i maintain that

USAGE SUMMARY

"I maintain that" is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize your opinion about a topic. For example, "I maintain that increasing taxes on the wealthy is the only way to help fund programs for the less fortunate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And I maintain that is where the joy of making music is as well.

Huffington Post

After reviewing more tape of Kirkpatrick, I maintain that ranking.

The New York Times

Yet, I maintain that this trend had its costs.

The New York Times

And I maintain that that is a healthy, honest laugh.

The New Yorker

I maintain that it is the incapacity to love".

The New York Times

But I maintain that the Tooth Fairy is real".

The New York Times

But I maintain that it belongs on the list.

The New York Times - Style

"As far as the newsletter goes, I maintain that they weren't my positions," he says.

The New Yorker

I maintain that it looks more like a rugby player's bruised and engorged ear.

The New York Times

I maintain that the experiment with projected color brought us closer to that of the originals.

The New Yorker

I maintain that there are some British words that Americans just can't say.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I maintain that" when you want to strongly assert your position, especially when you anticipate disagreement or wish to emphasize your conviction.

Common error

Avoid using "I maintain that" excessively, as it can make your writing sound overly assertive or argumentative. Use it judiciously to emphasize key points, and vary your language with alternatives like "I believe" or "in my opinion" for a more balanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I maintain that" is to serve as a declarative phrase introducing a statement of strong belief or opinion. It is used to assert a viewpoint with confidence and conviction, as demonstrated by Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I maintain that" is a versatile phrase used to express a strong conviction or belief. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a declarative statement and is commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly assertive. Consider alternatives like "I believe that" or "in my opinion" for a more balanced tone. The phrase is suitable for both formal and informal writing, maintaining a primarily neutral register across authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I assert that

Emphasizes a formal and confident declaration.

I contend that

Suggests an argument or debate, indicating a position that may be challenged.

I insist that

Conveys a firm and unwavering declaration, often used when facing opposition.

I argue that

Highlights the reasoning and evidence supporting the speaker's position.

I am convinced that

Expresses a deep-seated belief with a sense of certainty.

I believe that

Expresses a personal conviction or opinion, often less forceful than "maintain".

In my opinion

Indicates a subjective viewpoint, acknowledging that others may disagree.

It is my view that

Introduces a personal perspective, often used in more formal contexts.

I hold the view that

States a firm belief or perspective, often based on careful consideration.

I am of the opinion that

Introduces a considered judgement or perspective.

FAQs

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

"I maintain that" is used to express a strong belief or opinion, often in the face of potential disagreement. For example, "I maintain that the current policy is ineffective and needs revision."

What can I say instead of "I maintain that"?

You can use alternatives like "I assert that", "I contend that", or "I insist that" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "I maintain that" in formal or informal writing?

"I maintain that" can be used in both formal and informal writing, but it's often more suitable for situations where you want to express a firm opinion or defend a position. However it is more usual in formal contexts.

What's the difference between "I believe that" and "I maintain that"?

"I believe that" expresses a personal conviction or opinion, while "I maintain that" implies a stronger, more assertive stance, suggesting that you are prepared to defend your viewpoint.