retain control over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retain control over" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the ability to maintain authority or influence over something or someone. Example: "The manager aims to retain control over the project's budget and timeline to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It may, therefore, retain control over the water until abandonment.

Cornell University

The estate will retain control over copyrights, she said.

The New York Times - Arts

Mayors typically retain control over their personal papers.

The New York Times

Playmobil is also anxious to retain control over quality.

The Guardian - Business

Should Habitat be allowed to retain control over who gets to purchase the homes it builds?

Harvard University

Hudson crowdfunded more than £10,000 of small donations to retain control over the film.

The Guardian

Local authorities retain control over what schools are set up in their area.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is not acceptable for the board, advised by management,to retain control over nominations.

The Guardian - Business

Their virtue is in allowing individuals to retain control over the distribution of their money.

The New York Times

The election officials strongly insist that states and local governments retain control over voting procedures.

The New York Times

The UK government would retain control over foreign affairs, overseas aid and defence.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "retain control over", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being controlled and why maintaining that control is important. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "retain control over" when the subject never had control in the first place. Use "gain control over" or "establish control over" instead to accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retain control over" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of maintaining authority, influence, or possession. Ludwig provides many examples where this phrase is used to describe actions taken to keep or hold onto something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "retain control over" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys the act of maintaining authority, influence, or possession. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage, backed by numerous examples from reputable sources across news, academia, and business. While it suits various contexts, ensuring clarity about what's being controlled enhances its impact. When choosing alternatives, consider nuances like emphasizing authority ("maintain authority over") or firm possession ("keep a grip on"). Steer clear of using it if control was never established initially, opting for phrases like "gain control over" instead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain authority over

Emphasizes the aspect of upholding official power or right over something.

hold onto power over

Specifically relates to maintaining political or organizational control.

assert governance over

Emphasizes the act of declaring and implementing control through governing structures.

preserve command over

Highlights keeping a firm and decisive order or influence.

exercise dominion over

Suggests asserting supreme authority or sovereignty.

sustain influence over

Focuses on continuously supporting and prolonging one's effect or sway.

keep a grip on

Implies a firm and tenacious grasp, often used in challenging situations.

keep hold of

A more informal way of expressing the maintenance of physical or abstract possession.

stay in charge of

A simpler, more direct way of indicating continued responsibility and control.

dominate

Conveys a powerful and often overwhelming degree of influence or command.

FAQs

How can I use "retain control over" in a sentence?

You can use "retain control over" to indicate maintaining authority or influence. For example: "The company aims to "retain control over" its market share."

What's a formal alternative to "retain control over"?

A more formal alternative could be "maintain authority over". For example: "The government seeks to maintain authority over key sectors of the economy."

What is the difference between "retain control over" and "gain control over"?

"Retain control over" implies that control was already established and is being maintained, while "gain control over" suggests that control is being newly acquired.

What are some phrases similar to "retain control over"?

Similar phrases include "preserve command over", "sustain influence over", and "keep hold of", each with slightly different nuances.