retain authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retain authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone or an organization maintains control or power over a situation or group. Example: "The committee decided to retain authority over the budget decisions for the upcoming year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The university will retain authority over student conduct within.

The New York Times

In France, cities would retain authority to set precise rules.

The New York Times

(The Military Council has stated often that it will retain authority over the Prime Minister's appointment and the cabinet).

The New Yorker

He said he and Ms. Gisselquist had invented the index and wanted to retain authority over it.

The New York Times

The government controls the area around the capital, Freetown, while the rebels retain authority in the north and east.

The New York Times

Within that structure, Washington should retain authority over areas that bear on the security of American troops.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The French government retains authority over defense, internal security, and various other matters.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although the HRA is a reserved matter, with Westminster retaining authority, Dr Mac Amhlaigh said there were areas of human rights which have been devolved to Scotland.

Independent

The Knights were defeated by Polish-Lithuanian forces at Tannenberg (Grunwald) in 1410, but they still retained authority over a significant amount of territory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Though he disposes of his kingdom, Lear insists on retaining authority; he wants to exercise power without responsibility, without fulfilling his part of the feudal contract.

The Guardian

As part of the deal, the new political entity will exercise a degree of autonomy in governing Mindanao while the national government retains authority over defense and security, foreign policy, monetary policy and citizenship matters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, ensure that the context clearly indicates who is retaining the authority and over what domain. Specificity enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "retain authority" without clearly defining who is retaining it. Unclear attribution can lead to confusion about who holds the power or control being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retain authority" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, indicating the act of keeping or maintaining control and power. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "retain authority" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that signifies maintaining control or power, as highlighted by Ludwig AI. It appears most commonly in news, science, and formal business contexts. While alternatives like "maintain control" or "preserve power" exist, it's crucial to ensure clarity in attributing who "retains" the authority. By avoiding ambiguity and understanding the nuances of its usage, you can effectively employ the phrase "retain authority" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain control

Highlights the act of keeping control, which may or may not imply having existing authority.

keep authority

A more direct and less formal phrasing for maintaining authority.

preserve power

Emphasizes maintaining power, shifting focus from the legitimacy of the authority to the ability to exert influence.

hold power

Similar to "retain authority" but places greater emphasis on the possession of power itself.

uphold jurisdiction

Focuses on maintaining legal or official control within a specific area or domain.

keep command

Implies retaining a leadership role or position of command, typically within a hierarchical structure.

maintain prerogative

Highlights retaining a special right or privilege, which is a form of authority.

secure dominance

Emphasizes the act of ensuring a position of dominance is maintained, often through competitive means.

defend supremacy

Suggests an active defense of an existing position of superiority or ultimate authority.

exercise power

Focuses on the active use of retained authority, rather than the retention itself.

FAQs

What does "retain authority" mean?

The phrase "retain authority" means to keep or continue to have control, power, or the right to make decisions in a particular situation or over a specific domain.

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

You can use "retain authority" to describe situations where an individual, organization, or government maintains control over certain aspects. For instance, "The company decided to "retain authority" over all marketing decisions".

What are some alternatives to "retain authority"?

Alternatives to "retain authority" include "maintain control", "preserve power", or "hold power", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "retain authority" or "maintain authority"?

Both "retain authority" and "maintain authority" are correct and often interchangeable. "Retain" implies keeping something already held, while "maintain" suggests keeping something at its current level. The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.