retains authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retains authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone or something that continues to have power, control, or influence over a situation or group. Example: "Despite the changes in management, the original founder still retains authority over the company's vision and direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

As part of the deal, the new political entity will exercise a degree of autonomy in governing Mindanao while the national government retains authority over defense and security, foreign policy, monetary policy and citizenship matters.

The New York Times

The administration said it "retains authority to make the final decision" on rates if it finds that a state acted in an arbitrary or capricious way in denying a rate increase sought by a nationwide health plan.

The New York Times - Health

While federal law applies to both parts of the insanity definition, Mr. Clement said in his brief, "the United States has an interest in ensuring that Congress retains authority to revise the standard".

The New York Times

"Californians are best served by inclusive energy policy and by a legislative body that retains authority on issues so critically important to jobs, communities and our way of life," she said in a statement at the time.

The Guardian

Like other federal agencies, the VA cannot accept private money; it has relied on the institute for almost 30 years to manage such financial arrangements, although it retains authority over the money.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 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

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

The government controls the area around the capital, Freetown, while the rebels retain authority in the north and east.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. While broadly applicable, it often appears in discussions of government, organizational structure, or legal frameworks.

Common error

Avoid using "retains authority" if the subject never possessed the authority in the first place. Use "gains authority" or "assumes authority" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retains authority" functions as a verb phrase, where "retains" is the verb indicating the action of keeping or maintaining something, and "authority" is the noun representing the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "retains authority" is a grammatically sound and usable English expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, to indicate the continuation of power or control. While suitable for formal contexts like news and academic writing, it's essential to ensure the subject previously possessed the authority in question. Alternatives such as "maintains control" or "holds power" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Keep in mind that various source types and frequencies exist for this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintains control

This alternative suggests ongoing management and direction instead of solely possessing power.

keeps control

Similar to "maintains control", but slightly less formal.

preserves control

Emphasizes the act of actively safeguarding existing control.

holds power

A more general term indicating possession of power, lacking the nuance of continued possession.

exercises control

Focuses on the active use of authority rather than simply possessing it.

continues to govern

Implies ongoing leadership and direction, especially suitable for political contexts.

remains in charge

A more informal way to express continued leadership.

still has power

A simpler and more direct way of saying that power is maintained.

upholds jurisdiction

Suggests the continued maintenance of legal or territorial rights.

asserts dominance

Suggests active and forceful maintenance of authority.

FAQs

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

You can use "retains authority" to describe someone or something that continues to have power or control. For instance, "The French government "retains authority" over defense and internal security."

What are some alternatives to "retains authority"?

Alternatives include "maintains control", "holds power", or "keeps control". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it grammatically correct to say "retains authority"?

Yes, "retains authority" is grammatically correct. The verb "retains" agrees with a singular subject, and "authority" is a noun. Ludwig AI also confirms that this expression is usable in written English.

What does "retains authority" imply?

"Retains authority" implies that the subject previously had authority and continues to possess it. This is different from gaining authority for the first time.