preserve control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preserve control" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to maintaining or keeping a certain degree of power or authority over a situation or person. For example, "The government had to act quickly in order to preserve control of the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

But the rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange prohibit dual classes of stock and other types of corporate structures that let minority shareholders preserve control of companies.

The New York Times

EU enthusiasts such as Eirikur Bergmann of Iceland's European Movement think a deal could be struck to preserve control over fish stocks.

The Economist

A later study revealed that 23% of voters wanted to preserve control but mistakenly voted yes, and that 54% were against rent control but voted no.

The Economist

In some cases the very authors of constitutions broke the rules laid out in them to gain or preserve control over governments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What is most worrisome to those fighting to preserve control over Kasumigaseki, the area of the city that is home to the national ministries, is that the movement for local control is spreading.

The New York Times

Today, if you read, say, foreign policy journals or, in a farcical form, listen to the Republican debates, they're asking, "How do we prevent further losses?" On the other hand, the capacity to preserve control has sharply declined.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

That marks a big change from the big Internet I.P.O.'s of the last several years, in which companies rolled out multiclass stock structures aimed at preserving control for the company's founders.

The New York Times

With impunity, they had sidestepped Silicon Valley's powerful venture firms, preserving control and a higher stake for themselves.

Forbes

As Evan Williams suggests, preserving control of Twitter messages from the ravages of the unfettered Web free-for-all is a concern not just of business model but of user privacy.

TechCrunch

It takes into account 3D strain and stress state, fulfilling equilibrium, compatibility, and constitutive equations at any point, stress-free conditions on lateral surfaces, but preserves control by cross-sectional stress resultant forces and corresponding generalized strains.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

This kind of deal would mean still preserving control over migration policy – and that's what manifests at the end of your road; harmonised import duties don't.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about strategic decisions, use "preserve control" to emphasize the intent to maintain authority or influence, particularly when facing external pressures or challenges.

Common error

While "preserve control" is grammatically correct, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Opt for more colloquial alternatives like "stay in charge" or "keep things in check" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preserve control" functions as a verb phrase where "preserve" is a transitive verb and "control" is its direct object. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and correctly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preserve control" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression signifying the intent to maintain authority or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage in written English. As evidenced by the examples, this phrase appears frequently in news media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias, indicating a neutral to formal register. While effective in professional contexts, it may be less suitable for casual conversation, where more colloquial alternatives might be preferred. Key related phrases include "maintain authority" and "retain power". Remember to use "preserve control" when you specifically want to emphasize the act of protecting existing authority or influence, especially against potential threats or challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain authority

Focuses on the aspect of retaining official power or right.

keep authority

Highlights the continuous possession of official power.

retain power

Emphasizes holding onto influence or governing ability.

keep command

Highlights the continuous possession of the act of commanding.

protect power

Highlights safeguarding existing influence or governing ability.

sustain command

Stresses the ongoing ability to direct or govern effectively.

defend influence

Focuses on protecting existing persuasive power or impact.

uphold dominion

Implies actively supporting and maintaining sovereign control.

secure dominance

Suggests ensuring a position of power over others.

hold sway

Emphasizes the influence exerted rather than direct authority.

FAQs

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

You can use "preserve control" to describe actions taken to maintain authority or influence, as in "The company restructured to "preserve control" over its subsidiaries".

What are some alternatives to "preserve control"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "maintain authority", "retain power", or "keep authority".

Is it better to say "preserve control" or "maintain control"?

"Preserve control" and "maintain control" are often interchangeable. "Preserve" emphasizes protecting something already existing, while "maintain" focuses on keeping something at its current level. Both are correct.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "preserve control"?

The phrase "preserve control" is suitable in formal contexts such as business, politics, or legal discussions when describing efforts to retain authority or influence over a situation, entity, or process.