able to maintain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'able to maintain' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is capable of keeping something in its current state. For example, "The new policy was designed to ensure that the company was able to maintain its high standards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

What routines and rituals are you able to maintain?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You have to be able to maintain it.

The New York Times - Books

You need to be able to maintain situational awareness".

The New York Times

That's not something I've been able to maintain".

The Guardian - Arts

Were you able to maintain that throughout the season?

The New York Times

Yet India is still able to maintain phenomenal economic growth.

The New York Times

Suppose Gingrich had actually been able to maintain that commitment.

The New York Times

It's not clear why some couples are able to maintain romantic intensity even after years together.

The New York Times - Health

"For us it's about the rest of the city being able to maintain their routines.

The Guardian

This way you will be able to maintain them and harvest them regularly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I was able to maintain my composure and pull it through in the end," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "able to maintain", ensure the context clearly defines what is being maintained and why it's important. This adds clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "able to maintain" excessively in passive constructions, as it can lead to wordy and less engaging sentences. Instead, opt for active voice where possible to make your writing more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to maintain" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating the capacity or capability to keep something in a specific state or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is usable and correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Lifestyle

10%

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "able to maintain" is a versatile and correct phrase used to express the capacity to sustain or preserve something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and broad applicability make it suitable for diverse writing contexts. Frequent in news, scientific, and formal business settings, the phrase conveys competence and capability. When using "able to maintain", ensure clarity by specifying what is being maintained and why it's significant. Consider alternatives like "capable of maintaining" or "can sustain" to add variety to your writing, and avoid overuse in passive constructions to maintain a direct and impactful style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of maintaining

Replaces "able" with its synonym "capable", slightly altering the tone while keeping the core meaning intact.

can sustain

Uses "sustain" as a synonym for "maintain", implying continued support or endurance.

in a position to maintain

Emphasizes the state or condition that allows for maintenance, adding a bit more formality.

equipped to preserve

Shifts the focus slightly towards preservation, suggesting readiness and resources for keeping something intact.

have the capacity to uphold

Implies possessing the necessary power or ability to maintain, often in a more formal or official context.

in a state to conserve

Highlights the condition of being ready to conserve something, emphasizing resourcefulness.

fit to retain

Suggests suitability or appropriateness for keeping something, often used in contexts of holding onto possessions or qualities.

prepared to keep up

Focuses on readiness and effort to maintain something at a certain level or pace.

empowered to continue

Emphasizes the authorization or ability granted to maintain or continue something.

competent to safeguard

Highlights the skill and expertise required to maintain something securely and safely.

FAQs

How can I use "able to maintain" in a sentence?

You can use "able to maintain" to describe the capacity to keep something in a particular state, like "The company was "able to maintain" its market share despite increased competition".

What are some alternatives to "able to maintain"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "capable of maintaining", "can sustain", or "in a position to maintain".

Is there a difference between "able to maintain" and "likely to maintain"?

"Able to maintain" indicates a demonstrated capacity, whereas "likely to maintain" suggests a high probability based on current trends. One focuses on current capability, while the other predicts a future outcome.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "able to maintain"?

The phrase "able to maintain" is suitable in contexts where discussing the continuation of a state, condition, or standard is important, such as in business reports, scientific analyses, or personal development plans.