be maintained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be maintained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the necessity of keeping something in a certain condition or state. Example: "For the system to function properly, it must be maintained regularly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Will access be maintained?

The Guardian

Standards must be maintained.

The Guardian - Opinion

Serenity cannot always be maintained.

The New Yorker

Status quo cannot be maintained.

The Guardian

Can it be maintained or even improved?

Independent

But how could that enthusiasm be maintained?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

today are maintained".

The New York Times

Confidence has been maintained.

The Guardian

But decorum was maintained.

The New York Times

"They're maintained muscle cars".

The New York Times

Buildings were maintained more regularly.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be maintained", ensure the subject of the sentence clearly indicates what is being kept in a certain condition. For example, "System security must be maintained" is clearer than "Security must be maintained."

Common error

Avoid using "be maintained" in sentences where it's unclear who or what is responsible for the maintenance. Instead of saying "Cleanliness must be maintained", specify "Staff must ensure cleanliness is maintained."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be maintained" primarily functions as a passive verb construction. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage, indicating that something is kept in a specific condition through the action of an unspecified agent, as seen in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

34%

TechCrunch

7%

Less common in

Huffington Post

4%

Wikipedia

2%

Forbes

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be maintained" is a versatile passive verb construction used to emphasize the necessity of preserving a certain condition or standard. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and very common across various contexts, including news, science, and business. When using "be maintained", it's important to clearly identify what is being kept in a certain state and who or what is responsible for the maintenance. Alternatives such as "be preserved" or "be sustained" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Understanding these nuances will help you use "be maintained" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be preserved

Emphasizes keeping something in its original condition or state.

be upheld

Implies supporting and defending a principle or standard.

be sustained

Focuses on providing what is needed for something to continue to exist or function.

be kept up

Suggests maintaining a certain level or standard through continuous effort.

be conserved

Highlights the careful use of resources to prevent depletion.

be retained

Implies keeping something that might otherwise be lost or removed.

be continued

Focuses on the uninterrupted progression of something.

be prolonged

Suggests extending the duration of something.

be supported

Implies providing assistance or resources to ensure continuation.

be perpetuated

Focuses on ensuring something continues indefinitely, often across generations.

FAQs

How can I use "be maintained" in a sentence?

Use "be maintained" to indicate that something needs to be kept in a specific condition or state. For instance, "The equipment should be maintained regularly" suggests regular upkeep is necessary.

What are some alternatives to "be maintained"?

You can use alternatives like "be preserved", "be upheld", or "be sustained", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "be maintained" and "be preserved"?

"Be maintained" implies regular upkeep to keep something in good working order, while "be preserved" suggests keeping something in its original condition, often to prevent damage or decay.

Is it better to use "be maintained" or "should be maintained"?

Both are grammatically correct. "Be maintained" is more direct, while "should be maintained" adds a sense of recommendation or obligation. The choice depends on the context.