retain power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retain power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing authority, control, or influence, often in political or organizational settings. Example: "The leader's main goal was to retain power amidst the growing opposition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Although unfashionable, they still retain power.

Independent

In those, elders retain power and control".

The New York Times

Congress needs more coalition partners to retain power in 2014.

The New York Times

But most of the pictures retain power aplenty.

The New Yorker

In the meantime the government looks likely to do everything it can to retain power.

The Economist

Another is the latest attempt by the president to twist the country's judiciary to retain power.

The Economist

Yet to retain power, he needs not just personal popularity, but a convincing majority in parliament.

The Economist

To retain power the Tories have to add three or four points to their vote share.

The Guardian - Opinion

The aim of the Khartoum clique is to retain power and keep Sudan together.

The Economist

There's more in that vein to come if the Tories retain power.

The Guardian - Opinion

We have to win these arguments if we are to retain power next year.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing political strategy or organizational dynamics, use "retain power" to convey the active effort to maintain control or influence. Ensure the context clearly indicates who is trying to retain power and from what or whom.

Common error

Avoid using "retain power" in casual conversation or informal writing. It sounds overly formal and serious. Opt for simpler phrases like "stay in charge" or "keep control" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "retain power" is a verb phrase. It typically functions as the predicate of a clause, describing the action of maintaining control or authority. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English and widely found across various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "retain power" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe efforts to maintain control or authority. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is suitable for use in written English and is found frequently in news and media sources. While alternatives like "maintain authority" or "hold onto power" exist, "retain power" offers a concise and direct way to convey the idea of keeping existing control, particularly in formal or professional contexts. While it is versatile enough for professional communication, be cautious about using this expression in more informal settings where it may sound out of place.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain authority

Focuses more on the legitimacy of the control being kept.

hold onto power

Emphasizes the act of clinging to control, often against opposition.

preserve control

Highlights the effort to keep control intact and unchanged.

keep a grip on power

Suggests a firm and possibly desperate hold on authority.

stay in control

Focuses on remaining the entity that directs and manages.

uphold authority

Highlights maintaining the existing power structure, often through ethical means.

sustain dominance

Implies maintaining a position of superiority over others.

exercise control

Emphasizes the active use and demonstration of power.

secure influence

Focuses on ensuring continued sway and impact.

keep the upper hand

Suggests maintaining a strategic advantage or position of control in a competitive situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "retain power" in a sentence to describe efforts to maintain control or authority, such as "The government is implementing new policies to "retain power" amidst growing public dissent".

What are some alternatives to "retain power"?

Some alternatives to "retain power" include "maintain authority", "hold onto power", and "preserve control". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

"Retain power" and "maintain power" are often interchangeable, but "retain power" suggests having power already and keeping it, while "maintain power" can also imply keeping power at a certain level or standard.

What's the difference between "retain power" and "seize power"?

"Retain power" means to keep the power you already have, while "seize power" means to take control, often suddenly or forcefully. They are opposite actions in the context of authority.