to maintain order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to maintain order" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in contexts where you are discussing the need to keep things organized, structured, or under control. Example: "The committee was established to maintain order during the event and ensure everything ran smoothly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They have an obligation to maintain order".

The Guardian

And so does Ms. Kiester's need to maintain order.

The New York Times

Uniformed soldiers beat people with truncheons to maintain order.

The New York Times

The state government has struggled to maintain order.

The New York Times

Afghan authorities have limited ability to maintain order and ensure security.

The New York Times

Mr. Patterson said security forces would be at the funeral to maintain order.

The New York Times

But, to maintain order, they must impose absolute unity in the cell.

The New Yorker

The use of restraint to maintain order has generated concern because it is unlawful and dangerous.

The Guardian - Opinion

What organizations or people help to maintain order and safety in this nation?

The New York Times

But the A.F.L.-C.I.O. will have peacekeepers in the area to try to maintain order.

The New York Times

Protest leaders will be tested on their ability to maintain order in the ranks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to maintain order", ensure the context clearly defines what 'order' entails. For example, specify whether it refers to social order, classroom order, or system order.

Common error

Avoid using "to maintain order" without specifying what constitutes 'order' in your context. Ambiguity can lead to misinterpretation. Instead of saying 'The police are there to maintain order', specify 'The police are there to maintain public order during the protest'.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to maintain order" is as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose or intention. It often modifies a verb, explaining why an action is being taken. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe the reason for deploying troops, hiring security, or implementing policies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

17%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to maintain order" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression signifying the goal of keeping a situation stable and controlled. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and highlights its prevalence across diverse contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and academic writing. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the nature of 'order' you aim to preserve, and consider alternatives like "to preserve stability" or "to ensure compliance" to refine your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to preserve stability

Emphasizes the act of keeping something stable and preventing it from changing or deteriorating.

to maintain discipline

Highlights upholding and enforcing rules and standards of behavior.

to keep under control

Implies managing or limiting something to prevent it from escalating or becoming problematic.

to establish control

Focuses on the initial act of gaining authority or dominance over a situation.

to ensure compliance

Focuses on making certain that rules, laws, or standards are followed.

to keep things in check

Suggests monitoring and restraining actions or behaviors to prevent issues.

to enforce regulations

Highlights the active implementation of rules and regulations through authority.

to regulate affairs

Implies the governance and management of activities or events.

to uphold the law

Stresses the importance of supporting and defending the legal system.

to superintend operations

Focuses on managing and overseeing activities, especially in a work environment.

FAQs

How can "to maintain order" be used in a sentence?

The phrase "to maintain order" is typically used to describe actions taken to keep a situation under control or to prevent chaos. For example, "Security personnel were hired "to maintain order" during the event".

What are some alternatives to "to maintain order"?

Alternatives include "to preserve stability", "to ensure compliance", or "to enforce regulations", depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to specify what type of order is being maintained when using "to maintain order"?

While not always strictly necessary, specifying the type of order (e.g., public order, social order) can enhance clarity and prevent misinterpretations.

In what situations is "to maintain order" most appropriately used?

The phrase "to maintain order" is suitable in contexts where there is a need to keep things structured, controlled, and organized, such as in law enforcement, event management, or organizational governance.