retained control over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retained control over" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing authority, management, or oversight in various contexts, such as business, governance, or personal situations. Example: "Despite the changes in leadership, the board of directors retained control over the company's strategic direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Democrats also retained control over both houses of the legislature.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

Yet as parts have become more sophisticated, Japan has retained control over production.

The New York Times

The UK retained control over its troops in their policing operations, and they were subject to European court obligations.

The Guardian

In 1987 a jury ruled in favor of the Marley estate, which retained control over the disputed songs.

The New York Times - Arts

In some buildings, for example, the conversion sponsor may have retained control over the parking garage under a "sweetheart lease".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "retained control over", ensure the context clearly indicates what was previously under control and why maintaining that control is significant.

Common error

Avoid using "retained control over" when the control is nominal or significantly diminished. If influence is minimal, consider alternatives like "maintained some influence over."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retained control over" functions as a verb phrase indicating the continuation of authority or management. It connects a subject with the action of maintaining power or oversight, as confirmed by Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

23%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "retained control over" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate the continuation of authority or management, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It finds frequent use in news reporting, encyclopedic entries, and academic papers. As highlighted by Ludwig, its function is to inform that power or oversight continues, and its register is generally neutral. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly shows what was previously controlled and the significance of maintaining that control. Related phrases include "maintained authority over" and "preserved command over".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintained authority over

Focuses on the aspect of authority being upheld.

preserved command over

Emphasizes the act of keeping command or direction.

kept a grip on

Implies a firm and sometimes tenacious hold on control.

held onto power over

Highlights the element of maintaining power.

exercised continued authority over

Stresses the active and ongoing application of authority.

oversaw continuously

Focuses on the unbroken supervision and direction.

sustained influence over

Highlights maintaining sway or persuasive power.

continued to govern

Emphasizes the act of governing or ruling without interruption.

managed to keep control of

Highlights the element of managing or handling a situation in order to maintain control.

remained in charge of

Implies that one is still holding their position.

FAQs

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

Use "retained control over" to indicate that someone or something has continued to have authority or management of something. For example: "The company "retained control over" its intellectual property despite the merger."

What are some alternatives to "retained control over"?

Some alternatives include "maintained authority over", "preserved command over", or "kept a grip on". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "retained control of" or "retained control over"?

"Retained control over" is generally preferred when specifying what is being controlled. "Retained control of" is acceptable but less common. For instance, "The government "retained control over" the natural resources" is more common than "retained control of the natural resources."

What does it mean to have "retained control over" something?

To have "retained control over" something means that you have continued to possess the power, right, or ability to direct or manage it. It implies a previous state of control that has not been relinquished.