retains control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retains control" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the ability to maintain authority or influence over a situation, organization, or group. Example: "Despite the challenges faced by the company, the CEO retains control over the strategic direction of the business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

WHO retains control of the Senate?

The New York Times

And he retains control of the building's commercial spaces.

The New York Times

"The regime retains control, but can't put out the opposition.

The New York Times

The army retains control over foreign policy and domestic security.

The Economist

Since the actual message remains on the BigString server, the sender retains control over the document.

The New York Times - Tech

One reason is that Mr. Anderson now retains control over the rights to his music.

The New York Times

The host also retains control over the session and can add or remove participants as needed.

MIT Technology Review

Museveni retains control of the most important institution in Uganda; the army.

The Guardian

Mr. Nydes, who retains control of the defunct label, did not respond to requests for comment.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The family retains control and they don't sell out," says Smith.

The Guardian

"It retains control for the publisher in terms of how books should be used," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "retains control", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being controlled and the extent of that control. For instance, specify whether it's control over resources, decisions, or personnel.

Common error

Avoid using "retains control" when the actual influence is minimal or shared. Instead, opt for phrases like "has some influence" or "plays a role" to more accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retains control" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the continuation of authority or influence. It's commonly used to describe the ongoing state of having power over something, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

16%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "retains control" is a very common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate the continuation of authority or influence. Ludwig's analysis confirms its frequent usage in news and media, formal business settings, and academic contexts. The phrase is generally neutral in tone, though its register can vary depending on the specific source. Alternatives such as "maintains authority" or "holds power" can be used depending on the desired nuance. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintains authority

Emphasizes the consistent possession of authority.

holds power

Focuses on the possession of power, often in a political or organizational context.

preserves influence

Highlights the act of keeping influence intact over time.

keeps command

Suggests maintaining a position of leadership and giving orders.

exercises dominance

Implies a more forceful and overt display of control.

secures dominance

Emphasizes the act of ensuring continued dominance.

upholds sovereignty

Relates specifically to a nation or state maintaining its independence and authority.

governs effectively

Highlights the ability to rule or manage something well.

directs operations

Focuses on maintaining control over specific activities or processes.

supervises affairs

Indicates overseeing and controlling ongoing matters or business.

FAQs

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

You can use "retains control" to indicate that someone or something continues to have authority or influence over something. For example, "Despite the merger, the founder "retains control" of the company's direction."

What are some alternatives to "retains control"?

Some alternatives to "retains control" include "maintains authority", "holds power", or "preserves influence", depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "retains control" or "maintains control"?

Both "retains control" and "maintains control" are correct and often interchangeable. "Retains" implies keeping something already possessed, while "maintains" suggests continuous effort to keep something at a certain level. Choose the one that better fits the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when someone "retains control" after a significant change?

When someone "retains control" after a significant change, it means that despite alterations in circumstances, they continue to hold the power or authority to make decisions or influence outcomes. This might occur after a merger, restructuring, or leadership transition.