retained authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retained 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 particular area or subject. Example: "The committee has retained authority over the budget decisions for the upcoming fiscal year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Iemitsu became shogun in 1623, when his father, Hidetada, retired in his favour, though Hidetada retained authority until his death in 1632.

Britannica

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

Grant's ideas undergirded the American eugenics movement of the nineteen-twenties, which was also driven in part by racialist hostility toward immigration and retained authority in what were once marginalized communities of white supremacists in the United States.

The New Yorker

The 27-year-old, who co-founded Facebook in his dorm room eight years ago, has retained authority over strategy -- even after adding business veterans to the board, including venture capitalist Marc Andreessen and Washington Post Co. CEO Donald Graham.

The Washington Post

If a state should see fit to provide in its Constitution that conduct otherwise amounting to a contempt should be punishable as such if occurring at any time while the court affected retained authority to modify its judgment, the 14th Amendment would not forbid.

Cornell University

In an era when news programs have become so devalued and irrelevant that politicians announce their candidacies to talk show comedians like Jay Leno or Jon Stewart, "60 Minutes" stands out as one that has retained authority with a mass television audience.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "retained authority", ensure it's clear who is retaining the authority and what specific area or domain they have control over for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "retained authority" without specifying the scope of that authority. For example, instead of saying "The department retained authority", specify "The department retained authority over budget approvals."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retained authority" functions as a noun phrase typically acting as the object of a verb. It signifies the act of keeping or maintaining power, control, or jurisdiction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

33%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "retained authority" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon expression used to indicate the maintenance of power or control. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to inform about the continued possession of authority, and is often found in news, academic, and encyclopedia contexts. While alternatives like "maintained control" and "preserved power" exist, "retained authority" specifically suggests a prior possession of that authority. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the scope of the authority being retained.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintained control

Focuses on the act of keeping control, implying a continuous effort.

preserved power

Emphasizes the preservation of power, suggesting a focus on preventing its loss.

held onto authority

Highlights the act of clinging to authority, implying resistance to relinquishing it.

kept jurisdiction

Specifically refers to maintaining legal or administrative control over an area or matter.

possessed dominion

Implies ownership and control, suggesting a strong and established authority.

exercised control

Focuses on the active use of control, emphasizing the practical application of authority.

retained command

Emphasizes the maintenance of leadership and the ability to give orders.

held sway

Suggests influence and persuasive power, rather than direct control.

preserved influence

Focuses on keeping influence intact, even without direct authority.

upheld dominance

Emphasizes the act of defending a position of power and control.

FAQs

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

You can use "retained authority" to describe a situation where an individual, group, or organization has kept a certain level of control or power. For example, "Despite delegating tasks, the manager "retained authority" over all final decisions."

What does "retained authority" mean?

"Retained authority" signifies that someone or something has maintained control or power, even after changes or delegation.

What are some alternatives to "retained authority"?

Alternatives include "maintained control", "preserved power", or "held onto authority". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "retained authority" or "maintained authority"?

Both "retained authority" and "maintained authority" are grammatically correct. "Retained" implies a previous possession of authority, while "maintained" simply suggests a continuous state. The choice depends on whether the authority was held before.