fails to maintain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fails to maintain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a lack of adherence to a standard, requirement, or expectation. Example: "The company fails to maintain its commitment to sustainability, which has raised concerns among stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Woe betide she who fails to maintain her crowning glory.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It tries (and fails) to maintain its district boundaries through sharp control of movement.

The Guardian

Cep290-R1747Q fails to maintain GCPs in the proliferative state during cerebellar development.

Nature

The kind of nostalgia that Bertelsmann Stiftung deplores fails to maintain this delicate tension.

The Guardian - Opinion

A student who fails to maintain satisfactory progress may have his or her degree candidacy terminated.

Columbia University

A student who fails to maintain satisfactory progress may have his/ her candidacy terminated.

Columbia University

In this genre, a throat-grabbing opening is obligatory, but what follows often fails to maintain the grip.

The Guardian - Books

If at any time the government fails to maintain the confidence of either house, it must resign.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Second, the majority fails to maintain a clear line between primary and secondary liability in fraudulent-misstatement cases.

Cornell University

Preliminary studies with a simple nonlinear aeroelastic computational model have shown that the standard non-intrusive Wiener–Hermite expansion fails to maintain time accuracy as the simulation evolves.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Advocates of privatisation will be content to watch as the now fragmented NHS struggles and fails to maintain coverage and quality.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fails to maintain", ensure that the subject performing the action and the object being maintained are clearly defined for clarity.

Common error

While acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing "fails to maintain" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for alternatives like "is unable to sustain" or "does not uphold" for a more refined tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fails to maintain" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating an inability or failure to continue upholding or preserving a particular condition, standard, or level. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely utilized across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fails to maintain" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase indicating an inability to uphold or preserve a specific condition or standard. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. Predominantly found in science, news, and academic contexts, its register is neutral, making it appropriate for various communication scenarios. For alternative expressions, consider "is unable to maintain" or "does not sustain". When writing, ensure clarity by clearly defining the subject and object being maintained, while avoiding overuse in excessively formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unable to maintain

Replaces "fails" with "is unable", offering a more formal tone.

does not sustain

Uses "sustain" instead of "maintain", emphasizing the lack of ability to continue something.

cannot keep up

Emphasizes an inability to match a required pace or standard.

is deficient in maintaining

Highlights a deficiency or lack of capacity in maintaining something.

lapses in maintaining

Focuses on intermittent failures rather than a complete inability.

neglects to preserve

Shifts the focus to a lack of effort in preserving something.

proves incapable of upholding

A formal alternative highlighting an inability to uphold a standard or requirement.

ceases to preserve

Indicates a stop in the action of preserving.

cannot guarantee

Focuses on the lack of assurance that something will be maintained.

falls short of sustaining

Highlights a lack of capacity to sustain something.

FAQs

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

You can use "fails to maintain" to describe a situation where something or someone is not able to continue or uphold a certain standard or condition. For instance, "The company "fails to maintain" its commitment to sustainability".

What are some alternatives to "fails to maintain"?

Alternatives to "fails to maintain" include phrases like "is unable to maintain", "does not sustain", or "cannot keep up", depending on the specific context.

Which is more appropriate, "fails to maintain" or "unable to maintain"?

"Fails to maintain" and "unable to maintain" are both appropriate, but "unable to maintain" may sound more formal and less accusatory. The choice depends on the desired tone and context.

What's the difference between "fails to maintain" and "ceases to maintain"?

"Fails to maintain" suggests an ongoing inability to uphold a standard, whereas "ceases to maintain" indicates that something previously maintained is no longer being maintained. The key difference lies in the implication of a prior state of maintenance.