to maintain authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to maintain authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the need to uphold or preserve power, control, or influence in a particular context. Example: "The manager implemented strict policies to maintain authority over the team and ensure productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

In 1994, Dr. Plum said Nixon's living will allowed the former president to maintain authority over how his life ended.

The New York Times

They are relying heavily on force and intimidation, arrests, prison terms, censorship, even execution, to maintain authority.

The New York Times

She's trying to maintain authority and clarity while at the same time coping with serious emotional demons".

Independent

Panel leaders are also leaders: they need to be able to maintain authority and control the panel but in a friendly, motivating and efficient manner.

Sensory Panel Management A Practical Handbook for Recruitment, Training and Performance

Kynaston says that while it's obviously important to maintain authority by practising what you preach, it's equally important not to alienate people.

The Guardian

Scholars have suggested that these massive and expensive constructions served a monumental and symbolic function in Jai Singh's effort to maintain authority in the region.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Initial incarnations of the Klan used intimidation and violence to oppose the extension of civil liberties to blacks, maintain authority over black laborers and enforce their beliefs of white supremacy during Reconstruction, the years after the Civil War when the North occupied the South and briefly attempted to introduce more equitable practices.

Huffington Post

The Library also relies on the MARS service to help maintain authority control in ORBIS.

Yale University

In such contexts, sexual harassment may, in fact, be one of many tactics deployed to assert and maintain authority.

Harvard Business Review

The term classroom structure refers to how teachers design tasks, maintain authority, and evaluate student achievement.

Journal of School Psychology

Although these registrars are located in many countries, ICANN -- as the organization responsible for implementing policies related to gTLDs -- maintains authority over them.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to maintain authority", ensure the context clearly defines the scope and legitimacy of the authority in question. Transparency in communication is key to its ethical application.

Common error

Avoid actions that appear overly dictatorial or suppress dissent under the guise of "maintaining authority". Balance control with fairness and respect for individual rights.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to maintain authority" serves as an infinitive phrase, functioning primarily as an adverbial of purpose. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it explains the reason or intention behind an action, often indicating efforts aimed at preserving existing power or control.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Science

12%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to maintain authority" functions as a purpose connector, commonly used in news, academic, and encyclopedia contexts. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and expresses the intent to preserve control or influence. While ethical considerations depend on context, writers should avoid confusing authority with authoritarianism. Alternatives include "to preserve authority" and "to uphold authority". This analysis provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and appropriately using the phrase "to maintain authority".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to preserve authority

Focuses on keeping authority intact, emphasizing preventing loss or degradation.

to uphold authority

Emphasizes supporting and defending authority, often in the face of challenges.

to retain control

Highlights the act of keeping control, suggesting a more direct and hands-on approach.

to preserve power

Shifts the focus to the broader concept of power, rather than the specific structure of authority.

to keep command

Implies maintaining a position of leadership and direction.

to sustain influence

Highlights the continuation of having an effect or impact.

to secure dominance

Focuses on ensuring a position of superiority or control.

to protect leadership

Emphasizes safeguarding the role and function of leading.

to enforce dominance

Implies actively ensuring that dominance is recognized and obeyed.

to perpetuate control

Focuses on ensuring that control continues indefinitely.

FAQs

How can I use "to maintain authority" in a sentence?

You can use "to maintain authority" when describing actions taken to preserve control or influence, such as "The government implemented new policies "to maintain authority" over the region".

What are some alternatives to "to maintain authority"?

Alternatives include "to preserve authority", "to uphold authority", or "to retain control", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always positive to aim "to maintain authority"?

Not necessarily. The phrase itself is neutral, but the ethical implications depend on the context and the methods used. If it involves suppressing dissent or violating rights, it can be negative.

What's the difference between "to maintain authority" and "to exert authority"?

"To maintain authority" implies preserving existing control, while "to exert authority" suggests actively using or demonstrating one's power.