could not maintain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could not maintain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the inability to keep or uphold something, such as a standard, condition, or relationship. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the company could not maintain its previous level of production."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the Red Storm could not maintain the momentum.

The New York Times - Sports

Wellheads were being destroyed, because they could not maintain pressure.

The Guardian

For once Pisacane could not maintain his composure.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a stranglehold Hibs could not maintain.

The Guardian - Sport

Seles could not maintain the momentum in the deciding set.

The New York Times - Sports

His body could not maintain sufficient body fat.

The New Yorker

The country could not maintain its previous population density.

Britannica

The track team, however, could not maintain its standing.

The New York Times - Sports

Alas, the earmuff could not maintain its cachet.

The New York Times - Magazine

He could not maintain faith in what he held.

Independent

But, of course, he could not maintain a bill for a mere declaration in the air.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could not maintain", ensure that the subject and object are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what "could not maintain": "The company could not maintain its market share" is clearer than "The company could not maintain".

Common error

Avoid using "could not maintain" with abstract nouns when a different verb would be more appropriate. For instance, instead of "could not maintain happiness", consider "could not sustain happiness" or "could not preserve happiness".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could not maintain" functions as a verb phrase indicating an inability to continue or sustain something. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use across various contexts to express the failure to preserve a state, condition, or action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could not maintain" is a versatile verb phrase used to express the inability to continue or sustain something. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and widespread use in various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic content. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal writing. Alternatives include "could not sustain" and "were unable to continue". Remember to use the phrase with clearly defined subjects and objects to avoid ambiguity, and avoid using it with abstract nouns when a more specific verb is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could not sustain

Focuses on the inability to keep something going over a period.

could not preserve

Highlights the failure to keep something in its original condition.

could not retain

Emphasizes the inability to keep or hold onto something.

failed to uphold

Emphasizes the inability to maintain a standard or principle.

could not manage

Emphasizes the lack of ability to handle or control a situation.

were unable to continue

Focuses on the lack of capacity to proceed or persist.

could not survive

Focuses on the inability to continue existing or functioning.

could not safeguard

Highlights the failure to protect something from harm or damage.

could not conserve

Highlights the failure to use resources carefully and avoid waste.

could not stay

Focuses on the inability to remain in a particular state or place.

FAQs

How can I use "could not maintain" in a sentence?

The phrase "could not maintain" indicates an inability to keep something at a certain level or standard. For example, "The team "could not maintain" their lead in the second half" or "The government "could not maintain" control over the region".

What are some alternatives to "could not maintain"?

Alternatives to "could not maintain" include "could not sustain", "could not preserve", or "were unable to continue" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "could not maintained" instead of "could not maintain"?

No, "could not maintained" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "could not maintain", where "maintain" is the base form of the verb following the modal verb "could".

What is the difference between "could not maintain" and "could not obtain"?

"Could not maintain" implies a failure to keep something that was already present, while "could not obtain" implies a failure to acquire something new. For example, you could not maintain a high score, but you could not obtain a new job.