retain influence over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retain influence over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability to maintain control or sway over someone or something. Example: "The organization aims to retain influence over policy decisions that affect the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

But really, they are just enriching themselves, and the drug companies retain influence over them to a remarkable extent".

The New York Times

Test setters retain influence over what counts, and there is no adjusting for test-takers' inclination to apply themselves – or not.

The Guardian - Opinion

Russia has pushed for the federalization of Ukraine, since that would allow Moscow to retain influence over areas in Ukraine dominated by Russian-speakers.

Independent

The official said that while Pakistan is tackling the Taliban in Pakistan, it still wanted to retain influence over the Taliban in Afghanistan as a counter to what it sees as growing Indian influence in Afghanistan.

The Guardian

The 2007 promise to restore trust in the office was betrayed by anaemic proposals last year which allowed the attorney to retain influence over any prosecution decreed to affect national security.

The Guardian

Silvio Berlusconi, Italy's former prime minister, was scrambling to retain influence over the fractured landscape of the country's centre-right on Saturday, after the man who was once considered his political heir broke with him in a damaging personal and political snub.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The meetings, particularly with the Jordanians, were delicate — the King needed to show his subjects that he retained influence over the Temple Mount.

The New Yorker

Over the past two years, Pakistan has released a trickle of junior members, appearing to comply with Kabul's demands but retaining influence over more senior members.

Independent

But to critics, it amounts to a strategy for retaining influence over all classes of a society that is certainly not immune to the inroads of secularism.

The Economist

He also retains influence over certain factions of the military from his time as Lieutenant General.

Huffington Post

There is evidence, however, that he retained influence over Worcester even after this time, and that Leofsige perhaps acted "only as a suffragan to Wulfstan".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "retain influence over", consider specifying the area or people over which influence is retained for clarity. For instance, "retain influence over market trends" or "retain influence over key stakeholders".

Common error

Avoid overstating the extent of influence. Qualify statements to reflect realistic levels of control. For example, instead of saying "The company retains complete influence over the industry", consider "The company retains significant influence over key industry decisions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retain influence over" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of keeping or preserving the ability to affect or control someone or something. As demonstrated by Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used to describe the ongoing maintenance of power or authority in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "retain influence over" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that signifies maintaining control or sway over something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides real-world examples from reputable sources. While not overly common, the phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key; specify what or whom the influence is over. Alternatives such as "maintain control of" or "sustain sway over" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Be mindful not to overstate the degree of influence, ensuring accuracy and credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain control of

Focuses on direct control rather than indirect influence.

preserve authority over

Emphasizes preserving a formal right or power.

sustain sway over

Highlights the act of maintaining persuasive power.

keep a grip on

Suggests a firm and sometimes forceful level of control.

hold power over

Focuses on maintaining a position of strength or command.

uphold dominance over

Implies maintaining a superior position, often in a competitive context.

exercise leverage on

Highlights the use of a strategic advantage to maintain influence.

command respect from

Focuses on maintaining influence through earned admiration or deference.

exert control on

Focuses on external imposition or direction

keep a hold on

Suggests a more precarious or challenged state of retaining influence.

FAQs

What does "retain influence over" mean?

The phrase "retain influence over" means to maintain the ability to affect, control, or have an impact on someone or something. It suggests that influence already exists and is being preserved.

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

You can use "retain influence over" in sentences like, "The organization aims to "retain influence over" policy decisions" or "The leader must "retain influence over" their team to ensure project success".

What are some alternatives to "retain influence over"?

Some alternatives to "retain influence over" include "maintain control of", "preserve authority over", or "sustain sway over".

Is it better to say "retain influence over" or "maintain influence over"?

Both "retain influence over" and "maintain influence over" are correct. "Retain" implies that the influence already exists, while "maintain" simply suggests keeping the influence at its current level. The best choice depends on the specific context.