ability to maintain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to maintain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's capacity or skill to keep or sustain something over time. Example: "Her ability to maintain a positive attitude in challenging situations is truly inspiring."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My ability to maintain eye contact is, apparently, horrendous.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Sanctions directly affect the state's ability to maintain a strong health infrastructure," Shin said.

The Guardian

Their ability to maintain that streak, however, decreases with each player they lose.

The New York Times - Sports

The United States' ability to maintain that status remains to be seen.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

America's ability to maintain a broadly democratic antiterrorist coalition will suffer gravely.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

Yet both expressed their awe at his ability to maintain his popularity among minority voters.

The New York Times

The ability to maintain their passion through adolescence is not a given, however.

The New Yorker

"The only control you have is the ability to maintain the discipline of the search".

The New York Times

Without the ability to maintain military pressure, Kissinger had very little leverage with the North Vietnamese.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific skill, follow "ability to maintain" with a clear and measurable object. For instance, "ability to maintain focus" is stronger than just "ability to maintain".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the "ability to maintain". Qualify claims with realistic expectations. Instead of "unlimited ability to maintain", use "ability to consistently maintain".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to maintain" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the capacity or skill to keep something in a particular state or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ability to maintain" is a grammatically correct and widely used noun phrase that describes the capacity to sustain or preserve something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it enjoys widespread use across various contexts, including news, science, and business. This makes it a versatile choice for expressing competence or potential in both formal and neutral settings. When using this phrase, it's best practice to follow it with a clear and measurable object, avoiding overstatements about the scope of the ability. Consider alternatives like "capacity to sustain" or "capability to preserve" to add nuance or formality. The frequent presence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and BBC highlights its reliability and acceptance in standard English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to sustain

Replaces "ability" with "capacity", emphasizing the potential to sustain.

capability to preserve

Substitutes "maintain" with "preserve", highlighting the act of keeping something intact.

potential to uphold

Uses "potential" instead of "ability", and "uphold" in place of "maintain", suggesting support and preservation.

power to retain

Replaces "ability" with "power", and "maintain" with "retain", focusing on keeping something.

skill at conserving

Emphasizes expertise in conserving resources or qualities.

aptitude for preserving

Highlights a natural inclination for keeping something safe and unchanged.

facility in sustaining

Focuses on ease and competence in keeping something going.

resources for continuing

Emphasizes having available resources to ensure continuity.

means of preserving

Focuses on the methods or instruments used to maintain something.

strength to continue

Highlights the necessary force or energy to maintain something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "ability to maintain" for a resume?

For a resume, you can use stronger action verbs or nouns such as "proficient at sustaining", "skilled in preserving", or "capable of upholding" depending on the specific skill you're describing. Ensure the phrasing is concise and impactful.

What are some synonyms for "ability to maintain" in a formal context?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "capacity to sustain", "capability to preserve", or "potential to uphold" to convey a more professional tone.

Is it more correct to say "ability to maintain" or "capability of maintaining"?

"Ability to maintain" and "capability of maintaining" are both grammatically correct, but "ability to maintain" is often preferred for its conciseness and directness. The choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

In what contexts is "ability to maintain" most commonly used?

The phrase "ability to maintain" is frequently used in professional, scientific, and news contexts to describe someone's capacity to sustain, preserve, or uphold certain standards, conditions, or relationships. For example, "ability to maintain order", "ability to maintain standards", or "ability to maintain relationships".