maintaining authority over the Manchu imperial house (Qing dynasty, 1644 1911/12), she became one of the most powerful women in the history of China.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Countries that derive substantial revenues from control over natural resource extraction are often less democratic and much more corrupt, with their leadership maintaining authority by allocating resources to favored constituents, by empowering cronyism.

Huffington Post

In the rush to provide their children with the opportunities they themselves never had, the parents of Baby Boomers forgot to "strike an effective balance between caring for and nurturing children, while at the same time maintaining authority and demanding respect".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

In my experience, they help schools maintain authority.

The Guardian

It became apparent that the coup leaders had not thought through how they would maintain authority and neutralize Mr. Yeltsin.

The New York Times

She's trying to maintain authority and clarity while at the same time coping with serious emotional demons".

Independent

They are relying heavily on force and intimidation, arrests, prison terms, censorship, even execution, to maintain authority.

The New York Times

Kynaston says that while it's obviously important to maintain authority by practising what you preach, it's equally important not to alienate people.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In historical or political contexts, "maintaining authority" can effectively describe a ruler's efforts to retain power and control over their territory or subjects.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice when describing actions related to "maintaining authority". Instead of saying "Authority was maintained by the leader", use the active voice: "The leader maintained authority".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintaining authority" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the ongoing process of keeping or upholding power, control, or influence, which aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "maintaining authority" is a grammatically correct and usable gerund phrase that describes the ongoing process of retaining power and control. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with notable presence in scientific and encyclopedia sources. While uncommon, its use is generally straightforward, and careful attention to voice (active vs. passive) can enhance clarity. Alternatives such as "preserving command" or "sustaining control" may offer nuanced variations in meaning. Understanding its communicative purpose allows for effective use in discussions about leadership, governance, and social dynamics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preserving command

Focuses on keeping a position of control or leadership intact.

sustaining control

Emphasizes the continuous effort to keep control over something.

retaining influence

Highlights the act of keeping one's power to affect decisions or actions.

upholding dominance

Suggests actively supporting a superior position or power dynamic.

exercising power

Focuses on the active use of power to maintain control.

keeping order

Implies maintaining authority through the enforcement of rules and regulations.

enforcing compliance

Highlights the act of ensuring that rules and regulations are followed.

asserting dominance

Suggests a more forceful and overt display of authority.

safeguarding power

Emphasizes the protection of existing power and control.

securing leadership

Focuses on ensuring the continuation of leadership and control.

FAQs

How can I use "maintaining authority" in a sentence?

You can use "maintaining authority" to describe the act of keeping control or influence in a situation. For example: "Maintaining authority requires consistent communication and clear expectations".

What are some alternatives to "maintaining authority"?

Some alternatives to "maintaining authority" include "preserving command", "sustaining control", or "retaining influence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "maintain authority" or "maintaining authority"?

The choice between "maintain authority" and "maintaining authority" depends on the sentence structure. "Maintain authority" is an infinitive form, while "maintaining authority" is a gerund. For example, use "maintain" after "to" (e.g., "to maintain authority") and "maintaining" as a subject (e.g., "Maintaining authority is essential for effective leadership").

What does it mean to "maintain authority" in a leadership context?

In a leadership context, to "maintain authority" means to consistently uphold one's power and control within a group or organization, often through clear communication, consistent enforcement of rules, and demonstrating competence.