I have maintained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'I have maintained' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to emphasize that something has been kept up or sustained over a period of time. For example: "I have maintained my high grades throughout college, and I'm proud of my accomplishment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Since that time I have maintained my innocence.

The Guardian - Business

For almost 20 years, I have maintained my own company.

The Guardian

With this in mind, I have maintained an open mind.

The Guardian - Opinion

Within my sphere, I have maintained a steady kind of exterior path, outside of the mainstream.

The New York Times

In my case, I have maintained my innocence throughout and pleaded not guilty to both FA charges.

The Guardian - Sport

"He has confirmed what I have maintained all along: that no crime was committed," Mr Najib said in a statement.

Independent

Although I left this area in 1987, I have maintained a home at the shore since 1983.

The New York Times

"From Day 1 I have maintained my innocence," he said, "because I had absolutely nothing to do with the attacks on my parents.

The New York Times

She moved out three years later, and for the last 24 years I have maintained the house and paid the mortgage.

The New York Times

When I moved in, my apartment had a TV antenna on the roof, and I have maintained the antenna ever since.

The New York Times

As shadow police minister I made a point of constructive policy discussion with chief constables, including Mr West – a practice I have maintained as minister.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I have maintained" to express consistency in beliefs, actions, or conditions over a period. For example, "I have maintained my workout routine despite my busy schedule."

Common error

Avoid using "I have maintained" when a passive voice construction is more appropriate. For example, instead of "I have maintained the building in good condition", consider "The building has been maintained in good condition".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I have maintained" functions primarily as a declarative statement, indicating the speaker's consistent adherence to a belief, condition, or practice over a period. This is consistent with Ludwig AI's analysis of its usage. Examples from Ludwig show it used in contexts such as maintaining innocence, maintaining a position, or maintaining relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I have maintained" is a versatile phrase used to express consistency and continuity of a belief, action, or condition. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various writing contexts. It's frequently found in news, science, and formal communications, reflecting its neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects your intent to convey stability and commitment, and consider alternatives like "I have upheld" or "I have asserted" for nuanced meanings. The best practice is to use it when you want to highlight a continuing action or belief despite potential challenges or changes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I have upheld

Focuses on adhering to principles or standards.

I have asserted

Emphasizes a strong declaration or defense of a belief.

I have contended

Highlights arguing or stating a point of view persistently.

I have insisted

Stresses firmness and persistence in stating a position.

I have always held

Indicates a long-standing belief or opinion.

I have kept up

Highlights the act of continuing a practice or activity.

I have preserved

Implies protecting or keeping something intact over time.

I have sustained

Focuses on providing support or keeping something going.

I have retained

Emphasizes keeping possession of something.

I have defended

Highlights protecting a belief or position against opposition.

FAQs

How can I use "I have maintained" in a sentence?

The phrase "I have maintained" is used to express that you have consistently upheld a certain belief, action, or condition over a period of time. For example, "I have maintained my position on this issue since the beginning."

What are some alternatives to "I have maintained"?

You can use alternatives like "I have upheld", "I have asserted", or "I have always held" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "I have maintained" or "I maintained"?

"I have maintained" implies a continuous action or state that started in the past and continues to the present. "I maintained" refers to a past action that may or may not be continuing. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the duration and current status of the action.

What's the difference between "I have maintained" and "I have retained"?

"I have maintained" suggests upholding or continuing something, whereas "I have retained" implies keeping possession of something. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing consistency or possession.