to retain command

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to retain command" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is discussing maintaining control or authority over a situation or group. Example: "In order to successfully lead the team, it is essential to retain command during challenging times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

South Korean leaders say they want to retain command of their forces at all times.

The New York Times

However, Edwards preferred to retain command of his brigade and to return to the Army of the Potomac.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Economists complain that Vietnam has plenty of tiny mom-and-pop outfits and big state-owned or foreign-invested firms, but nothing in between.That does not seem to bother the government, which is keen to retain control of the commanding heights of the economy.

The Economist

Not Stalin himself could have governed with such whimsy, or lurched, ideologically, politically, strategically, from one extreme to another with quite such ease, regularity, and disastrous consequences, and yet still, incredibly, retain command to the end.

The Guardian

Godley would retain command of the NZEF for the duration of the war, making regular reports to James Allen, the New Zealand Minister of Defence.

Wikipedia

Samuel Ramey is not so far past, though, and he should retain command of the title role.

The New York Times - Arts

He promised the UN that a French general would retain command of the force.

The Economist

Last month the GC agreed that American generals should retain command of Iraq's security forces after June 30th.

The Economist

The body of the boy was discovered in the rural Panjwai district of Kandahar Province in the south, where the Taliban retain command of some areas despite regular clearing operations by American and Afghan forces.

The New York Times

Of particular note was an early conflict with Georgia's state government, which insisted that the governor of that state retain command of the state's militia during military engagements.

Wikipedia

According to Gilchrist et al. [ 10], in retention tasks, words tend to be grouped; they are not processed separately, and the same applies to the retaining command of the propositions.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about military or organizational hierarchies, use "to retain command" to emphasize the preservation of authority, especially during transitions or challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "to retain command" when simply referring to maintaining a task or process. The phrase is most appropriate when discussing leadership and control over people or resources.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to retain command" functions as an infinitive phrase often used to express purpose or intention. It highlights the objective of maintaining authority or control in a given situation. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to retain command" is a grammatically sound and usable English expression, primarily functioning to express the purpose of maintaining authority or control. While not exceedingly common, it finds relevance in news, wiki, and science contexts and as Ludwig AI confirms. Alternatives such as "to maintain control" or "to keep authority" offer similar meanings, while varying slightly in formality and scope. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended scope of leadership or hierarchical control for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to keep command

A shorter more direct version of the original query, slightly less formal.

to maintain control

Focuses on the act of keeping control, broader than just command.

to remain in control

Similar to maintaining control, but emphasizes continuity.

to keep authority

Emphasizes the preservation of power and authorization.

to hold onto leadership

Highlights the act of maintaining a leadership role.

to sustain authority

Suggests an effort to keep authority active and effective.

to preserve control

Stresses the act of ensuring control is not lost.

to continue to lead

Highlights the ongoing nature of leadership.

to uphold leadership

Emphasizes the act of supporting and defending a leadership position.

to stay in charge

An informal way to express maintaining a position of authority.

FAQs

How can I use "to retain command" in a sentence?

You can use "to retain command" when discussing the maintenance of authority or control, such as, "The general aimed "to retain command" of the troops during the critical mission."

What is a more formal alternative to "to retain command"?

A more formal alternative is "to maintain control". While "to retain command" is perfectly acceptable, "to maintain control" can sound more professional in certain contexts.

Is there a difference between "to retain command" and "to keep authority"?

While similar, "to retain command" specifically implies maintaining control within a structured organization or hierarchy, whereas "to keep authority" refers to maintaining power or right to give orders in a broader sense.

What are some situations where I might use "to retain command"?

You might use "to retain command" when discussing military strategies, organizational leadership transitions, or political power struggles, where maintaining control is paramount.