effort to maintain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "effort to maintain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing attempts or actions taken to preserve or keep something in a certain state or condition. Example: "The organization is making a significant effort to maintain its commitment to sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's never an effort to maintain a great friendship.

The Guardian

It's a look she made an effort to maintain.

The New York Times

"Our effort to maintain the rule of law demands it".

The New York Times

"Authorities present the response as an effort to maintain calm.

Independent

"I just came out with an effort to maintain a high energy," Jeffries said.

The New York Times - Sports

"He went to a lot of effort to maintain that respect.

The New Yorker

Despite the squalor, there are signs of an effort to maintain a semblance of dignity.

The New York Times

That sure looks like an illegal effort to maintain the Windows monopoly.

The New York Times

Debate sponsors shall make every effort to maintain comfortable temperature onstage.

The New Yorker

It takes a lot of effort to maintain life in the bitter cold of the Arctic.

The New York Times

But Fannie and Freddie also reduced their standards in a foolish effort to maintain market share.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "effort to maintain", ensure that the subject requiring maintenance is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "effort to maintain quality standards" rather than just "effort to maintain".

Common error

Avoid using "effort to maintain" as a vague statement without concrete actions or targets. Instead, specify the object of maintenance and the methods employed to achieve it for greater clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "effort to maintain" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it describes the action of trying to keep something in a particular condition. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "effort to maintain" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe actions aimed at preserving or sustaining something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse audiences. Related phrases like "endeavor to preserve" and "attempt to uphold" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using this phrase, it's crucial to specify the subject of maintenance to avoid vagueness and enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

endeavor to preserve

Replaces "effort" with "endeavor" and "maintain" with "preserve", suggesting a more active attempt at keeping something unchanged.

attempt to uphold

Substitutes "effort" with "attempt" and "maintain" with "uphold", highlighting the action of supporting or defending something.

drive to sustain

Replaces "effort" with "drive", implying a strong impetus, and "maintain" with "sustain", focusing on long-term support.

initiative to conserve

Substitutes "effort" with "initiative", conveying a proactive approach, and "maintain" with "conserve", emphasizing preservation.

campaign to retain

Changes "effort" to "campaign", suggesting a coordinated set of activities, and "maintain" to "retain", focusing on keeping something.

commitment to preserve

Replaces "effort" with "commitment", highlighting dedication, and "maintain" with "preserve", focusing on preventing change.

measures to safeguard

Substitutes "effort" with "measures", referring to specific actions, and "maintain" with "safeguard", emphasizing protection.

actions to perpetuate

Changes "effort" to "actions", referring to a set of activities, and "maintain" to "perpetuate", focusing on ensuring continuation.

struggle to keep up

Replaces "effort" with "struggle", highlighting difficulty, and "maintain" with "keep up", focusing on keeping pace.

work to support

Changes "effort" to "work", referring to labor, and "maintain" to "support", focusing on providing assistance.

FAQs

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

You can use "effort to maintain" to describe actions taken to keep something in a particular state. For example: "The company made an "effort to maintain" its market share" or "The gardener put in the "effort to maintain" the lawn.

What are some alternatives to "effort to maintain"?

Some alternatives include "endeavor to preserve", "attempt to uphold", or "drive to sustain", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "effort to maintain" or "efforts to maintain"?

Both "effort to maintain" and "efforts to maintain" are grammatically correct. "Effort to maintain" implies a singular, focused action, while "efforts to maintain" suggests multiple actions or a broader approach. Choose the one that best fits the situation you are describing.

What's the difference between "effort to maintain" and "attempt to maintain"?

"Effort" typically implies a genuine and consistent application of energy, whereas "attempt" might suggest a single instance or a less certain outcome. While both are similar, "effort to maintain" often carries a stronger connotation of dedication than "attempt to maintain".