critics maintain that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "critics maintain that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a viewpoint or argument that is held by critics regarding a particular subject or issue. Example: "Critics maintain that the new policy will have negative effects on the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Liberal critics maintain that, as a matter of intellectual history, this is not correct.

SEP

Critics maintain that a simple popular vote would be a better way to elect a presidency.

The Economist

But some critics maintain that his proposed changes will not actually make things work better.

The New Yorker

Some critics maintain that what Africa needs most is more money for doctors, not fancy technology.

The Economist

Critics maintain that the foundation is opposed to most environmental regulations.

The New York Times

Critics maintain that some of his decisions have not played out well.

The New York Times

Critics maintain that monorails involve greater cost, unsightliness, passenger inconvenience, low speed, and inefficient switching of cars.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The BBC says this has cut box-office receipts, and critics maintain that the company has lost its identity.

The New York Times - Arts

Critics maintain that the law will effectively suspend a fundamental premise of the Indian judicial system: the presumption of innocence.

The New York Times

CRITICS maintain that the O.C.C.'s campaign against the states weakened crucial consumer protections and ultimately exacerbated the impact of the financial crisis.

The New York Times

And authors and publishers will be able to cash in on long-neglected works.But critics maintain that the risks outweigh the benefits.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "critics maintain that", ensure you accurately represent the critics' viewpoint and provide context for their claims. This strengthens your argument and avoids misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid attributing a single viewpoint to all critics. Qualify the statement by specifying which critics hold that view, especially when there are diverse opinions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "critics maintain that" functions as an attribution phrase, used to introduce a dissenting opinion or counter-argument. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase often precedes a statement that challenges a prevailing view or policy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "critics maintain that" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce dissenting opinions, primarily used in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase serves to present alternative perspectives or counter-arguments. To ensure accurate and effective writing, it is crucial to provide context for the critics' claims and avoid overgeneralizing their views.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critics assert that

Replaces "maintain" with "assert", indicating a more forceful declaration of the critics' viewpoint.

critics argue that

Substitutes "maintain" with "argue", suggesting a reasoned presentation of the critics' position.

critics contend that

Uses "contend" instead of "maintain", implying that critics are actively disputing a point.

opponents claim that

Replaces "critics" with "opponents", framing the viewpoint as coming from those who are directly against something.

some analysts suggest that

Uses "analysts" instead of "critics" and "suggest" instead of "maintain", presenting the viewpoint as a professional assessment.

detractors allege that

Replaces "critics" with "detractors" and "maintain" with "allege", indicating a potentially biased or accusatory viewpoint.

skeptics believe that

Uses "skeptics" instead of "critics", framing the viewpoint as one of doubt or disbelief.

the prevailing wisdom suggests otherwise

Offers a more general counter-argument, implying that widely accepted ideas contradict the main point.

the counter-argument is that

Introduces a contrasting argument directly, without explicitly naming the source.

it is argued by some that

Presents an alternative perspective in a passive voice, softening the directness of the criticism.

FAQs

How can I use "critics maintain that" in a sentence?

Use "critics maintain that" to introduce a counter-argument or a dissenting opinion from experts or those who disagree with a particular idea or action. For example: "Critics maintain that the new policy will harm small businesses."

What are some alternatives to saying "critics maintain that"?

You can use phrases like "critics argue that", "critics assert that", or "opponents claim that" to express similar ideas with slightly different connotations.

Is it better to say "critics maintain that" or "critics argue that"?

Both "critics maintain that" and "critics argue that" are correct. "Maintain" suggests that critics consistently hold a particular view, while "argue" implies that they are actively presenting a case. The choice depends on the context.

What is the difference between "critics maintain that" and "some analysts suggest that"?

"Critics maintain that" implies a generally negative viewpoint, while "some analysts suggest that" is more neutral and indicates a professional assessment. The former is more common when directly opposing a claim, while the latter is suitable for presenting an alternative perspective.