preserve order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preserve order" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where maintaining or keeping a state of organization, discipline, or structure is important. Example: "The committee's main goal is to preserve order during the meeting to ensure that all voices are heard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Gen. John McColl of Britain, the head of the multinational force trying to preserve order here, gave a stiff salute.

The New York Times

Western military intervention in all these operations was intended to buy time for local forces to be trained to preserve order and security.

The Guardian - Opinion

At the end of the day, with its lone frontier rider trying to preserve order, it is a Western, with muscle cars.

The New Yorker

The government, spurred by Hindu and Muslim groups and clerics, rushes in to preserve "order" by decreeing, or tolerating, the suppression of free expression.

The New Yorker

When the revolutionaries organized a popular demonstration against King Louis XVI in Paris on June 20 , 1792 Pétion made only halfhearted efforts to preserve order.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Berthier remained with Napoleon in Russia to the end of the retreat in 1812 and, after the Emperor's departure, struggled devotedly to preserve order in the army.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

The allowable transformations of Moh's scale are all and only those that preserve ordering; hence it is called an ordinal scale.

SEP

Whatever this is for, it is not about preserving order or efficient policing.

The Guardian - Opinion

The authorities are also keen on finding better ways of preserving order than tit-for-tat.

The Economist

It formed a powerful legitimation of king and elite in their task of preserving order.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The only way House Republicans can achieve their extremist agenda is not through preserving order, but by causing chaos.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preserve order", consider the specific context. For instance, in a historical setting, it might refer to maintaining social hierarchies, while in a technical context, it could mean maintaining data integrity.

Common error

Avoid using "preserve order" in overly abstract or philosophical discussions where more nuanced terms like "maintain balance" or "foster harmony" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preserve order" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "preserve" acts as a transitive verb and "order" serves as its direct object. It expresses the action of maintaining or protecting a state of organization and control. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preserve order" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to describe the act of maintaining stability and control in various situations. Predominantly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science contexts, it carries a neutral to formal tone. When employing this phrase, consider the specific context to ensure that it appropriately conveys the intended meaning. Alternatives such as "maintain stability" or "uphold security" might offer more nuanced options depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain stability

Focuses on the overall stability rather than just order.

uphold security

Emphasizes the security aspect of maintaining order.

ensure compliance

Highlights adherence to rules and regulations.

enforce regulations

Focuses on the active enforcement of rules.

keep the peace

Emphasizes preventing conflict and maintaining tranquility.

maintain decorum

Highlights maintaining proper behavior and etiquette.

ensure structure

Focuses on maintaining a specific arrangement or organization.

secure tranquility

Highlights ensuring a state of calmness and peace.

safeguard control

Emphasizes the protective aspect of maintaining control.

sustain normalcy

Emphasizes the maintenance of a normal or expected state.

FAQs

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

You can use "preserve order" to describe actions taken to maintain stability, enforce rules, or prevent chaos. For example: "The police were called in to "preserve order" during the protest."

What are some alternatives to "preserve order"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "maintain stability", "uphold security", or "enforce regulations".

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

Both ""preserve order"" and "maintain order" are correct and often interchangeable. "Preserve" emphasizes keeping something in its current state, while "maintain" suggests ongoing effort to keep it that way.

In what contexts is "preserve order" most appropriate?

"Preserve order" is often used in contexts related to law enforcement, government, or any situation where maintaining control and preventing disruption are crucial. However, ensure that the chosen phrase matches the specific nuance you aim to convey.