retained control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retained control" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone or an organization maintains authority or oversight over a situation or entity. Example: "Despite the changes in management, the board of directors retained control over the company's strategic direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Instead, Republicans retained control of the chamber.

The New York Times

This way she has retained control of the agenda.

The Guardian - Opinion

Democrats also retained control over both houses of the legislature.

The New York Times

The Methodists retained control of the university until 1914.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Russians retained control of the central Georgian city of Gori on Friday.

The New York Times

The General Services Administration retained control of the rest of the island.

The New York Times

It retained control over Iran's oil after the war through the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company.

The New York Times

"The Port Authority has retained control of all the common elements," Mr. DeCota said.

The New York Times

They retained control of one village but had failed to take the district center, he said.

The New York Times

But she retained control over her daydreams, always returning to the true note.

The New York Times

Westfield operated the concourse in the original trade center and retained control after the attack.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "retained control", ensure the context clearly indicates what was previously controlled and who is maintaining that control. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "retained control" with a singular subject when a plural subject is required. For example, instead of "The team retained control, even when they should have shared it" use something like "The team leader retained control, even when they should have shared it"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retained control" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as the predicate of a clause. It indicates the continuation of authority, possession, or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "retained control" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, that signifies the continuation of authority, possession, or influence. Predominantly found in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, it serves to inform about the maintenance of power or authority. While alternatives like "maintained authority" and "kept command" exist, using "retained control" effectively conveys stability and deliberate decision-making in various scenarios. When employing this phrase, ensure clear context and subject-verb agreement for enhanced clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintained authority

Emphasizes the continuation of power or right to govern.

kept command

Focuses on the act of holding onto a position of leadership or command.

held onto power

Highlights the effort involved in preserving control, especially in political contexts.

preserved authority

Stresses the act of safeguarding authority from potential loss.

sustained control

Implies an ongoing effort to keep control over time.

stayed in charge

A more informal way of expressing the continued holding of a leadership position.

continued to govern

Specifically refers to the act of ruling or managing affairs without interruption.

remained in power

Similar to "held onto power", but emphasizes the state of being in a position of influence.

exercised continued authority

Highlights the active use of power and control.

did not relinquish control

Focuses on the refusal to give up control, implying an active decision.

FAQs

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

You can use "retained control" to describe a situation where someone or something has maintained authority or possession, such as "The company "retained control" of its assets despite the merger".

What are some alternatives to "retained control"?

Alternatives include "maintained authority", "kept command", or "held onto power", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "retained control on" instead of "retained control of"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "retained control" is "of". The phrase is "retained control of" something, not "on" something.

What's the difference between "retained control" and "regained control"?

"Retained control" implies maintaining continuous control, while "regained control" suggests that control was lost at some point and then recovered.