maintains control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'maintains control' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used when you want to describe someone or something that is keeping power, authority, influence, or dominance over a situation. For example, "The government maintains control over the media, limiting the public's access to news."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The perpetrator maintains control throughout the offense.

The New Yorker

Hamas maintains control by brutal force.

The New York Times

Banania has an investor, Mr. Iacovelli's brother, Stephane, but Mr. Houle maintains control over the operation.

The New York Times

The Delphi board maintains control over succession, not the retiring chief executive.

The New York Times

Consider how the Agnelli family maintains control of the Fiat group, for example.

The Economist

We believe that the Assad regime maintains control of these weapons.

The New York Times

"We believe that the Assad regime maintains control of these weapons," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Can its government maintain control?

The New Yorker

Even then Seth maintained control.

The Guardian - Books

They will maintain control of the House.

The Economist

I'm trying to maintain control.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or system, use "maintains control" to emphasize stability and consistent operation. For example, "The software consistently "maintains control" over data flow, ensuring no information is lost."

Common error

Avoid using "maintains control" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler terms like "handles" or "manages" would be more appropriate. Overuse can make your language sound unnecessarily formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintains control" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the act of keeping or preserving power, authority, or dominance. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage. For instance, the examples show entities like governments or individuals actively ensuring they retain authority over situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "maintains control" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of keeping power, authority, or influence over something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely applicable. With numerous examples spanning news, science, and general knowledge, the phrase is shown to be a common and useful tool for expressing sustained dominance. While appropriate for most contexts, it's best suited for neutral to professional settings, where more formal language is valued. When crafting your content, remember that alternative phrases like "retains authority" or "preserves dominance" can provide alternative nuances to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Retains authority

Focuses on the aspect of holding onto formal power or right.

Preserves dominance

Emphasizes the act of keeping a leading position or superior influence.

Exercises command

Highlights the active use of authority to direct or govern.

Keeps a grip on

Suggests a firm and sometimes forceful hold over a situation or entity.

Holds the reins

Implies guiding and directing from a position of leadership or control.

Governs effectively

Focuses on skillful and successful management or rule.

Supervises operations

Implies oversight and direction of activities to ensure proper functioning.

Manages resources

Highlights the careful and strategic handling of assets or supplies.

Dictates terms

Stresses the imposition of conditions or rules by a dominant party.

Wields influence

Focuses on the exertion of persuasive power over others.

FAQs

How can I use "maintains control" in a sentence?

You can use "maintains control" to describe someone or something that is retaining power, authority, influence, or dominance. For example, "The organization "maintains control" over its subsidiaries."

What are some alternatives to "maintains control"?

Some alternatives include "retains authority", "preserves dominance", or "exercises command", depending on the specific context.

Is "maintains control" formal or informal?

"Maintains control" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for professional, news-related, or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "maintains control" and "exerts control"?

"Maintains control" implies an ongoing state of having power or authority, while "exerts control" suggests actively using that power or authority to influence a situation.