are to maintain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are to maintain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a requirement or expectation for someone or something to keep or uphold a certain standard or condition. Example: "The employees are to maintain a professional demeanor at all times while representing the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are to maintain a registry and check IDs.

The New York Times

That's simply unsupportable if we are to maintain a vibrant, growing economy.

The New York Times - Magazine

"If we are to maintain our institutional prerogative, that may be the only way we can do it".

The New York Times

The Patriots know they must win if they are to maintain any hope of snatching the conference's top seed.

The Guardian - Sport

Our manufacturing decline is unsustainable if we are to maintain the standard of living we're used to.

The Guardian - Opinion

In today's society, where there is greater transparency, you need, whoever you are, to maintain and develop your reputation.

The Guardian - Tech

But if we are to maintain our survival in the modern world we cannot retain that tradition".

The Guardian - Film

The challenges going forward are to maintain sales momentum amid tough competition and to successfully integrate Digital into Compaq.

The New York Times

One-quarter of the Pentagon's $290 billion in outlays this year are to maintain U.S. troops in Europe.

The New York Times

People expect you to stay how you are, to maintain the status quo, to stay the course.

The New York Times

Other ways to reduce your cardiovascular risks are to maintain a healthy weight and be physically active.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are to maintain", ensure the subject clearly indicates who or what is responsible for maintaining the specified condition or standard. This clarifies expectations and responsibilities.

Common error

Avoid using "are to maintain" in overly casual or informal writing; opt for simpler phrases like "need to keep" or "should hold onto" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are to maintain" functions as a modal construction indicating obligation, necessity, or instruction. It expresses that a certain action of maintaining something is required or expected. As Ludwig AI confirms, this structure is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are to maintain" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that conveys a sense of obligation or necessity to keep something in a specific condition. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, primarily in news, academic writing and scientific literature, due to its relatively neutral tone. While versatile, it's best to avoid using it in very informal contexts where simpler alternatives might be more fitting. Remember to ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Using alternatives such as "need to preserve", "should uphold" or "must safeguard" can help you to fine-tune the meaning of your sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

need to preserve

Focuses on the act of keeping something in its original state, emphasizing conservation.

must preserve

Emphasizes a strong necessity to maintain something in its current condition.

should uphold

Highlights the obligation to support or defend something, often a principle or law.

have to safeguard

Highlights the necessity to protect something from harm or damage.

must safeguard

Emphasizes a strong obligation to protect something from potential threats.

should preserve

Suggests a recommended action to maintain something in its current form.

must uphold

Highlights a firm requirement to maintain or defend something.

have to conserve

Stresses the need to use resources carefully to prevent depletion.

need to conserve

Indicates a requirement to use resources wisely to ensure availability for the future.

should conserve

Implies a recommendation to use resources carefully to ensure their long-term availability.

FAQs

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

Use "are to maintain" to indicate a necessity or obligation to keep something in a particular state. For example, "Employees "are to maintain" a professional attitude at all times".

What are some alternatives to "are to maintain"?

Alternatives include "must preserve", "should uphold", or "need to safeguard" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "are to maintain" formal or informal?

"Are to maintain" leans towards a more formal register, making it suitable for professional, academic, or official contexts. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "are to maintain" and "have to maintain"?

"Are to maintain" often implies a rule, instruction, or official expectation, whereas "have to maintain" suggests a personal necessity or obligation. The former is more formal and directive.