preserve authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preserve authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where maintaining or upholding a position of power or control is being discussed. Example: "In order to maintain order within the organization, it is essential to preserve authority among the leadership team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

How can an ill executive preserve authority and reduce responsibility?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It has been shown that giving birth at home means preserved authority and autonomy through which women have faith in life itself and rely on natural forces.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

In effect, the court took institutional restraints originally placed on judges to preserve legislative authority and imposed them on the legislature to preserve judicial authority.

The New York Times

Typically, the courts chose to preserve teacher authority over pupils' rights.

The Economist

But it said that Mr. Obama could interpret the statute in a way that would preserve his authority.

The New York Times

Throughout the 530s, Justinian's generals almost constantly had to fight to preserve imperial authority in the new province of North Africa and in the Balkans as well.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Prior generations of justices mostly hid behind their robes to preserve their authority, and some current members of the court seem more like legal technicians, dispassionately adjusting the law.

The New York Times

Paradoxically, the attacks by Al Qaeda helped to reinforce the status quo they were aimed at overturning, giving breathing room to Arab strongmen who relied on fear and repression to preserve their authority.

The New York Times

The leading parliamentary party or coalition elects a first minister, who heads the Scottish Executive (the word government was avoided so as to preserve ultimate authority in the Westminster Parliament), which implements Scottish legislation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His opponents, domestic and international, have time and again underestimated not just Mr. Assad's readiness to use violence to preserve his authority, but also the staying power of his inner circle and core loyalist forces.

The New York Times

CAIRO — Egypt's military rulers and the Muslim Brotherhood escalated their confrontation on Friday as the generals threatened to use "the utmost firmness" to preserve their authority and the Islamists presented a reunited front with some of their former allies from the revolt against Hosni Mubarak.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Choose "preserve authority" when you want to emphasize the importance of maintaining established power structures, especially in the face of opposition or change.

Common error

Avoid using "preserve authority" in contexts where simply "maintain" or "exercise" authority would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic or paranoid.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preserve authority" primarily functions as a verb phrase complemented by a noun, indicating an action performed upon the concept of authority. Ludwig AI highlights that it is grammatically correct and usable, which confirms its legitimacy in the English language.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preserve authority" is a grammatically sound phrase frequently used to describe efforts to maintain power or control, especially when facing challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and appropriate for diverse contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and other formal settings. Alternative phrases include "maintain power" and "uphold authority". When writing, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, as the term suggests a need for active protection or defense of existing authority.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain power

Focuses more broadly on sustaining power, without necessarily implying a threat to it.

uphold authority

Emphasizes the act of supporting and defending existing authority against challenges.

safeguard authority

Highlights the protective aspect of ensuring authority remains intact.

retain control

Focuses on maintaining control, suggesting a more direct and active management of power.

defend power

Implies a more active defense against threats to one's authority.

secure authority

Stresses establishing and ensuring the stability of authority.

conserve authority

Highlights the idea of carefully managing and preserving existing authority.

protect authority

Emphasizes the act of shielding authority from harm or diminishment.

sustain command

Focuses on maintaining a position of command, often in a military or hierarchical context.

keep control

A more informal way of expressing the maintenance of control or authority.

FAQs

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

You can use "preserve authority" in sentences such as: "The government took measures to "preserve authority" in the region" or "The leader implemented new policies to "preserve authority" within the organization".

What can I say instead of "preserve authority"?

You can use alternatives like "maintain power", "uphold authority", or "retain control" depending on the context.

Is "preserve authority" formal or informal?

"Preserve authority" is generally considered neutral to formal, suitable for professional writing, news reports, or academic papers. Informal contexts might favor simpler terms like "keep control".

What's the difference between "preserve authority" and "exercise authority"?

"Preserve authority" implies maintaining existing authority, often against threats or challenges. "Exercise authority" simply means using the authority one already possesses, without necessarily implying any threat.