preserving authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preserving authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where maintaining control, power, or influence is being discussed, such as in leadership, governance, or organizational settings. Example: "The committee focused on preserving authority to ensure that all decisions were made with the necessary oversight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 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

While his calls for preserving the authority of principals and eradicating nepotism were met with applause, some principals seemed uninterested in his message.

The New York Times

Preserving the authority the president needs to carry out his basic duties, rather than deferring to partisan games and gimmicks, is our Constitution's clear command.

The New York Times

Once the election demonstrated how very unpopular Musharraf was, the American strategy shifted from preserving his authority to ensuring an orderly transition.

The New York Times - Magazine

Steele found himself outnumbered on that appointments panel by two men, in Thomas and Beaumont, who seemed more intent on paving the way for Woodward's return to the RFU than preserving the authority of the recently appointed chief executive.

The Guardian - Sport

The surprise lay not in the outcome: it was scarcely a great shock, except perhaps to the administration, that a court preoccupied in recent years with preserving judicial authority would reject the bold claim of unreviewable executive power at the core of the administration's legal arguments.

The New York Times

Spade (1987, p. 32) claimed that their real focus was generally on entirely different theoretical issues, and that the role of the fallacy thus became purely "honorary," preserving the authority of Aristotle.

SEP

The new name also reflected the maturation of principles the party had long advocated: liberalism, exceptionalism, preserving the authority of the state and a representative parliamentary monarchy.

Wikipedia

When NCSL does promote a law, it is usually something that members across party lines can agree on, like preserving state authority and battling unfunded federal mandates.

Huffington Post

By enacting DOMA, Congress sought to mitigate this national confusion by clarifying the definition of marriage for purposes of federal law, while preserving the authority of states to make determinations with regard to their own laws.

Huffington Post

How can an ill executive preserve authority and reduce responsibility?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about hierarchical structures, be specific about the level of authority being preserved. For example, "preserving presidential authority" clarifies the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "preserving authority" in contexts where the authority is illegitimate or unethical. Ensure the authority being preserved aligns with ethical and legal standards.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preserving authority" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun in a sentence. It describes the act of maintaining or protecting existing power or control. Ludwig AI validates this usage as correct and applicable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "preserving authority" is grammatically correct and widely used across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedic sources. According to Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys the action of maintaining power or control. While alternatives like "maintaining authority" or "upholding authority" offer slight nuances, the core concept remains consistent. When using this phrase, writers should consider the ethical implications and specify the level and legitimacy of the authority being preserved. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources underscores its reliability in formal and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintaining authority

Focuses on the act of keeping authority at its current level, rather than actively protecting it from decline.

upholding authority

Emphasizes the act of supporting or defending authority, often in the face of challenges.

safeguarding authority

Highlights the protective aspect of ensuring authority remains intact and secure.

protecting authority

Stresses the active defense of authority from external threats or internal erosion.

retaining authority

Indicates keeping authority that one already possesses, avoiding any loss of power.

conserving authority

Suggests a more cautious and measured approach to maintaining authority, similar to preserving resources.

defending authority

Highlights the act of arguing for or justifying authority, often when it is questioned or under attack.

securing authority

Focuses on making authority stable and preventing it from being easily undermined.

sustaining authority

Emphasizes the ongoing effort required to keep authority in place over a longer period.

strengthening authority

Focuses on making authority more robust and effective, rather than just maintaining its current state.

FAQs

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

You can use "preserving authority" to describe actions taken to maintain control or power, as in "The government implemented new policies aimed at "preserving authority" during the crisis".

What is a good alternative to "preserving authority"?

Alternatives include "maintaining authority", "upholding authority", or "safeguarding authority", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always positive to talk about "preserving authority"?

No, the implications can be either positive or negative depending on the context. Preserving authority can be seen as positive when it maintains stability or upholds ethical standards, but negative if it suppresses dissent or protects unjust power.

What's the difference between "preserving authority" and "gaining authority"?

"Preserving authority" refers to maintaining existing power or control, while "gaining authority" implies acquiring new power or influence. One focuses on maintaining a status quo, while the other focuses on advancement.