are being maintained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are being maintained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is currently in the process of being kept in a certain state or condition. Example: "The records are being maintained to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If a library's being closed, for example, make it clear which library services are being maintained and how.

The Guardian

Traceability may be important for ensuring that economic sanctions against country X are being maintained.

The Guardian

Studies by the QCA say exam standards are being maintained despite year-on-year increases in the pass rate.

The Guardian

I want parents, universities, employers and young people themselves to be confident that exam standards are being maintained".

The Guardian

The priority for the council is to know that services are being delivered appropriately and service levels are being maintained.

The Guardian

But the bottom line is that the public must be confident that law and order are being maintained.

The Guardian - Opinion

POLICE and ambulance services are working together; waterways are being maintained jointly; tourism boards are running shared campaigns.

The Economist

For decades, governments have allowed officials from the organization to report on the treatment of detainees, to insure that standards set by international treaties are being maintained.

The New Yorker

"I know that for now, such rights are being maintained," said Scott Brown, a Houston lawyer who handles Enron's trademark applications.

The New York Times

If the value of a sample mean is within the control limits, the process can be continued under the assumption that the quality standards are being maintained.

Britannica

I went to a party...significant variations elude me, vodka exhausts me, I was young once, essential services are being maintained.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are being maintained" to emphasize an ongoing process of preservation or upkeep. This phrasing is especially useful when describing systems, standards, or conditions that require continuous effort to sustain.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive constructions like "are being maintained" in your writing. While grammatically correct, excessive use of the passive voice can make your writing sound weak and less direct. Opt for active voice where appropriate to create a more impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are being maintained" functions as a verb phrase in the passive progressive form. It indicates an ongoing action, where something is currently undergoing a process of upkeep or preservation. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

38%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are being maintained" is a versatile and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe an ongoing process of preservation or upkeep. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific research. While common, it's important to avoid overuse of the passive voice for clearer and more impactful writing. Considering alternatives such as "are currently preserved" or "are actively sustained" can enhance writing by providing nuanced emphasis and avoiding redundancy. It is important to remember that choosing between "are being maintained" and "are maintained" depends on whether one wishes to emphasize the ongoing effort or the overall condition. This ensures accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are currently preserved

Focuses on the present state of preservation using "currently" for emphasis.

are actively sustained

Emphasizes ongoing effort to keep something in its current state using "actively".

are consistently upheld

Highlights the regularity and reliability of the maintenance using "consistently".

are diligently preserved

Focuses on the careful and thorough approach to maintenance using "diligently".

are regularly serviced

Implies periodic checks and repairs to keep something functioning using "serviced".

are continually supported

Stresses the ongoing backing and resources provided using "continually".

are properly looked after

Uses a more informal tone to convey the idea of careful attention and care using "looked after".

are kept in good condition

Highlights the state of preservation rather than the act of maintaining using "kept in good condition".

are under active conservation

Emphasizes the preservation of something from damage or loss using "conservation".

are in a state of preservation

Focuses on the resultant state of being maintained, highlighting the preserved condition using "state of preservation".

FAQs

How can I use "are being maintained" in a sentence?

The phrase "are being maintained" is used to describe something that is currently in the process of being kept in a certain condition. For example, "The records "are being maintained" to ensure accuracy".

What are some alternatives to "are being maintained"?

You can use alternatives like "are currently preserved", "are actively sustained", or "are consistently upheld" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are being maintained" or "are maintained"?

"Are being maintained" implies an ongoing process, while "are maintained" suggests a general or habitual state. The correct choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the continuous effort or the overall condition.

What's the difference between "are being maintained" and "were being maintained"?

"Are being maintained" indicates that the maintenance is happening now, in the present. "Were being maintained" indicates that the maintenance was happening in the past.