forced to maintain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "forced to maintain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone is compelled to keep or uphold something, often against their will or preference. Example: "Due to the new regulations, the company is forced to maintain its current staffing levels despite the budget cuts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Schools would also be forced to maintain audio recordings of every single performance of the anthem, in case anyone complained.

The Guardian - Music

The 40-year-old Republican does not buy the argument that representatives need pay hikes because they are forced to maintain households in both Washington and their districts.

The New York Times - Magazine

The tension between the two men was all the more cutting because they were forced to maintain at least a veneer of courtroom politeness.

The New York Times

As a result, Russia was forced to maintain great military strength, which naturally put a heavy burden on the fiscal, social, and economic development of the empire.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Handcuffed, hooded with sacks and deprived of sleep, they were forced to maintain a "stress position" - backs to the wall, knees bent and arms outstretched.

The Guardian

The film shows Corporal Donald Payne, formerly of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment, shouting and swearing at the Iraqis as they are forced to maintain painful "stress positions".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

In Haiti, when someone gets into power they use these forces to maintain power".

The New York Times

The United Nations special representative for Afghanistan, Lakhdar Brahimi, favors an all-Afghan force to maintain order.

The New York Times

Both men imposed their power through violence, and used security forces to maintain it.

The New Yorker

-How prepared are military forces to maintain safety surrounding the campaign and scheduled elections?

The New York Times

And 17 of NATO's 26 members are contributing forces to maintain security.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "forced to maintain", ensure the context clearly indicates the source of the compulsion. Providing this clarity enhances the reader's understanding of why maintenance is not a voluntary action.

Common error

Avoid using "forced to maintain" excessively in the passive voice without specifying who or what is doing the forcing. This can make your writing vague and less impactful. Instead, try to actively state the entity exerting the force.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "forced to maintain" functions as a verbal phrase indicating obligation or compulsion. Ludwig AI examples show it used to describe situations where individuals or entities are compelled to continue or uphold something, often against their will or preference.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

10%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "forced to maintain" is a commonly used verbal phrase denoting an obligation or compulsion to continue something, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically correct and most frequently found in news and media contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that the source of compulsion is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as ""compelled to uphold"" or "obliged to continue" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. Avoid overuse in the passive voice to keep your writing clear and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compelled to uphold

Focuses on the act of upholding a standard or principle under duress.

obliged to continue

Emphasizes the duty or obligation to proceed without choice.

required to preserve

Highlights the necessity of keeping something in its original condition.

constrained to sustain

Implies a limitation or restriction that necessitates the continuation of something.

bound to perpetuate

Suggests a commitment or duty to ensure something continues indefinitely.

under pressure to retain

Emphasizes external influences compelling the retention of something.

have no choice but to keep

Highlights the lack of alternatives in maintaining something.

left with no option but to continue

Expresses the absence of viable alternatives to stopping an activity.

involuntarily made to preserve

Focuses on the unwilling nature of preserving or maintaining something.

against one's will to uphold

Emphasizes the conflict between personal desire and the act of upholding something.

FAQs

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

You can use "forced to maintain" to describe a situation where someone is compelled to keep or uphold something, often against their will or preference. For instance, "The company was "compelled to uphold" its environmental standards due to public pressure".

What can I say instead of "forced to maintain"?

Alternatives to "forced to maintain" include phrases like "obliged to continue", "required to preserve", or "constrained to sustain", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "required to maintain" or "forced to maintain"?

Both "required to maintain" and "forced to maintain" are correct, but they carry slightly different connotations. "Required" implies a formal or legal obligation, while "forced" suggests a stronger, possibly unwilling compulsion. The better choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "forced to maintain" and "chose to maintain"?

"Forced to maintain" indicates a lack of voluntary action; there's an external pressure or obligation. "Chose to maintain", on the other hand, implies a deliberate decision to continue something, signifying agency and willingness.