I maintained that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I maintained that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to assert or emphasize a belief, opinion, or argument that you have consistently held. Example: "During the debate, I maintained that climate change is a pressing issue that requires immediate action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Aha! Investment – I maintained – that could just as easily have been boosted if you'd built a giant tomato, or a 35 metre-high Tunnock's Tea Cake.

Independent

I maintained that "football is so uncivilized".

The New York Times

I maintained that his falling for me meant nothing about our possibilities as a couple.

The New York Times

Maddy and I maintained that the shock of cold water stimulates the heart; Sophie said she could do that by walking.

The Guardian - Travel

Don't tell him you lived alone in Africa; Indian girls don't do that!" I maintained that the final decision on my life partner was solely mine.

The New York Times

"I maintained that through most of my career until the grass got so good that it didn't really matter a whole lot.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"If you say 'I will keep this and exterminate that', I maintain that's not a morally proper position.

The Guardian

And I maintain that is where the joy of making music is as well.

Huffington Post

And I maintain that that is a healthy, honest laugh.

The New Yorker

But I maintain that the Tooth Fairy is real".

The New York Times

But I maintain that it belongs on the list.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I maintained that", ensure the context provides sufficient background on the original statement for clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "I maintained that" within a single piece of writing. Vary your phrasing with alternatives like "I asserted that" or "I insisted that" to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I maintained that" is to introduce a clause that expresses a previously held belief, assertion, or argument. It serves as a verb phrase with "I" as the subject and "maintained" as the verb, followed by a 'that' clause. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I maintained that" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express a previously held belief or argument, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's most frequently encountered in news and media contexts, carrying a neutral tone suitable for professional discussions. While effective for emphasizing consistency, overuse should be avoided by varying phrasing with alternatives like "I asserted that" or "I insisted that". Remember to provide sufficient context for clarity and impact when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I asserted that

Replaces 'maintained' with 'asserted', emphasizing a confident and forceful declaration.

I contended that

Uses 'contended' instead of 'maintained', suggesting a defense of an argument.

I insisted that

Replaces 'maintained' with 'insisted', conveying a strong and unwavering stance.

I upheld that

Uses 'upheld' instead of 'maintained', indicating a defense or support of a previous statement.

I affirmed that

Replaces 'maintained' with 'affirmed', suggesting a formal declaration of truth.

I declared that

Uses 'declared' instead of 'maintained', indicating a public or formal announcement.

I professed that

Replaces 'maintained' with 'professed', conveying a belief or feeling that is openly stated.

I held that

Uses 'held' instead of 'maintained', implying a firm belief or opinion.

I stood by that

Replaces "maintained" with "stood by", emphasizing unwavering support for a previous statement.

I advocated that

Uses 'advocated' instead of 'maintained', suggesting a public support or recommendation.

FAQs

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

Use "I maintained that" to emphasize a point you've consistently held, as in, "Throughout the discussion, I maintained that the budget cuts would negatively impact our department."

What's a good alternative to "I maintained that"?

Alternatives include "I asserted that", "I contended that", or "I insisted that", each varying slightly in the level of emphasis and formality.

Is it correct to say "I maintain that" instead of "I maintained that"?

Yes, "I maintain that" is the present tense form, suitable for expressing a current belief. "I maintained that" is past tense, used to refer to a belief held in the past.

What is the difference between "I argued that" and "I maintained that"?

"I argued that" implies a discussion or debate where you presented reasons for your view. "I maintained that" suggests you consistently held the same view, possibly even before the discussion, and continued to do so during and after.