I would maintain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I would maintain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a belief or assertion that you intend to uphold or defend. Example: "In this debate, I would maintain that education is the key to social progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

I would maintain that an alliance between Catholics and Muslims is possible".

The New Yorker

I would maintain that this research does not have much direct, practical benefit to people's lives.

Cornell University

So I would maintain a mechanism via which innovative educators could create new schools.

The Guardian

And I would maintain that booing during a performance is playing dirty – it dampens everything that follows.

The New York Times

Yet I would maintain that we are still the same country that declared independence all those years ago.

The New York Times

Yet I would maintain that grounding the origins of human rights in these two respective approaches makes little practical difference.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

I'd maintain that smacking was a sort of cultural expression.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, I'd maintain that there's no need to cover the meat with water if you have a tight-fitting lid and a low enough heat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If you are against animals in captivity full stop then there is perhaps little scope for discussion, but even so I'd maintain that some of the following arguments (not least the threat of extinction) can outweigh arguments against captivity.

The Guardian

(I'd note that I have had similar dishes in Morocco itself though, so this may well be a perfectly reputable and authentic style of tagine). However, I'd maintain that there's no need to cover the meat with water if you have a tight-fitting lid and a low enough heat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Writers had used it before, but I'd maintain that Céline's great contribution to modern literature is the elevation of sarcasm, of a mordant, sneering cynicism (what the French call narquois) to an art form, a tone that would become a staple of late-20th-century writing, through to Johnny Rotten gurning at his audience.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I would maintain" to express a firm belief or assertion that you are prepared to defend. It's particularly useful in formal writing or debates to clearly state your position.

Common error

Avoid using "I would maintain" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "I think" or "I believe" are often more appropriate and sound less pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I would maintain" primarily functions as a declarative expression. It's used to introduce a statement that the speaker firmly believes to be true and is prepared to defend. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this function across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I would maintain" is a common phrase used to express a firm belief or assertion, often in situations where the speaker intends to defend that viewpoint. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to professional contexts, like news articles or academic papers, where a clear and confident expression of opinion is desired. When writing in a casual setting, consider using simpler alternatives such as "I think" or "I believe".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I argue

This suggests a reasoned presentation of evidence to support a claim.

I contend

This alternative offers a more formal and assertive tone.

I assert

Similar to 'I contend', this conveys a strong and confident declaration.

I uphold

This signifies supporting or defending a principle or position.

I defend

This conveys a more active stance in supporting a viewpoint.

I submit

This implies a respectful presentation of a view for consideration.

I posit

This introduces an idea or theory as a basis for reasoning.

I believe

This expresses a personal conviction or opinion.

I propose

This offers a suggestion or plan for consideration.

It is my position

This is a more formal way of stating one's stance.

FAQs

How to use "I would maintain" in a sentence?

Use "I would maintain" to express a firm belief or assertion that you are prepared to defend. For example, "I would maintain that education is the key to social progress".

What can I say instead of "I would maintain"?

You can use alternatives like "I argue", "I contend", or "I assert" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "I would maintain" or "I will maintain"?

"I would maintain" expresses a conditional or hypothetical assertion, while "I will maintain" expresses a future intention. The choice depends on whether you're stating a belief or a future action.

What's the difference between "I would maintain" and "I insist"?

"I would maintain" expresses a belief or opinion you're willing to defend. "I insist" implies demanding something or asserting a strong desire for something to happen. The former is about a viewpoint; the latter is about a demand or strong preference.