by maintaining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by maintaining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the action of keeping something in a particular state or condition. Example: "The company has succeeded by maintaining high standards of quality in its products."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And by maintaining this trade, it had "raised serious concerns".

The Guardian

Successful companies endure by maintaining simplicity at their core.

Harvard Business Review

He will keep it by maintaining a discreet posture.

The New York Times - Sports

Sally exemplified aging well by maintaining an active life.

The New York Times

The Baath Party has held power since 1963, in large part by maintaining aggressive domestic surveillance.

The New Yorker

4) Demonstrate the compassionate side of my Conservatism by maintaining the aid budget.

The Guardian - Opinion

But for some, there is little to be gained by maintaining a strategy that never was.

The New York Times

The Big East pulled off a coup by maintaining its Bowl Championship Series bid.

The New York Times - Sports

Insurance companies have responded by maintaining a constant and expensive presence in Albany.

The New York Times

Evans solved the beauty problem by maintaining a fascinating indifference toward his subjects.

The New York Times - Arts

Those businesses, as Paul argues, take a risk by maintaining, in this example, racist policies.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by maintaining", ensure the object being maintained is clearly defined, and the method of maintenance is apparent from the context. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "by maintaining" when the action involves significant changes or improvements rather than simply preserving an existing state. In such cases, alternatives like "by developing" or "by enhancing" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by maintaining" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a gerund phrase, specifying the method or means by which an action is performed or a result is achieved. Ludwig AI confirms this through various examples where it modifies verbs, explaining how something is accomplished.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by maintaining" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe how an action or result is achieved through consistent effort or preservation. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business writing. When using "by maintaining", clarity is key, so ensure the object of maintenance and method are apparent. Alternatives such as "by preserving" or "by sustaining" can offer nuanced variations, but understanding the subtle differences will refine your writing. Avoid using it when describing actions that significantly alter the state, as improving or developing would be more appropriate. This phrase is neutral in register and widely accepted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by preserving

Focuses on keeping something intact and unchanged over time.

by sustaining

Suggests providing support to keep something going or existing.

by retaining

Focuses on keeping something within one's possession or control.

through upholding

Implies a more active role in preserving standards or principles.

by stabilizing

Implies bringing something to a steady and secure state.

by conserving

Emphasizes careful use and avoidance of waste to ensure long-term availability.

by safeguarding

Highlights protective measures taken to ensure safety and security.

by defending

Suggests actively protecting something from attack or harm.

by administering

Focuses on the management and implementation of systems or processes.

through continuous support

Highlights the need for ongoing actions to ensure continuation.

FAQs

How can I use "by maintaining" in a sentence?

The phrase "by maintaining" is used to describe how a certain outcome is achieved through preserving a particular condition or action. For example, "The company improved its reputation "by maintaining" high ethical standards."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "by maintaining"?

Alternatives to "by maintaining" include phrases like "by preserving", "by sustaining", or "through upholding", each with slightly different connotations depending on the specific context.

Which is correct: "by maintaining stability" or "by achieving stability"?

Both phrases are correct but have different meanings. "By maintaining stability" suggests that stability already exists and is being preserved. "By achieving stability" implies that stability is being newly attained.

What's the difference between "by maintaining" and "by improving"?

"By maintaining" focuses on keeping something at its current state, while "by improving" suggests enhancing or making something better. For example, "By maintaining the equipment regularly, we prevent breakdowns," versus "By improving the design, we increased efficiency."